Supporters of the Alzheimer and Parkinson Association of Indian River County stepped up in a big way for the 15th annual Walk to Remember last Saturday morning.

Roughly 550 walkers gathered at Riverside Park to help the local organization support, educate and empower individuals impacted by memory and motion disorders and their caregivers.

This was the fifth year that Tiffany Tripson chaired the event, which was expected to meet an ambitious goal of raising $123,000, the largest in its 15-year history.

A quiet walk through Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary was included in the roughly 2-mile route. “We are the only ones who get to do this; we ask for permission every year,” said executive director Peggy Cunningham.

She explained that Alma Lee Loy was instrumental in getting them that privilege, recognizing that many of our local veterans rely on the programs and services provided by the nonprofit, which in turn relies solely on charitable donations.

For more information, visit alzpark.org.