Attendees participate in the 23rd Annual Mahjong for Memory fundraiser on Wednesday at the Willow Brook Country Club. (Contributed photo)

This year the annual Mahjong for Memory fundraiser, which benefits the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County, will have an evening event as well as the usual daytime option.

Mahjong for Memory will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Willow Brook Country Club.

“Since Mahjong has been growing so much among younger women, we wanted an option for ladies who work full-time but still want to attend the event,” said Rebecca Smith, marketing and education coordinator at the Alzheimer’s Alliance. “We are so pleased to be able to offer these two options and raise more for our much-needed programs.”

For more than 20 years the event, which is run by the Alzheimer’s Support Auxiliary for People (ASAP), has raised thousands of dollars every year for the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County. Hundreds of women come to play the game together every year and support a good cause. Organizers said the event raised $40,000 alone last year, with more than $10,000 raised by selling Mahjong cards earlier in the year.

The daytime event includes lunch and a silent auction, while the evening event will include wine and hors d’oeuvres. Both events will feature a raffle for a Saint Laurent clutch. Tickets are $50 per person, while the raffle tickets for the clutch are $20 or 6 for $100.

Funds raised go toward the programs at the Alzheimer’s Alliance such as memory screenings, counseling, support groups, Day Club, education events, and locator bracelets for people with dementia who wander. Every dollar raised stays in Smith County.

“Who wouldn’t want to play a fun game with their friends while raising money for a great cause?” Smith said.

The Alzheimer’s Alliance is located at 3531 S Broadway Ave. For more information the Alzheimer’s Alliance, visit alzalliance.org/.