In Oregon, Lithia & Driveway (LAD) teams from Bend, Eugene, Medford, and Portland proudly joined the nationwide Walk to End Alzheimer’s to help raise funds for patient care, family support, and disease research while reinforcing their commitment to the cause and their communities.
Together, they helped each of their city’s Alzheimer’s Association chapter raise thousands of dollars (and hope) to defeat the disease. Walkers carried colored flowers to represent the reason why they were walking.
For instance, yellow flowers symbolize caregivers; purple flowers are a tribute to those who have passed away; and blue flowers represent someone living with the disease.
Supporting Others
Before the opening ceremonies at each location, LAD teams set up activity tents to Have Fun and inspire smiles among participants. For example, the Portland DFC & LAD teams, who were newcomers to the annual walk, hosted a friendship bracelet table that encouraged connection and creativity.
Brandon Wilson, DFC Collection Manager, who worked the table with coworker, Maddy Pearson, said, “It was so great to have folks come up and share their stories and thank us for being there. In return, we let them know we didn’t need to be thanked—we thanked them for their support of the cause that has affected them somehow. We were simply happy to bring a sliver of enjoyment to their day.”
Honoring Loved Ones
LAD’s participation aimed not only to help fund the fight against Alzheimer’s but also to support team and community members personally affected by the disease. In Medford, Emma Garcia, a dealer services specialist, attended the event with her family to honor and remember her grandfather, Joseph Garcia, who passed away from the disease.
She noted how wonderful it was to see so many people come together to support those who suffer from Alzheimer’s. “The general sense of understanding and desire from the crowd to find a cure was palpable and incredibly moving. Being able to represent Lithia & Driveway at an event such as this was a point
of pride.”
Building Community
A BIG Thank You to our team captains who helped get everyone organized and outfitted, and to our hard-working support staff and volunteers who set up and hosted the LAD tents. Each team raised monies and helped raise awareness of Alzheimer’s within its community. Your kindness and generosity to Take Personal Ownership truly made a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
