Walkers raised more than $515,000 for the Alzheimer's Association at Brickstone Square in Andover on Sunday, Oct. 18.
The Walk to End Alzheimer's – Northeastern Massachusetts drew participants from Andover and surrounding communities to the 200 Brickstone Square campus. The Andover Townsman reported more than 2,000 people took part.
The Alzheimer's Association's official event page listed 1,845 registered participants across 317 teams. The difference likely reflects walk-day attendees who did not register online. The $515,092 total put the event at 74% of its $694,000 fundraising goal, with donations still being accepted.
Maria Stephanou, director of the Northeastern Massachusetts Walk to End Alzheimer's, coordinated the event. Stephanou, who lost her mother to Alzheimer's in 2022, has worked on the walk for seven years, according to a profile posted by the Andover Rotary Club.
Grace Curley led all individual fundraisers with $8,054. Danielle Bass raised $6,646 and Frank Carey raised $5,775, rounding out the top three.
Among teams, The Villagers topped the leaderboard at $12,346. Edward Jones Tabbouleh Express followed at $11,632, and Mary Immaculate Marchers raised $11,566. LCB Senior Living led all companies with $18,580 across its teams.
The walk route was altered from previous years because of bridge construction on Burnham Road. The morning began with walkers welcomed at 8:30 a.m., an opening ceremony at 9:45 a.m. and the route opening at 10 a.m. The event also featured children's activities, a pet area, music and a sponsor tent.
Local sponsors included UKG, LCB Senior Living, Brooksby Village, Carleton-Willard, Northern Bank, Pentucket Bank and Andover Companies, among others. Edward Jones served as the national presenting sponsor.
Coming up in Andover and North Andover:
- Early voting in Andover and North Andover runs through Oct. 30.
- The Andover Housing Authority holds a capital plan hearing on Nov. 18.
