Memory Walk set for Saturday at city park
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on October 12, 2009 1:54 PM
The Wayne-Duplin County Memory Walk to raise awareness and research funds for Alzheimer's Dis-ease will be held Saturday at Herman Park.
This is the eighth year for the event, with registration at 8:30 a.m. followed by the one- and three-mile walks kicking off at 10.
Organizers say individuals and teams are still needed, and can sign up this week or on the day of the event. Online, there is more information on the site for Eastern N.C. Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, which sponsors the walk. Go to www.alznc.org and find "Memory Walk," then link to the Goldsboro event.
There is no fee to participate, and free T-shirts will be given to those who raise $50 for the cause.
Co-chairs for this year's event are Tina Brewer, marketing director for Mount Olive Rehab, and Gerrie Shaeffer, business office manager at Goldsboro Assisted Living and Alzheimer's Care.
"This is a very new committee," Ms. Brewer noted. "Even though it's the eighth annual event, it's a learning curve for us.
"Our facility, Mount Olive Rehab, is actually a national sponsor so as the marketing director, I made the phone call and found out they were in need (of a chairperson). I said, only if I have a co-chair, and called Gerrie."
The women are relying on help from volunteers, exhibitors and the community to make this year's event a success.
"Anyone interested can volunteer," Ms. Brewer said. "We've had Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts doing volunteering as part of their community service badges, or doing face-painting or entertainment. They would be welcome to help us with parking.
"There's also room for corporate sponsors. Anyone interested in volunteering can call us and find out what the need is or (tell us) what they're looking to do."
The event will also feature a vendor section, including a raffle for a handmade quilt. Other exhibitors interested in taking part can still contact Pat O'Connell at 778-3458.
One of the popular features this year will be Guardian Angel Thrift Store of Fuquay-Varina, launched in 1999 as a non-profit store whose sales benefit the Alzheimers's Association.
"They will be on hand accepting donations, such as clothing and costume jewelry," Mrs. Shaeffer said.
Walkers participating in the Memory Walk can register individually or as a team. Organizers suggest no more than 15 members per team.
Dogs are also allowed, Ms. Brewer said, although skating, skateboarding and bike riding are prohibited along the route.
Refreshments and goody bags will also be provided for participants, and awards will be handed out at the conclusion of the event.
"We will have awards for highest fundraiser for individuals and in the categories of health care, businesses, church and family," Ms. Brewer said. ""We'll also have awards to the oldest walker and youngest."
There is also an advance opportunity for donations to be brought in, she noted.
"Any walkers or teams that would like to turn in their money early, on Wednesday from 10-1 at Wachovia on Ash Street, they can make their deposit then," she said.
"We're trying to get in as much money as possible before the day of the walk," Mrs. Shaeffer said.
All proceeds raised by the Memory Walk, which promotes awareness and research, caregiver education, offers support groups and materials, remain in the area, the chairwoman said.
For more information on Saturday's event, contact Ms. Brewer at 658-4151 or Mrs. Shaeffer at 921-1070.