The Herald-Courier

Annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s raises funds for dementia resources


Despite the hurdles of organizing an event during the COVID-19 pandemic, Western New York’s famed generosity once again rose to meet the challenge. 

The Alzheimer’s Association® Western New York Chapter organized the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® in six local communities this fall to raise funds to provide free resources for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. While the walks were altered to reflect the need for social distancing and other safety precautions, individuals and small teams of families and friends hiked through parks, strolled their neighborhoods and wandered along trails of their choice, instead of gathering by the hundreds in one location.

“This year’s walk was peppered with challenges and barriers due to COVID-19, like most every aspect of everyone’s life worldwide,” said Kim Arnold, the Genesee-Wyoming Walk chair. “Our dedicated committee members and the community came together to create a unique event that raised funds for the support of the Alzheimer’s Association.” 

To date, the WNY Walks have raised more than $500,000 and efforts to ensure those living with dementia have ongoing access to programs and services continue. Participants can raise funds through the end of the year to qualify for incentive gifts and for a limited time, earn a match through a generous donation provided by The Hooper Family Foundation. 

Volunteers are also organizing an on-line basket raffle that is open to the public. Raffle tickets are available through Dec. 10 at wnyraffle.ourraffle.org/.

“We are so grateful to our fundraisers, sponsors, donors and volunteers who, despite facing unprecedented economic and personal upheaval this year, came through for the thousands of their neighbors who are living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia,” said Jill Horner, the chapter’s executive director. “These donations fund vital resources across the entire region, as well as research that we know will one day end this disease.” 

For more information about how to support the Western New York Walk, visit alz.org/WNYwalk or call 1 (800) 272-3900.

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