Organizers, teams prepping for Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2017

STATE COLLEGE — Although it’s still five months away, teams are already preparing for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 28, at Medlar Field.

Annually, this fundraiser is held in more than 600 communities nationwide and is designed to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

At last year’s event, the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter surpassed its goal and raised $101,520.74. A total of 57 teams, with 722 participants, were involved.

This year’s goal is set at $119,500. The group would also like to see 70 teams involved and 850 participants.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s website, to date, 17 teams are on board in 2017, and they have collectively raised $7,900.25 thus far.

Lissa Wise, constituent events manager for the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, said opportunities to register a team or to participate individually are available by visiting www.act.alz.org or the group’s Facebook page. Sponsorship opportunities also are available.

Wise said the Alzheimer’s Association provides free, easy-to-use tools and staff support to help participants reach fundraising goals. There is no fee to register.

The event will begin with registration at 9 a.m. The opening ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m., with the walk following at 10:30 a.m. The 2-mile walk takes participants from Medlar Field, around Beaver Stadium, and back. There also is a 1-mile option.