Indoor Track and Field Teams Raises $3,000 for Alzheimer’s

Post date: Apr 02, 2014 7:48:51 PM

WELLS− With a motto of “Memories Should Last a Lifetime”, the Wells High School Boys & Girls Indoor Track and Field Teams recently completed a double fundraiser in early March. These funds were raised not only for their sport at WHS, but to help in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. As a result of their season-long efforts, representatives of the teams and their coach were able to present a check for $3,000 to the Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter in Scarborough on March 7th.

Coach Jen Lewia presented the idea of a dual fundraising campaign as a way to simultaneously support the teams while giving back to the community for an important cause. Lewia got the athletes interested in this effort by showing them a video about dementia and Alzheimer’s and the effects that these afflictions can have, not only on the affected individual, but on family members and friends. Lewia presented data that indicated that these maladies are on the rise.

“They thought this would be a great idea and jumped aboard,” commented Lewia. “We had many generous donations given to us by community members including $500 from Cheers From the Heart.”

On days of track meets, team members wore purple t-shirts, headbands and other purple accessories to school and to track meets to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s.

Lewia indicated that the $1,300 raised for the teams is for a recent equipment purchase, unexpected future team needs such as footwear and the purchase of Alzheimer’s themed T-shirts for next season.

Pledges made were based upon individual team member improvement in athletic performance over the three month indoor track and field season. In February, pledges and flat donations were received that, according to Lewia, far exceeded the teams’ original goal by over 50 percent. She pointed out that junior Maddie Taylor was the top fundraiser raising $1314.25.

“I think many of our team members are now more aware of this disease without a cure,” commented Lewia. “They did a great job of bringing Alzheimer's awareness to our school, town, and Indoor Track & Field communities.”

The Indoor Track and Field Boys and Girls Teams at WHS both practice and travel to meets together but are separate teams and scored separately.

This year, Lewia and her Assistant Codey Rich coached 54 members. Currently the teams are making plans to participate in the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” event at York Beach on September 13, 2014.

Photo by Jen Lewia.

Photo file name: WOCSD-WHS Alzheimer’s Fundraiser 2014

Caption: In the picture (l to r) are Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter Laurie Trenholm. Maddie Taylor, Jenna Ingalls, Michaela DeWitt (team Captain), Clayton Martin and Walk Director for the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter Ross Endres.