Musings from a rainy November

The 2011 Walk/Run to Remember is over and we raised $309,000 and we hosted approximately 7000 people on Saturday, October 15th. I got up that morning and met some dedicated volunteers and Alzheimer’s Services staff who showed up at the LSU “Old Front Nine” at 5:30 AM. By 8:00 we were set-up, organized and ready to greet our guests. By 1:00 PM, all the tables, chairs, tents, banners, stage, volunteers, walkers, Memory Market exhibitors and a large armadillo was packed up. How amazing to go from an empty field to thousands of people and back to an empty field in less than 6 hours.
Part of the amazing side of it is that our volunteers are so devoted and always willing to help make our walk our biggest awareness event of the year. I can’t thank you enough for all your help! Another special group is our Memory Market exhibitors. This year we had new tents for them and while I couldn’t wait to see all 32 exhibitors lined up and ready to greet our guests, I was awed by how much attention to detail went into each booth. Companies went the extra mile to bring giveaways, door prizes and set up eye-catching displays so that our caregivers and other interested individuals would have the chance to view their services and products.
Unfortunately this year we didn’t get to hear the band again, due to a problem with the generator, but these guys are also dedicated and have promised to play for the 2012 Walk which is tentatively scheduled for October 20, 2012. Club South again came out and coordinated the runners. This group is great. The food and drinks were awesome; thanks to Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Mockler, Capital City Produce, Mark Sanders and his group of friends, Home Instead for cooking the hotdogs and many other people who donated products and volunteered their time.
Our participants and donors all seemed to have a great day and we are so appreciative of your dedication to our mission. Simply saying thank you isn’t enough. We have recently revamped our Facebook and Twitter so “like” us on Facebook (Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area) and “follow” us on Twitter (AlzServices). I have been posting walk photos and this is a great way for everyone to stay connected with us. We want to hear your thoughts and questions. Thank you again, I am so happy to be part of this organization.
Teri BrantleyWalk Coordinator