David Hyde Pierce & Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids Generously Donate To Caringkind, The Heart Of Alzheimer's Caregiving

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) and Tony Award winning actor David Hyde Pierce deserve a standing ovation for their recent donations to CaringKind, NYC's leading expert in Alzheimer's and dementia care for more than three decades. The non-profit recently received a $25,000 contribution from BC/EFA, which was matched by Pierce for a total of $50,000 that will fund CaringKind's free programs and services for the thousands of individuals, families and caregivers affected by an Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis.

The original donation from BC/EFA was part of its fall fundraising campaign, in which the company of HELLO DOLLY was an enthusiastic participant. Pierce, actress Bette Midler and actor Gavin Creel, who were part of the company, led the charge that brought in $505,000. BC/EFA sent the donation in honor of Pierce and the company of HELLO DOLLY.

Pierce, a Tony Award winning actor and tireless advocate for the Alzheimer's community, has been a long-time CaringKind supporter. In 2012, CaringKind presented the actor with its Lifetime Leadership Award for his outstanding work as Alzheimer's most dedicated public voice. Pierce's father and grandfather died from Alzheimer's.

"We are so honored to receive this generous donation from such a well-respected organization that truly understands how critical every dollar is to serving those in need," said Lou-Ellen Barkan, President and CEO of CaringKind. "We are proud to receive these funds in the name of David Hyde Pierce and the superbly talented company of HELLO DOLLY. We'd also like to thank David - our dear friend and advocate for many years - for his amazing matching gift and continued compassion. These donations will have big impacts on our neighbors who struggle with the everyday realities of an Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis."

Among CaringKind's many programs and services are:

• The 24-hour Helpline (646-744-2900) - giving New Yorkers access to expert and caring advice 365 days a year;
• Hundreds of free support groups, workshops and educational seminars for caregivers and people with the disease;
• Social work services;
• Dementia care training programs for homecare workers and other healthcare professionals;
• MedicAlert NYC Wanderer's Safety Program - providing resources to protect New Yorkers with dementia who wander;
• Satellite programs in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx; and
• Outreach efforts to the African-American, Latino, Chinese, Orthodox Jewish, and LGBT communities.

CaringKind was formerly known as the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos