Anything for Alzheimer’s spotlight: Honouring a legacy through the joy of music

“Georgina was very much a lady, dignified, kind and devoted to her family,” says Theresa Bodger, Georgina’s daughter. She worked hard throughout her life. Working in a variety of industries, including a riveter for Boeing and as the family tugboat dispatcher. She met her husband Albin at an old-time dance, and together they raised four children. They also welcomed four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  Their home in Cowichan Bay was often alive with music and parties, with Georgina’s favourites ranging from wartime songs to Don Ho, Engelbert Humperdinck and Elvis Presley. Even after her Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, music remained a source of comfort, soothing her and sparking cherished memories.

For many, dementia doesn’t just change the life of one person, it reshapes entire families, alters memories and redefines connection. Yet in the midst of it all, some find ways to turn love and loss into something enduring. For Theresa and her husband Don, music has always been more than background noise, it’s connection, memory and since 2013, a heartfelt tribute. When Georgina reached the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the Bodgers knew they wanted to create something to honour her legacy. “She was a very kind woman and she loved music,” Don recalls. “So, when we looked around and realized there weren’t many events raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s. We decided to change that.” 

So, the Georgina Falt Memorial (Mind Games) Music Trivia Tournament was born. A one-of-a-kind event that blends the joy of music with a deeply personal purpose. What began as an idea at the family kitchen table has grown into a community tradition that’s raised over $130,000 for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. For Don, the choice of fundraising through music was an easy choice to make. “Music was always a big part of growing up,” he says. “We’d take a transistor radio everywhere, to the beach or the river, into the tent in the backyard and it was always on in the house. My brothers and I even followed the music charts, keeping tabs on all the current songs.” That lifelong love, paired with Georgina’s love of music made it the obvious centrepiece for a fundraiser. 

Hosted initially in Duncan and now annually in Crofton, to accommodate more people. The tournament is a four-hour musical marathon featuring 10 rounds of 12 song clips, spanning from the 1950s to today. Teams of eight compete to name the artist and title, flexing their musical memory in a way that’s as fun as it is fitting. “It’s a workout for the brain, which felt right for an event that supports people affected by dementia,” says Don 

But it’s more than a trivia night, it’s community spirit. Local businesses contribute generously to the silent auction and raffle, while friends, family and newcomers return year after year to take part. Last year’s 50/50 draw brought in over $1,800, a testament to the generosity and energy in the room.  

Don, a long-time journalist and Theresa, who worked in heritage and marine industries, dedicate 10 months of the year to organizing the event. Even through the pandemic years, they kept going, adapting and staying connected with their supporters. At the end of each event, as the room fills with applause, the emotion is undeniable. “It’s humbling when you realize how many people are affected and how many are looking for ways to remember someone or support someone living with dementia right now.” says Don. “It’s also humbling when we’re picking up donations from a group or company and they thank us,” adds Theresa. “That’s when we realize how big an impact we’re making.” 

2025 is set to be their biggest year yet, with hopes of raising over $25,000 and crossing the $150,000 milestone. The impact of their work will leave a lasting legacy. “We’ve made lasting friendships. We’ve built something that people look forward to. And we’ve honoured Theresa’s mom in a way that brings people joy,” says Don. “That means everything.” 

Their advice for others considering hosting an Anything for Alzheimer’s fundraiser? “It’s a commitment, but one that connects to your community in a powerful way. Every cause needs people willing to step forward. This was ours.” If their tournament could speak, Don thinks it would say: We’re here for a good time, not a long time. A lyric, a laugh and a legacy that continues to make a difference, one note at a time. 

Get involved 

When it comes to supporting people affected by dementia, community makes all the difference. That’s what makes Anything for Alzheimer’s so powerful – it gives British Columbians the chance to take what they love and turn it into a lasting impact. Whether it’s trivia, baking, running, painting or playing music, your passion can become a force for change. There’s no one-size-fits-all event and each fundraiser reflects the person behind it and the people they’re honouring. While there may be zero percent cure, we do have one hundred percent community: show up, get creative and build a legacy of care and connection. Start your own Anything for Alzheimer’s event, because your talents have the power to make a difference. 

Funds raised through Anything for Alzheimer’s help provide vital support services, including the First Link® Dementia Helpline, which offers information, guidance and compassion to anyone facing the dementia journey. The helpline is toll-free and confidential and is available Monday to Friday: 

• English: 1-800-936-6033 (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
• Cantonese and Mandarin: 1-833-674-5007 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu: 1-833-674-5003 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Learn more about Anything for Alzheimer’s and how you can host your event at anythingforalzheimers.ca.