IRVINE, CA, November 20, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Families, friends and supporters of Alzheimer's Association, Orange County (AAOC) are invited to attend the nonprofit's annual holiday open house on Thursday, Dec. 11, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The festive event, open at no-cost to the public, will be held at AAOC's new building in Irvine at 2515 McCabe Way. Guests will enjoy an inspiring art display - exhibitions from the nonprofit's Memories in the Making program - which provides individuals living with Alzheimer's disease with a platform to express him or herself through art. The event will serve to inspire community members to elevate awareness of AAOC's vital programs and services for Orange County families.

"For families affected by Alzheimer's disease, the holidays can be a difficult time of year," said Jim McAleer, president and CEO of AAOC. "We are pleased to bring the community together during a time when families need us the most - to remind them we're here to provide support for this tragic disease."

During the open house, guests will have the opportunity to learn about programs and services available to those affected by Alzheimer's and hear about the ways community members can advance the organization's mission to end the disease. Guests can enjoy seasonal snacks and beverages, while perusing a Memories in the Making collection of paintings, sketches and drawings for sale. Proceeds will benefit Alzheimer's care, support and research.

Introduced in 1988 by AAOC, Memories in the Making is a unique art program used internationally. Groups of five to 10 individuals meet weekly or bi-weekly in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult day programs to create art as a means of expression. The signature program has found that even those who were not artists earlier in their lives have discovered art as a therapeutic activity - and their paintings display compelling artistry.

Event sponsors include Susan's Healthy Gourmet and Villa Rosa. Community members are encouraged to RSVP by Dec. 8. For more information, visit alz.org/oc, call (949) 955-9000 or email EventsOC@alz.org.

About Alzheimer's Association, Orange CountyThe Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's 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. Since 1982, Alzheimer's Association, Orange County Chapter has been providing programs and services, free of charge, to Orange County residents with Alzheimer's and related disorders, their families, caregivers, and the community. Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative illness that weakens the memory and other cognitive and emotional functions. For more information, call the 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900, or visit http://www.alz.org/oc. Find AAOC on Facebook and Twitter.