David K. Johnson Foundation Benefits Sanborn Place and More

Bruce and Gregg Johnson are brothers and lifelong Reading residents that started the DKJ foundation. In the last 12 years they have raised almost $200K for Sanborn Place and Home Care, Sanborn Adult Day Services, the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund and the David and Susan Johnson Memorial Scholarship.

Bruce and Gregg's father David Johnson had progressive dementia at 60. Their mother, Susan Johnson, passed away when she was 64. Bruce and Gregg started the DKJ foundation in memory of their parents.

"We want to promote and to keep alive the “life lessons” we have learned from our parents. As we share these values with our children, David and Susan’s grandchildren, we felt that there was a message that could be shared with others as well," Bruce and Gregg said on their website.

Their team consists of volunteers and they advocate for those in need, plan events and more. Their main goal is to promote awareness and provide support to those affected by Alzheimer's disease and forms of dementia. Because they donate to several different organizations and their own scholarship fund, the foundation's board of directors decides where the money raised each year is distributed. 

The David and Susan Johnson Memorial Scholarship is just one of the many places that sees the benefits of their fundraising efforts. The scholarship they created is a permanent fund through the Reading Scholarship Foundation.

"That means that this will be a legacy award and will continue permanently," Bruce said. "The annual award is currently $1,000 and is presented at the Reading Scholarship Foundation Awards Night in June at Reading Memorial High School."

Bruce and his brother Gregg recently held their first fundraising walk, A Stroll to Remember, along Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield. They had over 60 walkers participate and the event raised $3,500 and awareness for Sanborn Adult Day Services in Wakefield. 

"The participants and many others walking by were able to tour the facility at Sanborn Adult Day. We had raffle prizes, a memory banner, beautiful tee shirts and some great food -  hot dogs and fish chowder, cookies and treats and the Reading Fire Department donated their famous chili," Bruce said.

If you would like to support the foundation, become a sponsor or participate in any of their events, please visit their website for more information.