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Kissimmee-Osceola - It’s almost time for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s!

October 12, 2016

banner_Walk_2015_v02A cure is only steps away!  Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Join us this Saturday - A map to Lake Eola Park (195 N. Rosalind Ave.) and details are provided below.  Please plan to arrive around 8:00 am so you can visit all the stations before the ceremony begins at 9:00 am.
Map  From I-4: OR15 - map.png
Parking: Metered Parking is available curbside, so please bring change or a debit/credit card if you plan to use them.  A better option is the City Garage across from the Orlando Public Library, at 112 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801. It is marked on the map above as P. They are offering a $5 Event Rate to all Walk to End Alzheimer’s attendees.  The garage accepts both cash and charge.  If you like, passengers can be dropped off curbside on Rosalind before parking your vehicle.
Check-In begins: 8:00 am Every walker must visit Check-in upon arrival. Please turn in any last-minute donations or make a personal donation if you haven’t had time to fundraise.  Everyone who raises $100 or more will receive a Walk T-shirt when they check in.  Those who raise $500 or more (as an individual) will receive a Champions Club Medallion.  Grand Cha Cheering crowd mpions (who raise $1,000 or more) will be given a Grand Champions Club T-shirt. Before leaving the tent, walkers will receive a paper wristband indicating that they’ve checked in, as well as a program for the day’s event.
Pre-Ceremony: After checking in, you can then pick up your free flower (see below) for the Promise Ceremony, assemble your group for a free souvenir photo, enjoy some refreshments and visit with our local sponsors.  Carl Graddy of The BigDawg and Paul Show will set the mood with great music, and Ybeth Bruzual of News 13 will serve as MC for the Ceremony, which begins at 9:00 am. Please head towards the stage around8:45 am to get a great seat for the ceremony.
Promise Ceremony: Each registered walker will receive a “Promise Flower.”  There are four colors, so please request the color that represents your reason for attending this event:  Purple if you have lost someone to Alzheimer’s; Yellow if you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s; Blue if you have Alzheimer’s disease; and Orange if you are attending to show your support for this cause.  You will then use a marker to write a personal message on the petals of the fabric flower (similar to a pinwheel) and carry it to participate in the Promise Ceremony before the Walk begins. You can carry it with you along the Walk and have an option to “plant” it in our Promise Garden by the Finish Line or take it home with you.
Caregiver Tent: Please be sure to visit the Caregiver Tent, sponsored by Gentry Park Orlando, Care America Home Health Care and Brightstar of Brevard & Osceola. This is a special area that will celebrate and pamper Caregivers before and after the Walk.
Walk Start: The Walk will begin at the Start banners. Please gather and pose for a group photo before setting off onto Rosalind Ave. Thank you to our Start Line Sponsor Bright House Networks! Remember to smile and hold up yo ur Promise Flower!
Walk Route: There are one and two mile routes available, according to your preference.  Water is available on the longer route and turns are marked with signage.
A Few Reminders: We’d love for your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers to come along and share Walk to End Alzheimer’s with you!  Please remember that all walkers must register and, if they haven’t had time to fundraise, they will be able to make a personal donation (of any amount, big or small) when they complete their registration form at Lake Eola Park. Dogs on leashes are welcome at Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
There will be a film crew taping the Orlando Walk to End Alzheimer’s for a National commercial for the Alzheimer’s Association. Let’s show them how The City Beautiful supports our mission and please wear as much PURPLE as possible! Be sure to “Check In” on Facebook when you arrive to let your friends know that you are here to #EndAlz! If you have additional questions, please call  800-272-3900.  It’s going to be a beautiful walk and we look forward to seeing you there!