Riverhead Alzheimer's Walk Raises Over $30K

Riverhead residents who came together to fight Alzheimer's Disease raised over $30,000 recently.

On August 24, more than 220 people and 18 teams laced up for the 2nd Annual Riverhead Walk for Alzheimer’s and clambake in Riverhead.

The walk, organized by the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center, Inc., included activities for children, including a petting and pony rides.

An opening ceremony featured a presentation of the colors by the Riverhead chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, live entertainment by the USO Liberty Bells and a keynote speech by Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter.

Walter presented Mel Mullin, President, ADRC, with a proclamation commemorating the event and proclaiming August 24 as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Day.

Also onhand were members of the town board and “Kevin,” a penguin from Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center, who helped with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick off the walk.

Participants carried pinwheels as a way to remember loved ones who are suffering from, or how have lost their lives to, Alzheimer’s Disease; the pinwheels were planted them in the Hope Garden, located in the aquarium’s courtyard. 

Participants who raised $100 or more enjoyed a clambake and an aquarium visit, while kids took part in a scavenger hunt. 

It is estimated that 60,000 Long Island residents suffer from Alzheimer's Disease.