Memory Walk 2006

On October 7, 2006 participants for the 2006 Memory Walk enjoyed plenty of sunshine and blue skies as they walked the 3-mile route around Treasure Island, San Francisco. The Gladstone Team comprised of Gladstonians, their families, friends, and pets joined the estimated 6,000 people that gathered on the Island for the largest Memory Walk in the country. Memory Walk is the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual fundraiser in support of the Association’s nationwide network of chapters that offer a broad range of programs and services for people with the disease and their families.

Throughout the day participants were able to visit event areas on the Island including the Remembrance Area that featured an exhibit of “Memories in the Making Art Work,” a Memory Book where you were able to leave a memento or photo of your loved one. In addition, a new Dia De Los Muertos cultural exhibit was on display, along with Tribute Flags that honored individuals who have battled Alzheimer’s disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s fundraising objective was to make a “Million Dollar Difference.” The Gladstone Team’s total contribution of $3500 to the Association’s goal was accumulated from individual team member fundraising efforts and with the generous support from the Gladstone staff at our first ever ice cream sale, which was great fun for a great cause! Funds collected for Memory Walk will be used to support local initiatives including: 24/7 Helpline, support groups (caregivers and early-stage individuals), education and training programs, multicultural outreach, advocacy and research.

Valerie Tucker, a first time walker shared her remarks about her experience: “Unlike other larger walks I’ve participated in--this attracts a wide variety of ages -- and entire families--it felt like a more personal event for so many of the walkers. If you don’t already, everyone will know someone affected by Alzheimer’s and I think that’s what motivates people to do this walk.”

Thank you to all the participants and contributors for your generosity, you helped make this year’s Memory Walk a great success. We hope that you will join us again next year!

--Leslie T. Manuntag