LAKE PLACID — Mark and Pam Sperling never thought they would host an Alzheimer’s fundraising effort, but when Mark’s wife Pam was recently diagnosed with the disease, it created an entirely different perspective to the cause.

As a result, the Moose Lodge Boathouse at the Whiteface Club and Resort in Lake Placid will host a benefit on Wednesday, Aug. 21 to support the Alzheimer’s Association, Northeastern New York Chapter’s The Longest Day.

The organization calls The Longest Day a unique do-it-yourself fundraising event held throughout the year.

“This was Pam’s idea to bring greater awareness to this disease and show that life doesn’t have to change because of a diagnosis,” said Mark Sperling, CEO of the Whiteface Companies. “There will be no financial benefit to Pam or the Whiteface Club which is sharing all proceeds to the regional Alzheimer’s Association chapter.”

One of Pam’s life dreams in her youth was to be a rock star.

She will get that chance to sing some of her favorite songs in front of an audience on Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. at Moose Lodge, accompanied by local guitarist and singer Steve Wyle.

“When Mark first approached us about this event and helping his wife cross an item off her bucket list, it brought tears to our eyes,” said Brooke Dubuque, North Country program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association, Northeastern New York Chapter. “This event will help raise awareness of the disease, and hopefully end some of the stigma that still surrounds a diagnosis. To see someone living with Alzheimer’s get up on a stage and fulfill a dream is so inspiring.”

Event organizers are searching for sponsors and auction prizes for the day. Among the commitments thus far is a deluxe two-night stay in a classic room at the Mirror Lake Inn. The prize includes daily breakfast and a full day of skiing at Whiteface Mountain with Olympic silver and bronze medalist Andrew Weibrecht. Located just three miles from the Whiteface Club, the Mirror Lake Inn and Whiteface Club are sister properties.

Other prizes include a week-long stay in a two-bedroom villa in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and a Lake Placid Lodge Wine Dinner for eight to 10 people with a HackerCraft Boat Tour.

Individuals can donate and businesses can contribute prizes by calling Michelle Hill at the Whiteface Club. Call 518-523-2551. The silent auction begins at 11 a.m. on the veranda adjacent to Cafe on the Green before moving to Moose Lodge Boathouse at 2 p.m. That’s when activities begin with the music of Scott Sileo until 6 p.m. and the continuation of the silent auction.

There will be a barbecue buffet and entertainment by Pam and Steve starting at 6 p.m. at the Boathouse along with giveaways. The silent auction will conclude at 7:45 p.m.

Supporters of the event may just partake in the buffet for $50.

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Tennis, golf events

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Several sporting events will be part of the fundraising lineup. A doubles’ competition will get underway at 8 a.m. on Aug. 21 at the Whiteface Club Tennis Center. Entry fee is $75 and includes a barbecue buffet at Moose Lodge in the evening. Register by calling the tennis center at 518-304-3910.

The Whiteface Club Golf Course will conduct a four-person scramble beginning at noon that day. Entry fee is $100 per player including golf, cart, skins, putting contest and barbecue buffet at Moose Lodge. Teams will be able to purchase mulligans. Enter by calling the pro shop at 518-523-PUTT.

These activities are designed to celebrate a life of enjoyment.

“While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, we know more than ever about brain health, risk reduction and ways to live well with the disease,” Dubuque said. “The funds raised by this event will enable our chapter to provide free care and support services for families facing the disease today, as well as invest in research to finally find a cure. And we are more hopeful than ever. There are now treatments to help slow the progression of the disease, something that was not available for families to even consider a few years ago.”

Today, nearly seven million Americans, including 426,500 New Yorkers, are living with Alzheimer’s disease — a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide unpaid care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Serving 17 counties, from the Capital Region to the North Country, the Alzheimer’s Association, Northeastern New York Chapter offers free programs and services to local families impacted by the disease, including much needed caregiver services. A list of programs can be found at www.alz.org/northeasternny.