Longwood University’s chapter of Sigma Kappa has raised about $19,000 this year for the Alzheimer’s Association — a majority of which was raised in part through the sorority’s Walk for Alzheimer’s, held Oct. 5 in Farmville.

According to Katie O’Brien, the chapter’s vice president of philanthropic services, the sorority is fundraising for the cause until December.

“Alzheimer’s is one of our five philanthropies, so every year we host the Alzheimer’s Walk, and we get everyone from the Farmville community and Longwood community to come out and learn more about Alzheimer’s, and we just have the walk and the flowers,” O’Brien said.

“Each flower means a different thing, whether you have someone in your direct family who has Alzheimer’s or if you’ve been impacted by it or you just want to raise awareness. So it’s just a fun little way to use awareness from the community.”

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Southeastern Virginia Chapter Development Manager Jennifer Chavez said the walk in Farmville is one of six through the southeastern chapter’s territory of the association.

“The walk and events are designed to raise awareness and funds for the people affected by the Alzheimer’s Disease,” Chavez said.

She said the sorority is a national team, “and so on a national scale, they help to recruit and retain participants and raise money.”

Speaking on behalf of Edward Jones Investments during the event, Kerby Moore noted that Alzheimer’s damages relationships and families.

“In many cases it can destroy the finances not only of the individual facing the disease, but their family members as well,” Moore said. “…We’re not willing to stand idly by to watch our clients lose their loved ones and their savings to Alzheimer’s. That’s why we sponsor the walk to end Alzheimer’s. That’s why we’re bringing an army of volunteers to events in our communities throughout the entire country.”