Kensico 5K raises more than $35,000 to fight Alzheimer's

VALHALLA - Kensico Cemetery held its third Annual Kensico 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, Oct. 28, at the cemetery to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter.

Organized by Alzheimer’s Association volunteer Jocylen Roberts of Tarrytown, the 3.1-mile Run/Walk through the Kensico grounds around Mineola Lake passed trees still vibrant with autumn colors as well as historic architecture and design. The event featured a catered breakfast, medals for the top times and chances to win prizes.

Fundraising for this year’s event is expected to surpass $35,000, more than $8,000 over its goal of $27,000. Proceeds from the 5K Run/Walk will aid the Alzheimer’s Association’s goal of advancing research to end Alzheimer’s disease and dementia while enhancing care for those living with the disease.

Kensico Cemetery President Raymond M. Planell described the partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association as a natural one, “Our partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association is a natural one for us since we are both in the memory-keeping business,” he said. “In addition, the support and response of the community reminds us that Kensico Cemetery serves the living, not only as a place of remembrance of the deceased, but also as a place where the living can come together to support good works that are important to the community.”

Event Manager Lauren Voorhees praised the event’s ability to galvanize the community behind the cause.

“What makes this partnership so special is that the community came together to get some good exercise at the lovely landscape of Kensico Cemetery, to raise funds and awareness in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease,” said Lauren Voorhees, events manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter. “We are thrilled to see how much the event has grown in three years and that so much was raised to help advance our cause.”

About the Longest Day

For The Longest Day, participants choose an activity – biking, hiking, playing bridge, swimming, knitting and more – to shine a light on the 5.7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and the more than 16 million family members and friends providing care and support. On the actual longest day, the summer solstice on June 21, all their efforts are celebrated in honor of the long days spent by caregivers of those with dementia. Learn more at alz.org/tld

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York including Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. To learn more about programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.