“Many people certainly give or volunteer their time for this walk-in honor or in memory of someone who has been affected by the disease,” John Papalia, one of the event’s co-chairs, said.

“We are fortunate to be part of a community in which businesses and individuals can come together to support an amazing cause such as this.”

Over 100 people participated in the walk which raised $21,600 to support care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Caregivers Support Group-Warren was the top fundraising team at this year’s Walk, raising $4,200, well in excess of its $3,000 goal. That team was founded by Linda Knapp to honor several family members.

Photos provided by the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter The Warren Walk to End Alzheimer’s held last weekend at Betts Park raised in excess of $21,000 for care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“The day was great, a little cool and foggy early on, but warmed up and turned out to be a beautiful day,” co-chair Greg Auston said. “The Walk committee, fundraising teams, sponsors, and volunteers were all there to participate in the worthy cause.

Austin said the fundraising goal was $25,000.

“We are almost there, currently at just over $21,000,” he said. “Fundraising does not end until Dec. 31, 2023.

Austin said most teams and individuals that participated either have the disease or gene, are caregivers, have lost a loved one or are supporting a loved one dealing with the disease.

“For me, the reason is personal. My father has Alzheimer’s and is being cared for by my brother, Darrell, in Charlotte, NC,” he said. “I cannot do much to help him from here in Warren, but I can support the local cause with my time, sponsorship and donation.”

“The Warren community came together in a big way on Saturday to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research,” Amy Ritzel, development manager, Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, said. \“We are so grateful for the community support, as well as our volunteers and sponsors, who helped make this year’s event a success. Together, we are making a difference and will continue to fight for a cure.”

Austin highlighted local companies — United Refining, Senior Helpers, Targeted Pet Treats, Warren General Hospital, Rouse and Ellwood Forge – for their sponsorship of the event which included a pet area, water table, selfie station and flower garden, among other things.

“Leading up to the event one of our main executive teams was focused around… working the corporate giving and sponsorship side,” Papalia said. “This event was fortunate to have many donors and many key volunteers on our committee, and then the other committee which was the community engagement team which focused on ream retention and recruitment for the event. That’s the side in which many of the walk pledge dollars came.”