12th annual fundraising event kicks off at lakefront
Hundreds of individuals, families and members of the corporate and small business community will join together on Saturday, Sept. 15 at Library Park in Lake Geneva for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
On-site registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the walk starting at 10 a.m. Kate Chappell, CBS 58 News anchor who hails from Walworth, is the honorary chairperson for the 12th annual walk in Walworth County. The walk is co-chaired by Josh Spiegelhoff, owner of Spiegelhoff Insurance, Chris Zegarra, from Spiegelhoff Insurance, and Emily Karls, East Troy Manor Nursing Home Administrator, East Troy Manor.
Walkers will enjoy a scenic walk around Lake Geneva, amidst historic homes, plus all the festivities at Library Park including a complimentary hot dog lunch grilled by the Lake Geneva Jaycees, and donated by Stinebrinks’ Piggly Wiggly, entertainment by Petty Thieves, team photos, a Caregiver Sanctuary tent with resources for caregivers, and the Purple Clubhouse activity area featuring family activities, temporary tattoos and a silly purple selfie station.
The opening ceremony will include a special promise garden tribute to all those whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s.
“My family has been personally affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia related diseases. When I first started researching the disease and the effect it would have on our family I realized it was kind of a dirty family secret. The more people I spoke with the more I realized the disease touches a lot of people, most families in some way,” Josh Spiegelhoff said.
“I wanted to be the chair of this year’s Walk to learn more about the disease and to promote our mission to find the first survivor. The more I speak with people about the disease the more stories I hear about how this terrible disease, this epidemic, is affecting so many people in some way. I joined to have a voice, to learn more and to help fundraise so we can finally put an end to Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases,” he added.
Over the last 11 years, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Walworth County has raised over $1.2 million. This has helped individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their families access support and services, including the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline, support groups, research, education and training.
Participants can register, support another walker and find additional information online at alz.org/walk or by calling 1-800-272-3900. Registration can also be done the day of the walk, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Edward Jones is the National Presenting Sponsor. Local major sponsors include My Two Elaines, Schreiber GR Group, Baird, and Zizzo Group. Local sponsors include Primex Family of Companies, Geneva Crossing Senior Community, Next Door Pub and Spiegelhoff Insurance.
For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and local services in Southeastern Wisconsin, visit alz.org/sewi or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.
