GREENVILLE — A dozen teams of three to four individuals were set for a local version of The Amazing Race on Friday. The day-long, fun-filled Race to Remember was an opportunity to raise funds for — and awareness of — Alzheimer’s disease.
While the event has been held in previous years, it was the first-time collaboration for Spirit Medical Transport and State of the Heart Care.
Kristi Strawser, State of the Heart Care Executive Director, shared how the two organizations brought the Race to Remember back to the community after a five-year hiatus. How the funds raised will go to the Alzheimer’s Association of Miami Valley.
In the same manner, as the Emmy Award-winning television show, the Race to Remember had a dozen teams traveling to a variety of locations throughout the county. At every destination, each team had to compete in a series of challenges. Some were mental, others physical, but only after completing the challenge would they learn about the next location.
“Lots of interesting clues will bring out the true colors of Darke County,” said Brian Hathaway, Spirit Medical Transport co-owner, before the race got underway. He explained the race was their effort to “support a cause to find a cure.” The disease touches so many lives, not only for the individual with Alzheimer’s but their families, as well.
Both Strawser and Hathaway shared how businesses and individuals in the community embraced the idea to bring the race back when they began to reach out after its lengthy absence. They hope to continue the race as an annual event.
The participants this year included both local organizations and private individuals, such as Cyndi Fritz, Jodi Jackson, and Bill Hoying from Haven Behavioral Health in Dayton, with Jackson’s grandson, Cairen Goings. This event was their first experience, and they were looking forward to traveling around the county for various challenges.
When asked what brought them to the race, Hoying pointed good-naturedly to Fritz, who explained Darke County was part of her sales territory. She noted the flier from State of the Heart, raising funds for Alzheimer’s disease and, “So we came to support them (and) we always have fun together.”
Other teams included Grandlake Healthcare Center, State of the Heart Care, Greenville National Bank, Village Green, Briarwood-HCF, Greenville Healthcare and Rehab, Rest Haven, Greenville Federal Bank, Versailles Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, and Wayne Healthcare.
After lunch, dressed in purple T-shirts with the Race to Remember logo and list of sponsors, the teams began their challenges at area businesses around the county until 4:30 p.m.
The first-place winners were Wayne HealthCare, with second place State of the Heart Care, and third place Greenville Health and Rehabilitation. Over $3,000 was raised in the event.
Sponsors of the event include the following: Drew Ag Transport, Devenne Insurance, Tribute Funeral Homes, The Winery at Versailles, Wayne HealthCare, Helen’s Flowers & Gifts, EB Realty/ Kyle Hummel, Zechar Bailey Funeral Homes, Edward Jones/ Zachary Bruening, Johnston Chiropractic Clinic, Grand Lake Health System – St. Mary’s, Greenville National Bank, Creative Carpet & Supply, Inc., Rest Haven, Village Green, Teaford’s Pizza and Subs, Greenville Federal, Union County Co-op Liberty, Ind., Alzheimer’s Association: Miami Valley Chapter, and The Natural Path Of Greenville, LLC.
