Melbourne, Fla., March 03, 2010 - When you see Sandy Richards or Karen Riddle smile, you can't help but smile back. But if you knew how successful the two Viera women were in parting generous donors and their funds, you might consider checking your bank balance before stopping to chat.

Richards and Riddle are both lifestyle advisors at Watersong, a new, multi-use retirement community located just off I-95 on Wickham Road. In their respective roles, they help local seniors and their families evaluate the community's amenities - everything from fine dining to a comprehensive wellness program - to determine if the community is a good fit for that individual's lifestyle.

Riddle is in charge of marketing The Retreat, Watersong's health care building containing private memory-care and assisted living rooms, and she regularly meets people who have been affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Her passion for finding a cure and Richard's go-get 'em attitude helped the two women lead a team, aptly named "The Watersong Walkers," in raising $1,651 in funds for the North and Central Florida Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Their fundraising efforts included a kick-off party in January and culminated with their participation in the Space Coast Memory Walk, the Alzheimer's Association largest annual fundraising effort.

With the amount of money raised, the Walkers finished fourth out of 23 teams and celebrated their efforts on March 6, 2010 at the Memory Walk with matching t-shirts and a booth sponsored by The Retreat.

Built around a person-centered model of care, The Retreat features a home-like setting, decorative murals, a working kitchen where residents can bake cookies or make bread and caregivers who develop their care plans on individual preferences.

The Retreat also hosts a monthly Alzheimer's support group in the River Room, located in the main clubhouse. The meetings take place on the second Tuesday of every month. For additional information, please contact Karen Riddle at 321.253.7450.