Beverly's Angels Magnets for Sale!

I hand made these beautiful angel magnets in hopes to raise some extra money for my walk team "Remember My Photo". Reno is trying really hard to meet our walk goal for 2016, and we are about $19,000.00 short.  I made 30 magnets. I currently have 5 left! I am selling them for $10.00 a piece. Message me if you would like to buy one.  Email: Photographybmw@yahoo.com I will be making other angel items. I have named them Beverly's Angels in honor of my late Grandma Bev. Enjoy!
If you want to donate right to my walk team you can do so at: http://act.alz.org/goto/remembermyphoto
Hugs,
Brooke

Reno, Sparks Walk to End Alzheimer's Goal Update!

Grant hanging out with my buddy William at our ALZ meeting.

On Thursday October 20th,2016 our Reno/Sparks END Alzheimer's committee members and volunteers gathered to do a celebration for all of our hard work for our annual walk to End Alzheimer's that was held on Saturday September 24, 2016 at the Reno, Sparks Marina. We got to eat some yummy Olive Garden food and review the tasks at hand. Raising money to END Alzheimer's. 

Reno, Sparks Committee Members & Volunteers

2016 GOAL: $228,000.00

CURRENT Money Raised: $208,215.00. 

What is needed: $19,785.00 

Each walk team can still accept donations. So please consider donation to a walk team. Or..... 

Anyone looking for a great place to send some money for a 2016 tax deduction should consider helping the Reno, Sparks area hit the END Alzheimer's walk goal.

Here is the link to my team for donation.  I had a personal goal of $1,000.00. Right now I have raised $538.00. Clink on my link to donate.

http://act.alz.org/site/TR?px=12165563&fr_id=8858&pg=personal

Another way to help the Reno, Sparks Alzheimer's chapter hit our goal is to go to BJ's south Reno! See the details below.

DATE: Wednesday December 7, 2016

TIME: 5:30-8:30pm

20% of FOOD & Soft drink sales will go to our organization.

Introduction to the Dodsons

The Dodsons &  I. HFC-2015

I met the Dodsons by chance. My husband and I were attending our 2^nd Hilarity for Charity-James Franco’s Bar Mitzvah-2015.  http://bmwphotoproject.blogspot.com/2015/10/supporting-hilarity-for-charity-in.html  During part of the show Nikki, Ken’s wife came spoke on stage.  I remember sitting at my table crying. She was talking about her husband Ken who had been diagnosed at the age of 30 with early onset Alzheimer’s.  I couldn’t even fathom the idea of a diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease for a person that was around the same age as me. I had felt angry and sad about my grandma, but what if that was my husband? I am a mom, so I cry, a-lot.  And when I say cry a-lot, I mean I cry for things that break my heart.   I never had these cry spells before giving birth, so I am going to blame this on my son (in a good way- Love you Grant).  My husband looked over at me with the, “seriously, you have got to stop crying face....” And I gave him the eye contact back of the “yeah, I know, I am trying, this is hard.”  The rest of the show took my mind to another place so the crying stoped. Later on Scott and I attended the after party and Nikki and her husband happened to be there. I pointed out the couple and said to my husband “oh my gosh, that is the couple from on stage, I have to go give them a hug.”  I introduced myself and we chatted for a few brief minutes along with taking an adorable photo together. I then gave them both hugs.  My mind was just in shock at that point. So young, and they have kids and they are our age....  What the hell is happening? How the hell could this happen?  Sudden my struggle with my grandma seemed a bit less painful.  

ALZ Forum-2016

In the beginning of 2016 I decided to celebrate my 35th birthday by going to the annual Alzheimer’s forum in Washington D.C. I learned so much at forum. It was a week long life opportunity where I got to help educate political leaders that represent my State of Nevada. Our goal was to help get Senator Reid and Senator Heller to sponsor two bills geared towards Alzheimer's. http://act.alz.org/site/PageNavigator/Advocacy_PublicPolicy/HOPEforAlzheimersAct.html  

http://act.alz.org/site/DocServer/PCHETA_Background_and_Talking_Points_-_2016_Forum-revise.pdf?docID=50986

We had BIG success because Senator Reid sponsored HOPE after our team met with him. He listed to each of our own reasons for supporting Alzheimer's and then shared a person story with us about a dear friend of his who died from Alzheimer's.   http://bmwphotoproject.blogspot.com/2016/08/alzheimers-forum-2016.html 

ALZ Forum -2016

While I was at forum I ran into Nikki and Ken. It was brief and we all thought we would see each other on Capitol Hill as us “advocates” painted Washington D.C. purple.  We missed each other, but kept in contact via facebook. 
https://www.facebook.com/bmwestlake

As the upcoming 2016 tickets came on sale for Hilarity for Charity, Nikki reached out to me to see if I was going. (Heck yes! How could I miss a big ol fun party like that? Plus it raises money for a cause I am passionate about). 
One day on FB I saw a  post that Nikki had done regarding looking for photographers for her daughter Kennedy’s senior photos. I was bummed because we live many states apart from one another. www.photography-bmw.com I would love to photograph her daughter for senior photos, but how could that happen. Well, Nikki and I being the smart moms that we are got our thinking caps on and decided to book a photo session when we were all out in Los Angeles for Hilarity for Charity. 

Kennedy at the Santa Monica Pier. Photo By: BMW Photography

I had also asked if I could take some photos of her and Ken and photos of Ken, as that is one of the reasons for my blog. I offer free portraits of Alzheimer’s individuals and families. It's a chance to capture their story both in photography form and then in written form.

The Dodsons & I, Santa Monica Pier. Oct 2016

The opportunity here is to bring more exposure to this disease and showcase the beautiful person that fights for their life each day starting with their mind. The other goal of the project is to do photos over a period time, like a longitudinal study.  The disease does not just affect the mind, it starts there and then changes the person in physical form.  Ken and Nikki, thank you for gifting me the opportunity to do several blog pieces on your family! Also thank you for letting me photograph your baby girl! She is darling and has a very bright future ahead of her. So blessed I got to meet her an see you all in California. COME to Reno :) <-- the purple guest room awaits! 

I am working on the Dodsons piece now. I can’t say how many pieces I will do on the Dodsons, but it’s my hope that however many pieces we create together with photography and writing, that we are able to bring hope to someone, break the stigma for someone, or help someone who is struggling by sharing. I think the saying is “Sharing is Caring.”  

Barbie in a Box attends Halloween Themed Hilarity for Charity-2016

Barbie in a Box-HFC 2016

What did I dress up as for the amazing Hollywood party Hilarity for Charity that kicks ALZ in the ballz? Barbie in a box! I created Barbie in a box 2 years ago. It was a hit, so she came back to life for this amazing night hosted by Seth Rogen and his wife Lauren Miller-Rogen. This years event didn't disappoint, and it never does. Each year it seems to get better and better.

A1 Boarding Pass for Southwest! Boom!

 This year my journey to get to the event was a wee bit of a challenge.  I had a flight out of my home town of Reno, Nevada on Friday October the 14th, however my flight on Jet Blue was cancelled due to the giant storm we were having and (oh yeah our new house we bought in January of 2016 was on standby for evacuation for a giant fire. We are blessed, our home is okay. 23 homes were lost.)  Thankfully I was able to get a 6:50pm Southwest flight with a boarding pass of A1. (I thought that was a boarding pass myth.)  Arrived to Los Angeles and made it to bed at 3am to be up at 5:30am on Saturday morning because I booked a very special and very important photo session with the Dodson's family and their beautiful daughter Kennedy.  That blog piece will be coming soon. You won't want to miss it.

The Dodson's & I at the Santa Monica Pier

Steven and I. Barbie & The Doctor

Later on Saturday, I actually thought I might get a nap in before the fun filled night but that did not happen as their was too much excitement and prep time to get Barbie in a box to life for the night. 

The Dodson's & I in our Halloween bests!

Lauren Miller-Rogen & I.
"Barbie in a Box & Mario's Luigi."

My friend Steven came with me to this years HFC fundraiser. He went dressed in a "Doctors" T-shirt. The funny thing is he is actually a Doctor...  We showed up right on time at 6pm to enjoy the VIP treatment.  When I walked through the metal detector.   I set it off 4 times... lol Barbie doesn't come packing to a party but apparently my bling dress and my bling earring were making it go bonkers. Nikki and her family were just passed security area teasing me for setting the metal detector off. Yes, I know sometimes I cause trouble... lol

Halloween-Hilarity for Charity-2016

Finally once in, Steven and I got our VIP wrist bands and headed to the food trucks to get some yummy food, sip on some drinks.  My favorites were the chicken tacos, pulled pork and fried macaroni and cheese balls, complemented with a nice pinot. Then the most awesome thing happened, I got the unexpected pleasure of meeting the beautiful Lauren Miller-Rogen and....... she knew who I was!!! Chatting with her was a true highlight of my night because I have always wanted to meet her in person. The whole reason HFC was put together is because of her and her husband. Lauren has personal experience with this cruel disease.  I admire, respect and like the fact that instead of struggling quietly with her experience (as some do), Lauren and Seth took action. They took action by putting HFC together to raise

monies needed.  Where does the money go? It's going towards helping the research efforts to find a cure for Alzheimer's and its going towards families that are struggle to make ends meet while taking care of a loved one that are sick.  My heart truly breaks for her family because she has the personal experience of her mom whom is living with Alzheimer's. 

VIP Outside

Taking photos with some of the Seth Rogen props. 

VIP Outside

Lauren is just as beautiful in person as she is on camera, and you can tell right away that she has a really big heart.

Grandma Bev. I miss you!
Why I support HFC

Like Lauren and Seth I have my own personal experience with Alzheimer's, and that is why I support HFC.  Plus I get to meet some pretty awesome individuals while raising money.  And these awesome individuals are also helping raise money for the cause.  

When I was dealing with my grandma I was sad, embarrassed, and confused. I did not know anyone my age that was dealing with this disease.  I did not mention it to many friends and other family members because I thought they would say things like "your grandma is old" "old people get that disease".  

Photo Op with the Seth Rogen Prop.

Needless to say, when I mentioned it to friends and family they had compassion for me and Lauren was no different. I shared with  Lauren that I was my grandma's primary caretaker. She said to me "You are so young". (Lauren <3 Thank you for that... I am aging gracefully and my secret.... I use lots and lots of wrinkle cream, but yes I was somewhat young.  I was 29 when a giant part of my world came crashing down where I had too make very critical decisions for the care and wellbeing of my grandma Bev. Also at the same time I had just given birth to my son. It was the worst time of my life, emotionally and financially.  I was trying to cope with grief and postpartum depression.  The grandma that raised me could no longer talk.  She couldn't hold her great grandson. She couldn't come celebrate in the joy of me getting married or joining the motherhood club.  She could no longer tell me funny stories to make me laugh.  She was gone in her mind, but locked in her body.  My only saving grace to this day is that she only suffered for 10 years, the last 4 years were the worst. I say only suffered for 10 years because I have heard of other individuals suffering for a lot longer of a period with Alzheimer's before they die.  The first 6 years of her being sick were more of a challenge.  When she did pass away with me holding her, as painful as it was, I felt like their was finally a sense of relief. She was free.

My bidding number for the live auction.

Back to the fun filled night.  We enjoyed our seats at table 61.  Our community table featured red wine, white wine, and snacks, meat, cheeses, crackers, fruit, chip, etc. 

The show began with Seth Rogan and singer Nick Petricca busting out Michal Jackson’s “Thriller”. For two white boys I thought both Nick and Seth pulled it off quiet well. It simply wouldn’t be a Halloween party without the Thriller song, and it wouldn't be a big party with Seth Rogen if he wasn't dancing and making people laugh.

My Donation on Screen

Steven's Donation on the Screen

Later a surprise duet took place by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and his wife Tasha McCauley. Joseph Gorden-Levitt is the adorable actor who played on show 3^rd Rock from the sun. Most recently he was the main actor in true story on Edward Snowden. I have always enjoy his movies. In their bloody out fits, he and his wife sang  their version of “Time Warp”.  They nailed it.  Singing entertainment was also performed by Courtney Love and Nick Petricca.  Nick Petricca also took to the stage to share with the audience why he supports HFC. His father has Alzheimer's. 

My Friend, Steven and I getting having fun!

Than came my favorite part of the night. Comedy.  Our comedy relief was brought to us by Morgan Murphy, Jen Kirkman, Marc Maron

The biggest surprise for the night was Los Angeles Dodgers Infielder/Outfielder Howie Kendrick donating  $100,000.00 check for HFC. While Howie could not be there to present the check, he did make a video that was played for the audience. The live auction is always entertaining because the two auctioneers provide live commentary to engage the audience, pull in the bucks and provide more laughs.

Snoop Dogg! HFC 2016

Other entertainment included a Magician performance by Justin Willman. While he is a magician he is also funny.  He showed the audience a card trick with a balloon.  He than gave us the secret to the card trick because as he said “people can google it”.   Seth Rogen’s multiple costume changes through the night were comical. My favorite costume change was him and his wife dressed like each other.  Lauren tried to

Yes, I took a selfie with Snoop-a-loop

do an impersonation of Seth. It was pretty cute.  While on stage Seth and Lauren shared testimonials from members in the local community whom had received help through HFC.  They also played a phone message from a lady whom had received help from HFC. It made me tear up.  You could hear in this woman's voice how thankful she was for the support she had received from HFC.

Seth Rogen and Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg-Closing out the HFC show 2016

To close down the show came in true Hollywood style with Snoop Dogg rapping, The Next Episode, Gin & Juice, Drop it Like it’s Hot, and Young, Wild & Free. I was right in the front of the stage and Snoop even said “To the Beauty Queen”.  I have been listening to him since I was a teenager. My husband adores him and was telling me interesting facts about Snoop Dogg. For instance, did you know that Snoop Dogg makes more money these days doing speaking appearances? It’s because he is a savvy business man and rapper.  I have never been to any of his shows, but his performance and the smoking joints on stage were pretty priceless. Everyone in the audience was super chill and I think that topped off their night for the Halloween Hilarity for Charity 2016 event.

Snoop Dogg Performing

Honoree Hollywood guests that also attended the event this year were:

Talent Arriving Red Carpet
Johnny Galecki

Johnny Galecki-Actor. Notable role as the adorable Dr. Leonard Hofstadter on the Big Bang Theory. OMG! I would have loved to get a photo with him. My mom loves him. 

Talent Arriving Red Carpet-
Thomas Ian Nicholas

• Thomas Ian Nicholas-Actor, memorable role from American Pie.
• Maria Shriver- Talented American journalist, author and activist.  (So bummed I missed seeing her this year! I got a hug from her in 2014.)
• Scott Eastwood, Actor recently in Snowden, Suicide Squad and Live by Night.

Tony Hawk-The Birdman, AKA professional skateboarder/actor.
Katie Stevens-from America Idol season nine.
Elizabeth Olsen (actress, most recently in Captain American: Civil War, and Avengers: Age of Ultron)
Katie Lowes-actress most recently in ABC’s Scandal series.
Ben Feldman-Actor most known for AMC’s Mad Men.
Adam Shapiro-Actor
Frances Bean Cobain- Daughter of the late Kurt Kobain
Kunal Navyar-British Actor who also has a role on the Big Bang Theory as Raj Koothrappali.

Barbie and Barbie in a Box.

Barbie in a Box-HFC 2016

The show concluded with Steven and I hanging out at the after party. There I met a man dressed as Barbie! So we had to take a photo together. Although he tried to take my box. lol.

Selfie with Lauren Miller-Rogen
THANK YOU to you and SETH for HFC!

In the crowd rocking out to Snoop Dogg

2017 will be just as grand as this year, but honestly the highlight of my whole evening was meeting Lauren Miller-Rogen. Getting too personally thank her for her and her husband putting this event together and bringing light to Alzheimer’s for our generation is a big deal! Our generation will be the one to find a cure.  As the baby boomers retire in mass numbers and the numbers of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s spike, it will be up to us to help our family, and our friends get through the dark days when dealing with Alzheimer’s.  Part of that help comes from people like the Rogen's who have gone above and beyond for this cause by putting their heart and soul into it. Last I had heard the event had raised $1.7 million! Great job HFC!

#endalz #remembermyphoto #beverlyjean #barbieinabox #bmwphotography #photographybmw #alzheimers #HFC #HFCHalloween #forthecause #kickALZintheballz #alzheimersassociation #alzheimersawareness #hope #purpledignity #aworldwithoutalzheimers

#alzheimersfight #alzheimersdisease  #grandmabev  #alzheimerssucks #kickalzintheballz #hilarityforcharity #hilarityforcharity2016 #hilarityforcharityhalloween  #purpledignity #barbieinabox #beautyqueenbarbie

Grandma, this one is for you!

Hilarity for Charity Raises $1.6 Million At 5th Annual Los Angeles Variety Show: Seth Rogen's Halloween

My blog post piece of this past weekend's Hilarity for Charity-Halloween, will be up in the next couples; however here is a quick update on monies raised and some of the events that took place for the fantastic night.
Hugs-Brooke

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SOURCE Hilarity for Charity

Annual Event Headlined by Snoop Dogg Brought Out Hollywood's Finest to Raise Funds to Fight Alzheimer's Disease

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The 5th annual Los Angeles Hilarity for Charity® (HFC) Variety Show hosted by Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen raised over $1.6 million to help families struggling with Alzheimer's care, increase support groups nationwide, raise awareness of Alzheimer's among the millennial generation and fund cutting-edge research. Entertainment icon Snoop Dogg headlined the Halloween-themed variety show, which was held on Saturday, October 15th at the Hollywood Palladium and featured a jam-packed night of comedy and musical entertainment.

The night began with an outdoor VIP reception where guests gathered for cocktails and delectable bites including beverages from Crown Royal and LaCroix. Once attendees made their way to their seats, Seth and Nick Petricca(Walk the Moon) started the night off with a memorable rendition of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" for the variety's show opening act.

Following their performance, comedians Morgan Murphy and Jen Kirkman gave fast-paced, high-energy performances and magician Justin Willman left audience members entranced.

Lauren Miller Rogen then took the stage to remind guests of the mission of HFC, which was established in 2012 as part of the Alzheimer's Association®.  Lauren shared testimonials from HFC community members who have received free in-home care for loved ones through HFC's Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Relief Grant Program in partnership with Home Instead Senior Care.

Then, James Corden took the stage for a lively auction featuring prizes including buyouts of Son of a Gun and Animal restaurants, a glamping weekend, a Paris getaway and more.

One of the highlights of the night came in the form of a video message from Los Angeles Dodgers Infielder/OutfielderHowie Kendrick, who announced a generous $100,000 donation via the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation to help further HFC's mission and fund Alzheimer's research.

"Alzheimer's is a cause very close to our family, and we're proud to support the great work of Hilarity for Charity and the Alzheimer's Association to accelerate research, as well as engage a younger generation in the fight against this horrible disease," said Howie Kendrick. "We look forward to continuing to support this work and raise awareness," added his wife, Jody Kendrick.

Other evening highlights included a surprise performance of "Shut-up and Dance" by Nick Petricca, a duet fromJoseph Gordon Levitt and Tasha McCauley, a rendition of "Time Warp" by Courtney Love and the evening's final comedic set delivered by the hilarious Marc Maron.

The already epic night concluded with an unforgettable performance by Snoop Dogg who entertained with some of his iconic hits, including "The Next Episode," "Gin & Juice," "Drop it Like it's Hot," and "Young Wild & Free."

"Each year we set out to put on an entertaining show and take people's money so we can help those who need it," said Rogen. "This year, with the help of some very generous and talented friends, we've done just that!"

"I'm always amazed at how well the show comes together each year," said Miller Rogen. "We are so thankful for the many people that lend their time and effort to support those affected by Alzheimer's disease."

Notable guests who supported the cause for the evening included, Elizabeth Olsen, Scott Eastwood, Maria Shriver,Katie Stevens, Tony Hawk, Katie Lowes, Ben Feldman, Adam Shapiro, Frances Bean Cobain, Kunal Nayyar, andJohnny Galecki among others.

Rogen and Miller Rogen established the Hilarity for Charity Fund in 2012 as part of the Alzheimer's Association, through which monies raised are directed to help families affected by Alzheimer's care, increase support groups nationwide and fund cutting edge research. The flagship Los Angeles Variety Show continues to create the next generation of Alzheimer's advocates through an evening filled with music and comedy.

The evening was made possible by the generous support of several individual and corporate supporters including: Netflix, Fast Rabbit, Crown Royal, Home Instead Senior Care, Rivet Revolution, BMW Beverly Hills, Good Universe, LaCroix and United Talent Agency.

About Hilarity for CharityIn 2012, Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen (along with some amazing friends), created Hilarity for Charity (HFC), a movement to inspire change and raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease among the millennial generation. They later established the Hilarity for Charity Fund as part of the Alzheimer's Association, through which monies raised are directed to help families struggling with Alzheimer's care, increase support groups nationwide, and fund cutting edge research. Since its inception, Hilarity for Charity has raised over $6.5 million to support these efforts. Through evenings filled with music and comedy, the flagship Los Angeles Variety Show is creating the next generation of Alzheimer's advocates.  Join the online conversation by using the hashtag #HFC, and following Hilarity for Charity on Twitter (@Hilar4Charity), Instagram (@hilarityforcharity) and liking us on Facebook.com/hilarity4charity. For more information, hilarityforcharity.org.

About the Alzheimer's Association®The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our 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. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit alz.org®.

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Attending my 3rd upcoming Hilarity for Charity 2016!

I am currently days away from heading to Los Angeles where my husband and I have attend the annual Hilarity for Charity event raising money to help END Alzheimer's. "Charity Fund as part of the Alzheimer’s Association, through which monies raised are directed to help families struggling with Alzheimer’s care, increase support groups nationwide, and fund cutting edge research. Since its inception"    http://hilarityforcharity.org/

Hilarity For Charity 2014 "Prom-Theme"

This organization was put together by Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller-Rogen. The disease hits close to home for this couple. Lauren's mother was diagnosed with early-on-set Alzheimer's.  

The first year my husband and I attend Hilarity of Charity, not only did we have a great time raising money for a cause near and dear to my heart, we also got the pleasure of meeting Seth Rogen along with getting a photo with him.

Hilarity of Charity 2015 "James Franco's Bar Mitzvah"

Last year my husband and I attended the Hilarity for Charity event with party theme of "James Franco's Bar Mitzvah". We had another amazing time. We did not get a photo with Seth or his wife (so I thought) until I found this photo on the Hilarity of Charity website. (Look at the bottom left).  The surprise line up singer was none other than "Miley Cyrus". (I am loving her on The Voice right now.) I got a quick selfie as she sung on stage. She put on an amazing performance. Her voice on the radio does not do her justice. 

Miley Cyrus-singing at the 2015 Hilarity for Charity event.

I am sure this year will be just as awesome as the last two years. This years theme is "Halloween". I guarantee not to let me readers down. I promise to delivery a blog post of the party and I also promise to pull out all stops with my Halloween custom. It will be sure to impress all. Anyone who knows me, knows that my creativity is great as I am artistic at heart. Until then, this is me signing off saying "Trick or Treat. Hilarity for Charity 2016 here I come."