Saturday marked a special milestone for the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Sterling.

Not only was it a return to a public gathering after a year off from the traditional fundraiser in 2020 because of COVID-19, but it was also the 20th anniversary of the Sterling walk.

Event organizer Jessica Myers took some time during the opening ceremony to recognize the members of the original committee that brought the Walk to Sterling: Connie Clark, Kathy Kauffman, Georgia Kelsch, Nikki Johnson, Richard Ontiveros, Julie Fuller, Bonnie Wagner, Cynthia Mills and the late Dene Carter. Many of those founding members are still involved in the Walk today.

"If it wasn't for their hard work, dedication and perseverance, we wouldn't be standing here today continuing to fight this disease," Myers said.

The recognition was followed by the Promise Garden ceremony, in which participants hold up flower pinwheels in various colors symbolizing how Alzheimer's and dementia have affected them: blue for those with the disease, yellow for those caring for someone with the disease, purple for those who have lost someone to the disease, and orange for anyone who is there to support the cause. The ceremony was completed as Myers held up a single white flower, which represents the future first survivor of Alzheimer's.

During the ceremony, Myers noted that more than 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer's and 11 million people are serving as unpaid caregivers. "Alzheimer's is destroying our families, our finances and our futures, and it's time to end it," she said.

Funds raised during the Walk help the Alzheimer's Association fund research as well as education and support programs for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. According to Myers, the Sterling event had raised $36,000 of its $46,000 goal as of Saturday; funds will be accepted through the end of the year.

After the ceremony, the Phillips/Ogley family was recognized as the honorary family for this year's event and cut the ribbon before leading the way on the lap around the Logan County Courthouse Square.

Next year's Walk to End Alzheimer's is being planned for Aug. 27.