More than 300 walkers participated in last year’s event, which raised more than $115,000. Funds raised from the walk provided adult day care support scholarships to participants who received hours of care and programs for their caregivers.

The Caring Hearts Auxiliary of Florida Atlantic University’s Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center within the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing , is hosting the 17^th annual “Keep Memories Alive” Walk-in-the-Mall on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 9 a.m. at the Town Center (North entrance) at Boca Raton, 6000 Glades Road.

This year’s theme is “Planting Seeds for Memory and Wellness” in observance of past and present challenges individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their families have faced over the years.  Event co-chairs for the 2023 Keep Memories Alive Walk-in-the-Mall are Patricia Liehr, Ph.D., professor emeritus, FAU Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, and Jay Whelchel. Last year’s event was dedicated to the memory of former Boca Raton Mayor Susan Whelchel, who passed away in 2022 following a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

More than 300 walkers participated in last year’s event, which raised more than $115,000. Funds raised from the walk provided adult day care support scholarships to participants who received hours of care and programs for their caregivers. The mission of the Caring Hearts Auxiliary is to support, promote and raise funds for the programs of the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center.

“Our goal is to ensure that we eliminate any waiting lists for individuals and families in need as soon as possible,” said María de los Ángeles Ortega, DNP, APRN, professor, associate dean of clinical practice, and director of the FAU Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center. “Funds raised from Keeping Memories Alive will enable us to expand our programs and services, and continue support programs for unsung heroes, our caregivers.”

The Memory and Wellness Center averages about 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 dementias, and their families and caregivers.

The Caring Hearts Auxiliary is currently seeking walkers and sponsors for the event. Various sponsorship opportunities are available:

• Presenting Sponsor ($50,000) provides 4,375 hours of care
• Diamond Sponsors ($25,000) provide 2,188 hours of care
• Emerald Sponsors ($15,000) provide 1,313 hours of care
• Platinum Sponsors ($10,000) provide 875 hours of care
• Gold Sponsors ($5,000) provide 438 hours of care
• Silver Sponsors ($2,500) provide 219 hours of care
• Bronze Sponsors ($1,000) provide 88 hours of care
• Friends of the Caring Hearts Auxiliary ($500) provide 44 hours of care

Sponsors will receive recognition based on sponsorship level such as signage at the event, logo/name on marketing materials, ads, among others (ad, t-shirt, signage deadline is Sept. 29).

Walkers can sign up to participate either individually or as part of a team. To register as a walker or team captain or for more information about sponsorships opportunities, visit fauf.fau.edu/memories.

For more information about sponsorships or participating in the event, contact the Caring Hearts Auxiliary office at 561-297-4066 or nurchearts@fau.edu.

The Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center is a unique and integral component of the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and is grounded in the college's philosophy of caring. Their mission is to meet the complex needs of persons with memory disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, and their families through a comprehensive array of services, compassionate and innovative programs of care, research and education. The center’s intention is to treat each person as an individual, with dignity and respect, enabling each client to function at his or her personal best while maximizing their quality of life.

-FAU-