Carabella Hosts 'Haute' Event to Take a Bite Out of Alzheimer's

Carol Kinkela beams as she talks about the community's support in her effort to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer's Association.

The owner of in Oakmont, Kinkela has held events in the community to benefit the association for the past five years. She's continuing that trend this year with the "Some Like it Haute—Take a Bite Out of Alzheimer's" event on Aug. 19.

Those who attend can sample and vote for the best burger in the 'burgh. Participating restaurants are , , Joseph Tambellini Restaurant, Cioppino and BRGR.

Honorary chairs Jim Roddey and Sally Wiggin will host some of the evening's activities, Uptown Rhythm and Brass will play music and there will be a fall fashion show with styles from Carabella.

Attendees also will have a chance to buy a ticket to win a five-minute "all you can wear on your body" shopping spree at Carabella.

"Our events have always been so much fun," Kinkela said.

But even though it's fun, the event serves a much greater purpose. Kinkela said she got the inspiration to host an event to benefit Alzheimer's from one of her customers, who worked with people who had the disease at .

Shortly after, Kinkela received news that her mother had Alzheimer's. She died one month before the first Carabella benefit event.

"It was raining the first year, and at 6, it got sunny," Kinkela said. "My mom has been shining down on us every year. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't come across someone who has been affected by Alzheimer's."

The event raised $15,000 in its first year. Kinkela continued to host fashion shows and live events and raised more money every year—$30,000 in the second year, $50,000 in the third, $70,000 in the fourth and $93,000 last year.

This year, in her efforts to raise $100,000 for the the Alzheimer's Association, Kinkela kicked off the Alzheimer's Angel Project, where people could donate $1 to benefit the disease.

There will be a window display at the store beginning this week with forget-me-nots listing the names of everyone who donated.

"I am in awe of what we've been able to accomplish," Kinkela said. "My goal is just to say thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last six years, and to have people come so we can raise even more awareness for a disease that needs a cure."

To attend

The "Some Like it Haute—Take a Bite Out of Alzheimer's" event will be held Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. on Allegheny River Boulevard outside of Carabella. The cost is $75 per ticket.

For more information, call Angela Grimm at 412-261-5040, ext. 117. No one will be turned away the day of the event, but those wishing to attend are encouraged to RSVP by Friday, Aug. 12.