Alzheimer's Association Hosts ?Paint Town Purple'

The Alzheimer's Association-Western Carolina Chapter will host "Paint the Town Purple" Thursday, Aug. 24.

In Moore County, it is estimated that more than 2,700 individuals are likely diagnosed with Alzheimer's and other dementia and an additional 8,100 caregivers in the county are affected by the burden of caring for someone living with the disease.

The planning committee for the Moore County Walk to End Alzheimer's is asking residents, local businesses, churches, schools and other community groups to get involved. Interested parties can participate in the following ways:

? Go purple on social media and use #ENDALZ on photos and posts

? Encourage co-workers, neighbors and friends to wear purple

? Display purple ribbons or decorations in your workplace

? Sell and display the Alzheimer's Association's paper flowers or wristbands

? Decorate your storefront or light up your building purple

? Help distribute Walk to End Alzheimer's promotional materials around the county

? Drop by Fox Hollow Senior Living (190 Fox Hollow Ct, Pinehurst, NC) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to pick up Walk materials

"We encourage everyone to take action and get involved in Paint the Town Purple to make a difference in improving the quality of lives of those living with this devastating disease in our community," says Yarona Thomas, Moore County Walk to End Alzheimer's committee member.

The largest Alzheimer's awareness and fundraising event in Southern Pines and Pinehurst, the Moore County Walk to End Alzheimer's will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7, at Sandhills Community College.

"Paint the Town Purple offers an opportunity for the community to get involved on a local level and learn more about the efforts of the Alzheimer's Association and Walk to End Alzheimer's," says Thomas.

The public can learn more ways they can get involved in Paint the Town Purple by contacting James Grindstaff at jgrindstaff@alz.org or by calling (980) 498-7740.