More than 600 Alzheimer’s Champions from throughout Northwest Indiana were on the MOVE to end Alzheimer’s disease on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at Hidden Lake Park in Merrillville at the annual Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Walk®. The Champions raised more than $78,000, and sponsors added another $30,000. All of the funds raised through the Memory will help fund Alzheimer's care, support and research.
“It is wonderful that so many people from throughout northwest Indiana have became Champions in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease at this year’s Memory Walk,” said Louise Thompson, an Alzheimer’s Association spokesperson. “With funds raised at this year’s Memory Walk, the Alzheimer’s Association will provide much-needed care and support to people touched by the disease as well as research to fight Alzheimer's disease.”
The Emcee of the Memory Walk was Chris Nolte with Lakeshore Public Radio. Music was provided by Keenan Baxter, and the sound system was provided by Seismic Sound. Refreshments were provided by Home Instead, Meijer and Spring Mill Health Campus.
The Local Presenting Sponsor was Meijer, who donated $10,000. Major Sponsors included The Times and Lakeshore Public Radio. Partner Sponsors included Rittenhouse Senior Living of Portage, Valparaiso & Michigan City, WIMS-1420 and Home Instead Senior Care. Friend Sponsors included Dr. Jose L. Agusti MD, Aseracare Hospice, Comfort Keepers, Community Healthcare System, the Fieldhouse of Merrillville, Hartman & Hartman, PC, Hartsfield Village Retirement Community, Regency Place of Dyer and Spring Mill Health Campus.
Congratulations to our fundraising teams and participants:
The Grand Champion Award went to Spring Mill Health Campus, Team Captain Amy Nikruto, for raising over $5,000.
The Top Individual Fundraiser award went to Ned Broadwater, Team Captain of Team Broadwater. As the Top Individual Fundraiser, Ned cut the ribbon to start the Memory Walk.
In the Healthcare Team Category, winners included
- 1st Place Team – Valparaiso Care & Rehabilitation, Team Captain Julie Inman
- 2nd Place Team – Back Home Again, Team Captain Andrea Harty
- 3rd Place Team – Towne Centre, Team Captain Tammy Gross
For the Family & Community Team Category, winners included
- 1st Place Team – Team Broadwater, Team Captain Ned Broadwater
- 2nd Place Team – Papa’s Crusaders, Team Captain Ashley Medley
- 3rd Place Team – Team Mize, Team Captain Melani Cruz
Other Awards
The Rookie Fundraising Team award went to Brightstar, Team Captain Dave Van Drunen.
The Team Spirit Award went to Back Home Again, Team Captain Andrea Harty, and the largest team was Team Finish Line Auto Sales of Hammond, Team Captain Daniel Ramirez, with over 50 team members.
About Alzheimer’s disease:
There are as many as 5.3 million people currently living with the disease in America, including 120,000 Hoosiers. It is estimated that someone in America develops Alzheimer's disease every 70 seconds. By mid-century, someone will develop Alzheimer’s disease every 33 seconds.
About the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk®:
Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk® is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research programs. Held annually in hundreds of communities across the country, this inspiring event calls volunteers of all ages to become Champions in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
About the Alzheimer's Association:
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information visit www.alz.org.