David Hyde Pierce and More Slated for CaringKind Alzheimer's Walk in Riverside Park

Some of Broadway's most talented performers will swap their scripts and scores for orange shoelaces on Sunday, October 16, 2016 as they walk to support CaringKind, formerly known as the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter. They'll join thousands of orange-clad New Yorkers for CaringKind's Alzheimer's Walk as the paths of Riverside Park become ribbons of orange.

Now in its 27th year, the Walk will raise $1.5 million that will fund CaringKind's free programs and services for the thousands of New York individuals, families and caregivers affected by a dementia diagnosis. Every dollar raised stays right here in New York to help New York's Alzheimer's community. CaringKind has been NYC's leading experts in Alzheimer's and dementia care for more than three decades. The CaringKind Alzheimer's Walk will raise funds to support all New Yorkers affected by an Alzheimer's diagnosis. One hundred percent of the revenue raised will support services in New York City delivered by New Yorkers.

In attendance will be Tony Award winning actor and tireless advocate for the Alzheimer's community, David Hyde Pierce. In 2012, CaringKind presented the actor with its Lifetime Leadership Award for his outstanding work as Alzheimer's most dedicated public voice. Pierce's father and grandfather died from Alzheimer's.

Also in attendance will be veteran Broadway musician Dave Roth, a percussionist in the current revival of Cats on Broadway, who has performed in more than 30 Broadway productions. An Alzheimer's advocate and long-time supporter of CaringKind, Roth is the founder of the Broadway Alzheimer's iPod Drive assisting Music & Memory to provide resources for personalized music to those suffering from the disease. Roth lost his grandmother and mother to Alzheimer's and his father also suffers from the disease. Also on Roth's Walk team is actor Francesca Granell, currently performing in Cats and most recently in Finding Neverland.

"We are so grateful that our friends from the Great White Way will join us in Riverside Park for the day," said Lou-Ellen Barkan, President and CEO of CaringKind. "New York City's Broadway and performing arts communities have been so generous and supportive to CaringKind over the years. I'd like to thank David, Dave and Francesca for supporting CaringKind and, in turn, supporting the hundreds of thousands of Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers in our City. In absence of a cure, care is what we need today. I encourage New Yorkers to come walk with us and then visit our offices to see your money at work! I look forward to thanking you at the Walk and throughout the year."

CaringKind's Alzheimer's Walk has something for every member of the family with free breakfast, live entertainment, an activity area for children, and a Doggie Dugout for four-legged walkers. A special "Memory Wall" will be constructed where Walk participants can post mementos, messages or photos of someone in their lives they have cared for, or who is currently affected by Alzheimer's disease. Each walker who registers in advance will receive a Walker Care Package with orange shoelaces to help spread the word leading up to the event and wear proudly on the day of the walk.

There is no fee to participate. Walkers can register on-site, but are strongly urged to register in advance. The event, rain or shine, will start with registration and breakfast at 9:00 a.m. at Riverside Park, 97th Street & Riverside Drive in Manhattan. To register or make a donation, call 646-744-2992, email walk@caringkindnyc.org or visit www.caringkindnyc.org/nycwalk.

CaringKind is New York City's leading expert on Alzheimer's and dementia caregiving. With over 30 years of experience, we work directly with our community partners to develop the information, tools and training to support individuals and families affected by dementia.

We offer a 24-hour Helpline run by professional staff, individual and family counseling sessions with licensed social workers; a vast network of support groups; education seminars and training programs; early stage services and a wanderer's safety program. We believe in the power of caregiving and seek a world where everyone dealing with dementia has the support they need, when they need it.