Community shares the care for Alzheimer’s Resource Center

The overall goal was not met. But that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the officials, sponsors and participants in the 17th Annual “A Walk to Remember,” sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Resource Center, who gathered at the Southeast Alabama Medical Center Tuesday for a celebratory luncheon.

The 2009 goal was $85,000. The actual total reached was $80,516.50. The ARC is still accepting donations, which will be applied toward the overall goal.

Angie Casey, who has served as the walk chair for two years, says the total raised was encouraging. She also cautioned that the need continues to grow.

“There are two significant numbers,” Ms. Casey said as she addressed those gathered for the awards and celebration luncheon. “The first number is the number you saw on the balloons at the walk - 8,536. This number represents the families that the Alzheimer’s Resource Center helped from July 2, 2008, through June 30, 2009, which was our last fiscal year. Last year, the figure was 4,552. I’m shocked we doubled the number of families we’ve helped in one year. That shows how fast the number is growing of families contacting the resource center for help.

“Those are significant numbers. We’ve almost doubled the number of families who called the resource center. That’s a good thing, but it’s a scary thing, too. The need is greater than most of us imagined.”

Ms. Casey commended the walk’s sponsors and participants for their effort in raising $80,516.50 in the face of difficult economic times.

“That is the number of dollars you helped raise at this year’s walk,” Ms. Casey said. “That will help the Alzheimer’s Resource Center serve 8,000 to 9,000 families. If we double again, like we did this past year, we could serve 16,000 to 18,000 families.

“We need the public’s help to help these families. We need the community to continue making contributions to the Alzheimer’s Resource Center.”

Part of the celebration included recognizing the sponsors, teams and individuals who helped make the 2009 walk a success. Leading the way in two important categories was the Henry County Health and Rehabilitation Facility in Abbeville.

The healthcare facility was the top sponsor, raising $7,640 to garner the Diamond Sponsorship honor.

The facility also had the most walkers participating with 74.

“That’s a tribute to our staff getting involved in a worthwhile effort,” said Lawton Ed Armstrong, CEO of the Henry County Health and Rehabilitation Facility. “We enjoyed participating this year.”

Henry County Health and Rehabilitation Facility was followed by Oak Grove United Methodist Church of Troy, Mabson United Methodist Church and The Terrace at Grove Park as top fundraisers.

Second in number of walkers participating was Dothan City Schools, followed by Westside Terrace and Wesley Manor.

In the Youth Division, the Northview High School Ambassadors took top honors in most walkers participating, followed by the Geneva High School Anchor Club, the Cottonwood High School Key Club and the Dale County High School Senior Beta Club. In dollars raised, Cottonwood High School Key Club took first place, followed by the Northview High School Ambassadors,  Dale County High School Senior Beta Club, the Geneva High School Anchor Club and the Rehobeth High School Junior Civitan Club.

In the Individual Adult Division, Ann Marie Hussey of Oak Grove United Methodist Church took first place in raising funds, followed by Madge Etheredge of Mabson United Methodist Church and Gerotha Heath of Mabson United Methodist Church.

In the Individual Youth Division, Jackson Cleveland of Oak Grove United Methodist Church took top honors in funds raised, followed by Keely McGriff of Highlands Elementary School (Dothan City Schools) and Matthew Irby of American Family Radio.

The walk also had five participants who were 80 years old or older. These individuals were recognized during the luncheon - Jim Becker, Mrs. Dot Brackin, John Cooper, Mrs. Mary Ingram and Mrs. Betty Naff.

Other top level sponsors included: Corporate Cornerstone Sponsors-American Family Radio 91.7, Wiregrass Foundation, WOOF Radio and WTVY-TV 4; Platinum Sponsor- HIS Radio 94.3; Gold Sponsor-WDHN-TV; Silver Sponsors-Patsy Bond, Comcast Cablevision, Extendicare Health and Rehabilitation Facility, JM Electric Supply Co. Inc., Merrill Lynch, State Farm Insurance Agencies and The Terrace at Grove Park; Bronze Sponsors-DSI Security Services, Kiwanis Club of Dothan, Shann Mann, McDaniel and Associates PC, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, Marty robbins Roofing Company, Southeast Alabama Medical Center, Southern Coaches, Wesley Manor, Westside Terrace and Wiregrass Construction Company.