Great Bend’s annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s is still months away, but walk manager Missy Zimmer is already looking for committee members, volunteers and sponsors. She’s also looking for participants in the fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association.

The walk starts at 10 a.m. on Oct. 7 in Jack Kilby Square.

“Last year we raised over our goal,” Zimmer said Thursday at a kickoff event held at Great Bend Coffee.

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimers is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, along with a 24-hour helpline, 800-272-3900.

In Kansas, there are 55,000 people over the age of 65 living with Alzheimer’s and 85,000 caregivers. The Central & Western Kansas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association serves 69 counties. Last year, care consultations were provided to 147 families and more than 380 lives were helped through the chapter's partnerships with community organizations.

Register for this year’s walk online at act.alz.org/greatbend. For more information about sponsorship opportunities or other questions, contact Zimmer at mpzimmer@alz.org or call 316-267-7333, ext. 1188.