Santa Barbara Zoo Hosts Alzheimer’s Memory Walk
Fundraiser for Care and Cure is October 16
On Saturday, Oct. 16, more than 1,000 participants, including individuals and teams, will gather at 10 a.m. the Santa Barbara Zoo in support of the work of the Alzheimer’s Association. Registration for the 2010 Memory Walk is ongoing.
The family friendly event, which includes lunch, entertainment, prizes and fun activities for all ages, includes sponsor booths, awards, raffle prizes and the ever-popular “Ask the Doctor” booth, manned by Sansum Clinic. All participants are asked to raise a minimum $25 to cover the entrance fee to the Zoo and the cost of the luncheon and entertainment. To earn a Memory Walk T-shirt, participants must raise at least $100.
“As the Baby Boom generation begins to face Alzheimer’s, increased community participation is crucial,” said Rhonda Spiegel, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, California Central Coast Chapter. “More than half a million people are living with Alzheimer’s in California. That number is expected to grow dramatically as our population ages. There are many ways people can help, including advocacy, volunteerism and participation in fund-raising events such as Memory Walk.”
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic that is now the sixth leading cause of death in California. Experts estimate that someone in America develops Alzheimer’s disease every 70 seconds. By mid-century, someone will develop Alzheimer’s disease every 33 seconds.
Memory Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Since 1989, Memory Walk has raised more than $300 million for the cause.
Register online here, or to participate as a Sponsor, Exhibitor or Team Captain, contact Genny Bolton at (805) 892-4259.
Memory Walk proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association 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. To learn more about the work of the Alzheimer’s Association or to find local resources for your family.