Westchester Alzheimer's Walk an unprecedented success

The 2021 Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s was recently ranked the No. 23 Walk in the country after raising $611,130. This was the most the walk has ever made in its history and the sixth straight year it has ranked in the top 30 for fundraising, moving up four spots from No. 27 in 2020.

Money raised by the landmark event helps fund Alzheimer’s care, support, advocacy and research programs.

Walks resumed in person in 2021, with the health and safety of participants, staff and volunteers as top priorities. On Sunday, Oct. 3, more than 700 people took part at the event at Westchester Community College in Valhalla.

“I am so proud of what we have accomplished. I want to thank everyone who helped make the Westchester Walk such a phenomenal success,” said David Sobel, Executive Director for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter. “That includes our sponsors and donors, our chairs, Candy Light and Janette Licastrino, and our amazing volunteers and fundraisers. Thanks also to our incredible board — look at the top fundraisers for the Westchester Walk, and you will see board members everywhere, especially at the top. Last but not least, thanks to our fantastic staff who have worked tirelessly on this event.”

Team Walk to Victory was the top fundraising team in the Westchester Walk, raising more than $76,345, the most the team has ever raised for the organization, and a record-breaking amount for a family team. Much of the money was raised at the team’s sixth annual Alzheimer’s Luncheon and Card Party: “Take Me To Provence!” held at Brae Burn County Club on Thursday, Oct. 14.

“We are so grateful to be able to host this event each year and raise money for a very important cause that is close to our hearts,” said team captain Amy Shanus.

In 2021, more than 50,000 teams participated in more than 600 Walks across the country, raising over $85 million. Together, the top 30 Walks contributed nearly $25 million to the overall total raised.

To register and receive the latest updates on the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit WestchesterWalk.org.

About the Walk to End Alzheimer’s®

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association® mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.

About the Alzheimer's Association®

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

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