Santa Barbara County is blessed with a diversity of vital nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the health, well-being, growth, civic leadership and compassion of our community.
Chartible giving and philanthropy are part of our identity, which is why Noozhawk is proud to support the nonprofit community through sponsoring local community organizations and events.
To showcase our support as a sponsor of Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Noozhawk spoke with Janelle Boesch, Communications Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association, California Central Coast Chapter to learn more about their upcoming event.
Question: What is the name & date of your event?
Answer: Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Santa Barbara. Saturday, November 5, 2022.
Q: What is the mission, goal, and/or theme of this occasion?
A: Currently, there are over 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, with more than 11 million Americans providing unpaid care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is full of flowers, each carried by someone committed to the disease. Because like flowers, our participants don’t stop when something’s in their way. They keep raising funds and awareness for a breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
Q: Have you held this event before?
A: Yes, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is an annual event, held every year in the fall. Last year, nearly 600 participants attended the Santa Barbara Walk, raising a total of $228,315 to fund the Alzheimer’s Association’s global research and local services throughout Santa Barbara County.
Q: Tell us some more details about your celebration?
A: The event will take place at Chase Palm Park, by the Shipwreck Playground. Event and registration opens at 9 a.m. On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony, beginning at 10 a.m. Participants receive a flower in one of four colors, representing their personal connections to the cause. Purple represents that you have lost a loved one to the disease, yellow represents that you are caring for someone with the disease, blue represents that you are living with the disease, and orange represents that you support the vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
After the Promise Garden ceremony, participants will walk the 5 kilometer route along East Cabrillo Boulevard. Shortened routes are available.
Q: How do people get involved with your event? (volunteer, attend, etc.) – If your event includes ticket sales, please note the price and include a link to purchase tickets.
A: People can register for the event online at act.alz.org/santabarbara http://act.alz.org/santabarbara or in-person at the event, starting at 9 a.m. Registration is completely free, but participants who fundraise $100 or more will be mailed our 2022 Walk T-shirt.
To get involved as a volunteer, Team Captain, or sponsor, please contact Lindsey Leonard at lmleonard@alz.org.
Q: Is this a fundraising affair? If so, how will the funds raised help your organization?
A: Funds raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s supports the Alzheimer’s Association’s global research and local services throughout Santa Barbara County.
Currently, the Alzheimer’s Association is investing over $310 million in more than 950 projects in 48 countries, bringing forward new discoveries and developments every day.
The California Central Coast Chapter offers support groups, education programs, care consultations and a 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) throughout the county in both English and Spanish, all provided at no cost.
Q: Who is sponsoring your event, and why is their support important?
A: The Santa Barbara Walk is proud to be supported locally by silver sponsors: Casa Dorinda, Mariposa at Ellwood Shores, and Vista del Monte; and bronze sponsors: BrightStar Care, Central Coast Home Health and Hospice, Cottage Health, Covenant Living at the Samarkand, Hennessy International, Inc.,The Oak Cottage of Santa Barbara, and Swell Santa Barbara Athletic Club. The champions club sponsor is Union Bank, and media sponsors include Noozhawk, Montecito Journal, 805 Living, La M 103.7 Radio, KRUZ 103.3, NewsChannel 3-12, and KSBY.
Not only do our sponsors help to drive financial support towards our fundraising efforts, but they also spread awareness for our mission and engage the community to get involved and seek out resources.
Q: Do you work with an Event Planner? If not, who are the key people who make it all happen?
A: In addition to the efforts of Alzheimer’s Association staff, the Walk is supported by the hard work of a volunteer committee, chaired by Gabriella Garcia. Committee members include Pam Bigelow, Heather Cass, Karen Dacome, Michelle Figueroa, Jill Fonte, Amie Parrish, Hal Price, Jodi Wilson-Price, David Steinberg and the Chapter’s board chair, Katina Zaninovich.
Q: Does your organization have any other upcoming events this year?
A: Alzheimer’s Association’s Sixth Annual Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The Luncheon is coordinated by the Alzheimer’s Women’s Initiative, chaired by Katina Zaninovich and co-founded by Gerd Jordano and Anne Towbes. Initiative members include Sue Adams, Linda Alderman, Leigh Cashman, Carole East, Carol Fell, Gabriella Garcia, Penny Jenkins, Rhonda Henderson, Lauren Katz, Rosanne Marquis, Betsy Turner, Robin Sonner, Charleen Strebel, and Lisa Thomas.
The event raises awareness and funds to accelerate research of Alzheimer’s and to maximize quality care and support for families experiencing the disease. With more than 500 guests in attendance, this Luncheon has become a go-to event for civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders. Many involved are dealing with Alzheimer’s in their families or have lost a loved one to this tragic disease. The event celebrates and honors researchers, caregivers, individuals, and corporations that strive to fulfill our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. It includes a lunch, auction, research presentation, and heartfelt testimonials from families.
To learn about sponsorships, to purchase a ticket, or for more information, contact Karen Ortiz, development director, at kdortiz@alz.org.
Q: What are you planning as a post-event follow up?
A: Registered participants will receive an electronic album of photos from the event. Participants who are interested in joining the Walk committee to help plan next year’s event will be invited.
To attend or learn more about the event, Walk to End Alzheimer’s click HERE.
If you would like to apply for Noozhawk’s 50/50 Match Sponsorship Program for your upcoming nonprofit event, click the link below to view our sponsorship application. The deadline for consideration is 60 days prior to the event.