By Morgan Bryce
Associate Editor
Raising awareness and money to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease is the goal of the fourth annual “East Alabama Walk to End Alzheimer’s” event Oct. 28 on Auburn University’s campus.
According to Kourtni Hooks, special events coordinator for the East Alabama branch of the Alzheimer’s Association of Alabama, the event has seen exponential growth and its biggest turnout last year of 391 walkers who helped raise more than $43,000 to benefit her organization’s mission.
“This event is for a great cause, and the community of East Alabama have been really great to us since (the event started). We are very grateful for them,” Hooks said.
The organization holds walks across Alabama, and serve as its largest fundraisers. Hooks said her goals for this year’s walk include topping more than 400 walkers and raising $50,000.
Registration is free, but walkers are encouraged to donate and launch fundraisers for the cause.
Following is a list of suggested donation/fundraiser contributions:
– $100 for event T-shirt
– $500 for “Champion Level” status
– $1,000 or more for “Grand Champion” status.
Other smaller donations will also be accepted. As of Friday, $6,620 had been raised.
Those interested can register in advance by visiting act.alz.org/eastalabama, but walkers can also register the day of the event at 1 p.m. at the campus green space by Jordan Hare Stadium. The two-mile walk will begin at 2 p.m., with a route running through the green space area, which weaves in around parts of the stadium and student center.
Event festivities will conclude at 5 p.m.
For more information or updates, visit act.alz.org/eastalabama or like and follow their Facebook page.