Wednesday, March 5, 2003

Memory Walk team already planning for fall of 2003

They've gone from zero to $338,000 in three years. Naturally, everyone wants to know how they did it.

The organizers of the Southern Crescent Memory Walk say that they have a simple recipe for success: dedicated volunteers and a strong vision.

Organizers Floy Farr, Fred Brown Jr., Iola Snow and Elaine Gaillard were the featured presenters at the Alzheimer's Association Georgia Chapter First Annua Memory Walk Conference Feb. 7-8 at Callaway Gardens. This conference was attended by office staff from the six cities in Georgia with Alzheimer's Association offices, as well as Memory Walk volunteers from those areas. In addition to presenting, the Southern Crescent contingency was named to several statewide committees which will shape details of future walks throughout Georgia.

"The Southern Crescent Memory Walk was created in 1999 in response to the vision of Floy Farr and carried forward by Fred Brown and Iola Snow," said Gaillard, marketing director of Ashley Glen Assisted Living. "Our first walk was in 2000. From the start, organizers encouraged all the Southern Crescent counties to become involved. The walk now has chairs in Fayette, Coweta, Clayton and Spalding counties and promises to remain a premier event on the Southside each fall."

In 2002, the walk raised more than $148,000. Organizers emphasize that its success is a direct result of all the dedicated volunteers and their efforts.

"From the earliest stages of the planning phase to the present, they have unhesitatinly and generously given of their time and means," said Gaillard.

Memory Walks are important because they afford the Alzheimer's Association the opportunity to provide and enhance quality of care given to individuals and families suffering from Alzheimer's diesase and to raise awareness as well as money. Seventy-eight percent of all money raised goes directly to the support of these programs.

Among services provided are local and toll-free 24-hour helplines; distribution of informational materials; individual counseling; respite and caregiver time-out; support groups; the Safe Return program (ID bracelets); health fairs; community presentations; and professional caregiver training and education. Nationally, 81 chapters raised more than $20.5 million in the 2002 Memory Walks.

"It is not too early to mark your calendar for the 2003 Southern Crescent Memory Walk," said Gaillard. "Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater is when and where to be. Come join over 1,000 runners, walkers and volunteers, enjoy the food, the band, the prizes and, most of all, offer hope and help to the families in our community who need our support."

Back to Prime Timers Home Page | Back to the top of the page