On Saturday October 17, 2015, at the WALK to END Alzheimer's, Ashby Village Volunteers were out in full force, dressed in regalia including purple feathered boas, purple pom poms and even a purple wig. Purple is the color theme for the Alzheimers Association, which raises funds for research to end Alzheimers disease. The purple created a great contrast with the bright yellow Ashby Village volunteer T-Shirts. Ashby Village joined with other East Bay Villages to enthusiastically be a sponsor of this well attended event. East Bay Villages includes Lamorinda Village (serving Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda), and Walnut Creek Village.
A total of 18 volunteers, two children, and three dogs showed up to walk the three mile course in Walnut Creek, carrying a huge six foot banner proudly showing the name of Ashby Village.
Among the Ashby Village volunteers walking was Laura Donohoe and her six relatives, who walked for her grandpa Leo, who suffered from debilitating Alzheimer's after a lifetime of using his natural gift for engineering and innovation, and owning a successful business in the film production industry for 50 years. "He was the guy who wiggled my loose teeth ('I'm just going to look' he would say) and before I could be too scared, he would present me with a tooth he just pulled from my mouth." (pic right) Read more about Grandpa Leo (click here).
Adding to the colorful event were the flowers that each walker wore: orange for those supporting this important cause, purple for those with a loved one with Alzheimers (alive or deceased), and finally a blue flower was worn by those who have themselves been diagnosed with Alzheimers.
Ashby Village volunteers laughed, joked, and got to know each other better. During the two hour walk the weather was overcast with occasional drizzles, which kept the walkers cool and relaxed. Walkers were especially uplifted upon hearing a group of young 11-12 year old girls robustly sing pop singer Katy Perry's “Hear me roar…” as a demonstration of the inter-generational support and determination to end Alzheimers.
During the time others were walking, sponsor tables were set up, and Ashby Village volunteer Veronica Martin staffed a table disseminating flyers and information about Ashby Village. While there Veronica gave away over 15 copies of The Memory Triggering Book by long time Ashby Village member Bob Wendlinger, who along with his surviving widow Joan Cole, were one of the original founding members of Ashby Village beginning in 2010.
Finally, as walkers reached the finish line, a rock band blared tunes from the 1980’s to celebrate, and the sun broke through!
Big THANKS to all of our walkers and to everyone
helped to raise over $1600 to help the Alzheimer's Association!
Setting up our banners
AV volunteer Betsy Chambers and Walnut Creek volunteer Debby Levy (Debby is also a AV volunteer!)
Member Volunteer Veronica Martin manning the table
(l-r) AV Volunteers Christina Deleon, Gil Stanfield, Michelle DeBord, Volunteer Manager Pat Carvalho
The Donohoe and Diner family walking for Grandpa Leo
Lola wearing her feather boa for the cause
AV Executive Director Andy Gaines and children Raina (on bike) and Jaren
END ALZ flower
Jaren and Raina Gaines...the small of the bunch
Ready to go!
The route around Heather Farm Park
Hurray!
Gorgeous
(l-r) Office volunteer Kate Brizell, Rachel Kahn-Hut and Betsy Chambers and lil' Lottie
The Twin Creeks Elementary singers...Hear me ROAR!!
Almost to the finish line
FINISH LINE...
Whoo hooo!
can I get another Whoo HOO!?
East Bay Villages Team
THANK YOU!!!