Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – The 2025 Northeast Arkansas Walk to End Alzheimer’s is set for next weekend on the Arkansas State University campus.

Alzheimer’s Association Arkansas Chapter development manager Nikhol Press said this is one of five walks across the state taking place every fall as part of a year-round campaign to raise funds for the organization’s mission.

“It’s also a really great way to bring caregivers and patients in the community together. We like to call the Walk our biggest support group because everybody gets to come out to one place to share their stories and their experiences and see that they’re not alone,” Press said.

According to Press, the Arkansas chapter aims to raise $65,000 this year. She said they’ve hit almost 70% of their goal.

“This will be the most that we have raised in this community before,” Press said. “So, we’re really excited that the community has really showed up to support the Association and allows us to pour more dollars back into these communities. We’re just really, really grateful for the community and all the work they’ve been putting in on fundraising this year and we’re excited to see what the event turns out to be.”

The nearly 2-mile walk will be Oct. 18. Participants are asked to arrive at 9 a.m. The Promise Garden Ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the A-State Heritage Plaza Lawn, located at 101 N. Caraway Road.

The Promise Garden ceremony highlights everybody who’s been involved with the walk throughout the year, as well as new advancements the Association is making, made possible through fundraising.

“There are three big volunteer committees that make this walk happen and they’re all local community members from Northeast Arkansas. So, we like to recognize the volunteers,” Press said.

After volunteers are recognized, all participants will be called upon to hold up their flowers, which Press said the Walk is known for.

The four different flower colors represent a participant’s connection to the disease, she said, noting that everybody gets a flower when they come into the event. Colors are:

  • Blue – those living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia
  • Purple – those who have lost someone to the disease
  • Yellow – caregivers for a person living with Alzheimer’s
  • Orange – those who support the cause

“It gets a little emotional every year, we usually hear from a caregiver during the ceremony, so immediately following that, we try to bring the vibes back up and we put on fun music and then we kick off the walk,” Press.

While pre-registration is not required, Press said people are encouraged to do so.

She also noted that volunteer opportunities are also available, such as setup on Friday from 2-4 p.m. To volunteer, click here to sign up, or show up at the given times.

“The goal for the association is that walk day is 100% free for anybody who attends. So, bring the kids, bring grandma out with you, and then you’ll just be able to socialize,” she said. “It should be a really fun morning.”

For more about the Alzheimer’s Association, this event, or to make a donation, click here.