East End Walk to End Alzheimer's in Riverhead Raises Over $30,000

John Mitty Monday, August 27, 2012

East End Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Riverhead Raises Over $30,000

On August 25, more than 200 people took part in the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island’s East End Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Clambake in Riverhead. Through the efforts of these individuals and teams who took part in this event, more than $30,000 was raised, exceeding the fundraising goal of $25,000.

The Walk kicked off with an opening ceremony, featuring a presentation of the colors by the United States Marine Corps’ East End Detachment 642, live entertainment by the USO Liberty Belles and a keynote speech by Riverhead Town Councilman John Dunleavy, who presented Mel Mullin, President, AALI, with a proclamation commemorating the event. Mary Ann Malack-Ragona, Executive Director/CEO, Alzheimer’s Association Long Island, later joined Councilman Dunleavy and “Kevin” the penguin from Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center in a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially begin the Walk.

The Walk began at Grangebel Park and ended at the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center. Walkers carried “flowers” with the names of their loved ones who are suffering from or passed away as a result of Alzheimer’s disease and planted them in the Promise Garden, located in the aquarium’s courtyard. After the Walk, participants were treated to a clambake and buffet lunch and full access to the aquarium, while children took part in a scavenger hunt. In addition, there were vendors, raffles and music. Those in attendance also learned about Alzheimer’s disease and how to get involved with this critical cause, from advocacy opportunities, the latest in Alzheimer’s research and clinical trial enrollment to support programs and services.

This year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s also commemorated the one-year anniversary of the grand opening of AALI’s office in Southampton. This satellite office was designed to allow care consultants to schedule family meetings and provide information for families or individuals on the East End of Long Island who are coping with Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, 60,000 of whom live here on Long Island.

For more information, please contact Mary Ann Malack-Ragona, Executive Director/CEO, at (631) 820-8068 or visit www.alz.org/longisland.

jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com

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