On Tuesday August 10, 2010, the Alzheimer’s Association held a kickoff party for the annual Memory Walk coming September 19th at Hidden Lake Park in Merrillville. It was held at Horizon Bank on Lincolnway in Valparaiso. A variety of tables were set up with different activities and displays concerning the Alheimer’s Association. Food was also provided for those attending by Rittenhouse Senior Living, a sponsor. A slideshow of the 2009 Memory Walk was also playing during the event. The event was held to give ideas on how to raise support and to thank the sponsors.
The first table had information on how to sign up for the Memory Walk and get involved in fundraising. Home Instead Senior Care had a table with artwork on it from their art show they held to raise support for the Alzheimer’s Association. Amy Plumb, a community service representative for Home Instead, shared about their creative way of raising funds. They held an art show with art from patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. All the tools were provided and the art was then sold at the show to raise support. A table was set up with some of the artwork on it to show the talent of the artists. A wine tasting table was also set up for participants to take part in and try a variety of wines. The last table was set up with information about the Alzheimer’s Association and ideas on creative ways to get involved.
Louise Thompson, an advocate and employee for the Alzheimer’s Association, was in charge of the kickoff and held a presentation about the Memory Walk and thanked each sponsor for their generous support. She also talked about the disease and how it effects the body and the families of those affected. Alzheimer’s disease is estimated to be diagnosed every 70 seconds. Thompson also stressed how necessary volunteers are to the organization.
Sponsors include Horizon Bank, A.J. Specialties, Applebee’s, Base Federal Credit Union, Indiana Weslyan University, Kauffman Chiropractic, Comfort Keepers, the Ritten House, Lincolnshire Health and Rehabilitation, Spring Mill Health Campus, and Town Centre.
To learn how to sign up for the Memory Walk, visit www.alz.org/memorywalk. A 24 hour helpline is available as well. Call 800-272-3900 for more information.