Walk to battle disease set for October
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on September 13, 2010 1:46 PM
There will be a few changes at this year's Alzheimer's Walk, organizers say.
For the past eight years, the Memory Walk has taken place in early October at Herman Park.
This year, there is a new name, location change and a theme to spark things up a bit.
The Neuse Region Alzhei-mer's Walk will be Saturday, Oct. 16, at Wayne Com-munity College. Theme will be "Remember When -- the 1920s, '30s and '40s."
"The people that we are serving with Alzheimer's, they remember their past, so that's why we want to honor them in that respect," said Anne Paugh of Alzheimer's N.C. Inc.
"Alzheimer's North Carolina, Inc. was formerly the eastern N.C. Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and as of last November our board of directors chose to disaffiliate due to differences of mission," she said. "Our mission is education, services and programs for families, advocacy and research for a cause and cure."
One of the important outcomes of the realignment, she noted, is that 100 percent of the funds raised will remain in eastern N.C. unless a donor designates otherwise.
Chairperson of this year's walk will be Ann Day, owner and operator of Goldsboro Assisted Living and Alzheimer's Care. She had previously been on a team and helped raise money for the cause, so she is aware of the pressing need for services.
Mrs. Paugh said the walk has become more popular with each passing year.
"We have seen it progressively grow," she said. "One of the things we realize this year is that we need to change it to make it a little different and more interesting.
"We have done the same things for eight years so it's time for a change."
The event will feature a 2-mile walk. Golf carts will also be provided for those unable to complete the entire 2 miles, Mrs. Paugh said.
In keeping with the oldies theme, this year's walkers will be led by vintage cars. Vendors will also be on hand and entertainment will be provided by the Starlight Dance Band and Shag Daddy.
Registration starts at 9 a.m., followed by the walk at 10 a.m.
Winners Circle awards will be offered for top adult, child and team fundraisers, as well as prizes in the eight categories of entries -- assisted living, businesses, churches, families, medical organizations, nursing homes, senior organizations and students -- as well as the oldest walker, team with best costume and best theme exhibit table.
Volunteers are needed to help the day of the event.
Representatives from The Guardian Angel Thrift Store will also be there, collecting donations of clothes, furniture and decorative items. Proceeds from the sale will go toward Alzheimer's research in North Carolina.
For more information on the upcoming event, contact Ms. Day at 735-7684 or [email protected].