By Ben Rodgers
Staff Writer
HOWARD – This month people can get a tasty treat and help fight Alzheimer’s at Zesty’s.
For January every time a person buys a Blue Moon shake, a portion of the sales will go the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Wisconsin Chapter.
“Zesty’s is kicking off its 12 Months of Giving where every month they donate of portion of sales from various items to different charities and this month they are supporting us,” said Abbe Klein, the Association’s marketing manager. “The money raised goes to care and support services, advocacy efforts and research advancement.”
The Greater Wisconsin Chapter offers support groups for caregivers and different classes for families to gain education about the disease. Those classes include recognizing the signs, getting your loved one tested, how to communicate effectively, planning for future finances, legal matters, and long term living options.
The group also educates lawmakers about Alzheimer’s and its cost on the healthcare industry.
It’s goal is to help families dealing with the disease by providing education and support.
Janelle French, general manager and owner of Zesty’s has been affected by Alzheimer’s.
“I had some people that I know that are affected by it, some family friends,” French said.
She said the work the Greater Wisconsin Chapter has done previously was what led Zesty’s to help the group again this year.
“It’s given so much,” French said. “So many people are affected by it, so I thought it’s something that needed the support.”
The goal is to raise more than $2,000 this year for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Klein said the support is welcome.
“It makes us feel awesome. We love the support. We love to see businesses in the community rally behind our cause,” she said. “We like to see people are taking heart to this cause.”
As for the Blue Moon shakes in January, it just so happens it’s French’s favorite flavor, and also her birthday month. Which is why she picked it.
Zesty’s usually picks causes that are near and dear to them. The restaurant also supports charities for MS and cystic fibrosis, as two staff members have those diseases.
Zesty’s has locations at 2639 Lineville Road in Howard and 508 Greene Avenue in Allouez.
Portions of Blue Moon shake sales at both locations will go the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Wisconsin Chapter for the rest of the month.