Gretchen Mathis, director of marketing and development for the Alzheimer's Association, said she got involved with the association because the cause touched her heart. Mathis said the Memory Walk is the biggest event of the year, and has been a 10-month process to plan. Mathis and eight staff members are "always one hundred percent dedicated to the programs and services of the association," said Mathis. Even when not being paid, staff members are in the community advertising the walk.
Nick Zullo, program director for the Alzheimer's Association, said the Memory Walk has raised $200 million dollars for the disease. This sum is a greater contribution than any other organization's dedicated to research on Alzheimer's disease. Zullo hopes that this coming Memory Walk will have a "sea of purple shirts." Mathis added: "We're really branding this year. We want people to associate purple with Alzheimer's the same way pink represents breast cancer." Purple T-shirts that have "Move" printed on them are available with a minimum $100 donation to the association. Other merchandise is sold at the Utah Chapter office, 855 E. 4800 South, Suite 100.
"My favorite people are kids and seniors," said Connie Hopkins, financial manager for Danville Support Services. Hopkins, a team captain of 20 participants representing Danville, said she is looking forward to the walk. Danville is also sponsoring a Mexican luncheon to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association on August 29th from noon to 1:30 p.m. at their office, 6965 S. Union Park Center, Suite 330. A minimum donation of $8 is required. For more information about the luncheon and silent auction, call 801-363-1521.
This year's Memory Walk will be held on September 6 at 8:30 a.m. at Creekside Park, 1600 E. 4800 South, and will be approximately a quarter-mile long. Next year Mathis hopes to add a 5K race. The proceeds raised from the walk will fund research and education and help find a cure for the disease. According to the association, Alzheimer's disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. To join in the cause of finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease and participate in the Memory Walk, register online at www.slcmemorywalk08.kintera.org, or contact the office at 801-265-1944.
