Copyright Santa Rosa Press Democrat
More than 1,000 people gathered Oct. 4 at Sonoma State University for the 2025 Sonoma-Marin Walk to End Alzheimer’s, a community event that continues to grow in both scale and impact. To date, the walk has raised more than $545,000, edging closer to its $600,000 goal. Fundraising efforts will continue through the end of the year. (Donations can be made at alz.org/sonomamarinwalk.) The annual event drew participants from across Sonoma and Marin counties to raise awareness and funds for care, support services and research aimed at finding a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common form of dementia. Smaller satellite walks were also held in Marin County, expanding the reach of the effort. Many walkers carried brightly colored pinwheel flowers, symbolizing their connection to the cause: blue for those living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, yellow for caregivers, purple for those who have lost someone to the disease, and orange for supporters of the mission. The walk was supported by more than 100 volunteers and over 20 local businesses, which served as sponsors and hosted tables. Along the route, participants were cheered on by local high school bands, the Redwood Empire Chinese Association’s dragon dancers and the Petaluma High School cheerleaders. Shelley Dombroski, senior regional director of the Alzheimer’s Association for Northern California and Northern Nevada, emphasized the importance of both participation and fundraising. “Every dollar raised helps ensure that families in our community have access to critical resources – from education and support groups to our 24/7 Helpline – and brings us one step closer to a world without Alzheimer’s,” she said in a statement issued after the event. Special guests included KRON4 news anchor Grant Lodes, who emceed the stage ceremony; Assemblyman Damon Connolly, who officially kicked off the walk with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting; and Heather Harris, director of wellness and enrichment at The Tamalpais of Marin, who led participants in pre-walk warm-up exercises.
