Since SunPorch of Dodge City staff members see first-hand the effects of Alzheimer’s disease every day, they are participating in a nationwide event and hosting a local fundraiser this month.
The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 at Wright Park. The 22-member SunPorch team, Memory Walkers, has already registered.
So far, 14 local teams are expected to participate and pre-registration is still open at www.alz.org. Teams can also register from 9 to 10 a.m. the day of the Walk.
“We strongly encourage more teams and individuals to join us for this important annual event,” said Debbie Allen, SunPorch marketing and community liaison. “Many elders who live at SunPorch have varying degrees of Alzheimer’s. We know how devastating this can be for people with the disease, as well as for their families.
“Raising funds for education and research is crucial and finding a cure is important to all of us,” Allen added. “Our team’s goal is to raise $2,200.”
Allen noted that the annual Walk is also a good time for fellowship and to enjoy being outdoors. “Wright Park is a fun place to walk, especially because we can visit the zoo at the same time,” she said. “And the friendly competition between the teams adds to this fun, rewarding event.”
The SunPorch Memory Walkers are excited about their new team T-shirts and are “eager to have the community check them out the day of the Walk,” Allen commented.
Garage Sale
The community has a second chance to rally around the Alzheimer’s cause by attending a garage sale hosted by SunPorch. It is scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, in the back parking lot by the old church behind the long-term-care residence, 501 W. Beeson.
Participants are asked to enter from Long Branch Street and follow the signs to the parking lot.
The garage sale will feature “lots and lots” of clothing for all ages, Allen said, encouraging the public to attend. Other items include a large-screen television, lawnmower, picture frames, books, lap blankets, dishes, glassware, decorative items, full-length mirrors, inside and outside toys, and items for the handyman.
Allen suggested visiting SunPorch’s Facebook page for more information about garage-sale items. Organizers hope to have a little something for everyone.
“Most of the money we raise from the Walk and garage sale remains in our local communities; the remainder is used for Alzheimer’s research and other programs,” Allen commented. “All of us at SunPorch appreciate our collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association in this effort.”
“The Association takes the lead in organizing the Walk, here and around the country. More than 600 communities nationwide participate in the Walk and we are glad to be one of them.”
Allen mentioned a few Alzheimer’s statistics: One in 10 people age 65 and older has the disease; about one-third of people age 85 and older have it; and of the 5.8 million people who suffer from Alzheimer’s, 81 percent are age 75 or older.
Fundraising for Alzheimer’s continues until the end of the year.
