Anonymous
Source: Alzheimer’s Association
Hundreds of residents participated in this year’s Santa Barbara Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Chase Palm Park on Saturday, November 6, 2021.
The event raised more than $200,000 to fund research and local services throughout the Central Coast, including support groups, education programs, care consultations, respite grants and a 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).
On Walk day, families and teams came together to experience the poignant Promise Flower ceremony, emceed by Honorary Chair Gerd Jordano, where they held colorful flowers representing their personal connections to the fight to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Walkers then completed their 3-mile route along East Cabrillo Blvd.
“It was so heartwarming to see the vast crowd with flowers held high to commemorate those who care for someone with the disease, those who have lost a loved one, those currently living with the disease, and those who are in support of the cause,” said Katina Zaninovich, event co-chair and Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter board chair. “The tears and hugs gave us a sense of community.”
Many of the event sponsors also get involved by having their own Walk teams participate, including silver sponsor Union Bank, whose team generously donated an additional $10,000 during the Promise Flower ceremony to bring the Walk’s fundraising total beyond its $190,000 goal.
Bronze sponsor Casa Dorinda had the largest team of ninety-nine participants, including many of its retirement home residents and staff, raising over $5,500.
“I was so overwhelmed at the positive, energizing support from our community,” said Leigh Cashman, event co-chair and board member of the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter. “Everyone was so excited to be in person again and to be able to share their stories and have camaraderie with each other.”
The top fundraising team at this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s was Alzheimer’s Women’s Initiative, raising more than $30,000 in support of the cause. Other top teams included, Cambridge Drivers, Team Carpinteria, Cathies Friendship House and Oak Cottage.
“I am beyond inspired, grateful and thankful for our amazing community that came out to raise significant funds and increased awareness for the fight for a World without Alzheimer’s,” said Rhonda Henderson, event co-chair.
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
In California alone, there are more than 690,000 people living with the disease and 1.12 million family caregivers.
National Presenting Sponsors of the Walk include Edward Jones and CVS Health.
Locally, the Santa Barbara Walk is proud to be sponsored by Gold Sponsor: BMW Santa Barbara; Silver Sponsors: Cottage Health, The Oak Cottage of Santa Barbara, Union Bank, VNA Health, Westmont Mariposa at Ellwood Shores; and Bronze Sponsors: BrightStar Care, Casa Dorinda, Central Coast Home Health and Hospice, Covenant Living, First American Title, Hennessy International, SIMA, State Farm Paul Cashman, Swell Santa Barbara Athletic Club, Valle Verde, Vista del Monte.
Media sponsors include 805 Living, NewsChannel 3-12, La M 107.3, and KHAY 103.3.
Donations can still be made to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s through December. 31, 2021 at act.alz.org/santabarbara. To join as a volunteer, committee member, or sponsor for next year’s Walk To End Alzheimer’s, please contact (805) 892-4259 or email executive director, Lindsey Leonard, at lmleonard@alz.org.
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
