Walk to Benefit FAU’s Memory and Wellness Center

FAU’s Caring Hearts Auxiliary of the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center will host “Keep Memories Alive — Walking with the Stars Affair” on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 9 a.m. at the Town Center at Boca Raton.


By lisa metcalf | 9/12/2016

Florida Atlantic University’s Caring Hearts Auxiliary of the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center within the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing will host the 11th annual “Keep Memories Alive — Walking with the Stars Affair” on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 9 a.m. at the Town Center at Boca Raton, 6000 Glades Road, Boca Raton. The event will begin at the north entrance of the mall.

Funds raised from the walk support the Center’s state-of-the art, evidence-based programs and services vital to patients and families living with memory disorders.

“We are deeply appreciative of the Caring Hearts Auxiliary and know that every dollar raised is directly making an impact,” said María Ordóñez, DNP, director of the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center.

Last year, 80 percent of the caregiver programs were funded by the walk proceeds.

“Over the past 10 years, we have raised more than $1.75 million for our walk generated by our unbelievable sponsors and walkers, and 225 families have benefited from the scholarship program supported by the walk,” said Terry Fedele, president of Caring Hearts and co-chair of the walk with Renea Austin, board member. “In our 11th year, we are incorporating the faces of those affected by memory related disorders. Participants can honor their loved ones on walker signs and our memory wall which will proudly be displayed during the event.”

Last year, 43 day care scholarships were funded from last year’s Walk, and the walk raised $302,311. This year’s theme will be “Walking with the Stars” where attendees can interact with their favorite celebrity impersonators such as Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball and Elvis.

The Keep Memories Alive Walk Committee is proud to announce Bobby Campbell and Christine E. Lynn as its honorary ambassadors. The Honorary Family will be Margaret “Peggy” Sinnott and the Lefton family. Boca Raton magazine is the official media sponsor of the walk, and Betty and Bill Scaggs will serve as the honorary chairs of the walk. The Scaggs’ family has been impacted directly by the Center and they will share their story at the event. Morgan Green will serve as co-chair.

 “Nothing prepares you for being a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. It can be heartbreaking and isolating,” said Bill Scaggs. “With the Center’s Caregiver Support Program, I was able to gain the valuable support that I needed. They gave me tools to help my beloved wife and to take care of myself.”

The Memory and Wellness Center is on FAU’s Boca Raton campus and is part of FAU’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. The Center averages 10,000 visits per year and offers a wide range of services and programs to individuals with mild to moderate memory disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.

Event participants are encouraged to walk in teams or as individuals. Walkers who raise and submit a minimum of $40 before the event or $50 on the day of the event will receive the Keep Memories Alive Walk tote bag while supplies last.  For more information on how to register, call 561-297-4066 or e-mail nurchearts@fau.edu. To register online, visit fauf.fau.edu/memories. If walking in honor of a loved one, submit a photo via email for them to be honored at the event. The Center may be found on Facebook by searching for “Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center at FAU.” 

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