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Group Smile! Dresses Raffled For Charity

Max I. Walker raises $17,730 for Alzheimer’s Association at Ultra Chic dress sale

OMAHA, Neb. — Max I. Walker raised $17,730 at the 12th annual Ultra Chic Boutique and the proceeds were donated to the Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter, the cleaners reports.

After accepting dress donations and cleaning them throughout the year at all 22 Max I. Walker locations, Max I. Walker sold over 575 dresses for $30 each on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at the Ultra Chic Boutique, donating $17,730 in proceeds to the Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter, it notes.

Women from all over the state of Nebraska and western Iowa poured into the event venue to find the perfect dress for their next event. Meanwhile, the event supported an important cause – ending Alzheimer’s disease.

“The entire Max I. Walker team is thrilled with the turnout and success of this year’s event. It’s a pleasure to witness so many girls and women finding affordable dresses, and an honor to partner with such a deserving organization,” says Steph Dorland, marketing director for Max I. Walker.

“The Walker family knows firsthand the struggles of navigating a dementia diagnosis, so it’s important to them to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission,” says Dorland. “The Ultra Chic Boutique is the perfect vehicle for that, and a lot of fun for everyone involved.”

Outside of dress shopping, the cleaners relates, attendees watched the Dress Raffle Fashion Show, hosted by Cheryl Kaye of STAR 104.5 and featuring models with a personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease. Runway dresses were raffled off to those in attendance.

In addition, The Dress FlipTM design competition featured prominent area fashion designers who had created their own masterpieces from donated dresses, with the winning design awarded to Agustin M. Delgado J.

The Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter was honored to be the event beneficiary, and applauded the Walker family and Max I. Walker store employees for sharing their passion to end Alzheimer’s disease.

“The Walker family and Max I. Walker employees have courageously stepped into the light to share how Alzheimer’s disease has affected their lives, and for that we are very grateful,” says Sharon Stephens, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter.

“In Nebraska, we know that 34,000 individuals are currently living with Alzheimer’s and they are supported by 82,000 family caregivers,” says Stephens.

“When area businesses raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association, they help our Nebraska families receive the critical care and support they need, and they also help accelerate research advancements to help us eventually end this disease,” says Stephens.

Max I. Walker Dry Cleaners & Launderers was founded by Max I. Walker on March 17, 1917. Over the past 102 years, it has grown from a small route business to a company with hundreds of employees serving 22 locations in Omaha, Elkhorn, Papillion and Bellevue, Neb. and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Today, five generations later, Max I. Walker remains family-owned and operated.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. It’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

The 2020 date for the Max I. Walker Ultra Chic Boutique will be set and announced soon. Area residents can donate used dresses to any Max I. Walker store year round for next year’s event.

max i walkers 12th ultra chic boutique dress raffle fashion show models

Max I Walker's 12th Ultra Chic Boutique fashion show models pose for this photo. (Photos by Max I. Walker Dry Cleaners & Launderers)

max i walkers 12th ultra chic boutique dress flip winning designer agustin m delgado j

Ultra Chic Boutique’s Dress Flip winning designer for 2019, Agustin M. Delgado J.

max i walkers 12th ultra chic boutique alzheimers assoc volunteers

Volunteers pose for a group photo at 2019’s Ultra Chic Boutique which raised more than $17,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter.

Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].