Team Jerry’s Kids raises nearly $13,000
November 12, 2019 – More than 1,780 residents from Boca Raton joined the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease at Mizner Park Amphitheater in Boca Raton. Participants raised more than $309,106 to support the care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association, leaving them just 23% shy of their goal of $400,000. Fundraising will continue through December 20, 2019.
“Alzheimer’s is destroying our families, our finances and our future,” says Stefanie Mardar, Alzheimer’s Association Director of Walk. “It’s time to end it. Sunday was a beautiful day filled with support, strength and passion to end this disease. We thank the Boca Raton community for participating in this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Boca Raton and we hope to see everyone, and more, next year!”
Ashleigh Walters, WPTV Morning News Anchor, welcomed Walk participants and served as emcee for the morning’s festivities. Congressman Ted Deutch, State Representatives Mike Caruso, Tina Polsky, Palm Beach County Commissioner Robert Weinroth, Boca Raton City Council member Monica Mayotte and Edward Jones Financial Advisor Tommy Frankel were also in attendance and a part of the opening ceremony. The moving ceremony also featured several local families affected by Alzheimer’s disease
Karen Schloss, member of Team Jerry’s Kids shared her experience from this year’s Walk. “I am extremely passionate about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s so we as a community can raise awareness and funds for research, support and care. We were really pleased with the outpouring of generosity from so many of our friends, family and colleagues this year. As of now, we have raised over $12,600 and we are still waiting on a few more donations. We are hoping to raise $14,000! This year, the Walk had a great turnout! Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s affects so many families in our community. It is our goal as a team to continue to raise more money each year. Next year, we encourage other teams to raise the fundraising bar even further! If Team Jerry’s Kids can do it then so can so many others,” said Karen. “My brother and I formed Team Jerry’s Kids in memory of our father who passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2012. We watched as he lost his ability to remember where he left his glasses, to eventually losing his ability to communicate and care for himself. To watch what became of the active, loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed 18 holes of golf, socializing with friends and spending his weekends cheering his grandchildren on the sidelines of their given sports was devastating for our family.”
Karen explained how they have been very fortunate to have been one of the leading fundraising teams for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for the past three years. They kick off their fundraising efforts with an annual fundraiser at a local craft brewery. This year, with over 75 people in attendance, live music and a 50/50 raffle, they raised $2,000 for Team Jerry’s Kids. In addition to that event, Karen said her team does a lot of fundraising on social media and receives support from their friends, relatives from near and far, and many of their dad’s old friends, neighbors, employers, and clients. “We need to continue the fight to find a cure! Hopefully, one day someone will be holding a white flower,” said Karen. Currently, Team Jerry’s Kids have raised nearly $12,750.
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 16 million family members and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Florida alone, there are more than 560,000 people living with the disease and 1.1 million caregivers.
Alzheimer’s Association 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.
Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. Our 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. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s®. Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
