It’s that time of year again! The annual Broadway Alzheimer’s iPod Drive is in full swing and will run until August 19th.
Inspired by Music & Memory, Dave Roth, Broadway musician and Alzheimer’s advocate, has teamed up with CaringKind NYC to collect new and used iPods. Now in its sixth year, the iPod drive has collected hundreds of iPods and increased Alzheimer’s awareness throughout the Broadway community.
“Our identity is much stronger now,” Dave says. “So many in the entertainment community know about this now and some reach out to me even before the drive has begun.”
Broadway performers have shown their support, too; Kristin Chenoweth, Jonathan Groff and the cast of Aladdin and Cats call for donations in the video above.
Dave knows firsthand how access to personalized music can change lives. After his mother lost her ability to communicate due to Alzheimer’s disease, favorite music provided an opportunity for the two to bond together.
How You Can Help
This year, in addition to collecting iPods, Dave is welcoming monetary donations. You may mention “Broadway Alzheimer’s iPod Drive” in the “In Memory Of” Section of the online donation form.
And don’t forget to spread the word! “The success of the Broadway Alzheimer’s iPod Drive relies primarily on word of mouth. That is the beauty of the age of social media,” Dave says. “It has given us a voice to spread the word about Music & Memory while using the attraction of Broadway. It’s a marriage made in heaven!”
For more information on the Broadway Alzheimer’s iPod Drive, as well as a list of drop-off locations, check out the official Facebook page.
Founded in 2010, MUSIC & MEMORY® is a non-profit organization that brings personalized music into the lives of people with cognitive or physical conditions through digital music technology, vastly improving quality of life.
