Owatonna Charity Nets Big Payday with Simple Action

One foot in the front of the other. Over and over. By many people. All this led to a huge payday for those in the local area battling Alzheimer's and dementia plus their caregivers. The Owatonna Walk to End Alzheimer's raised a goal-shattering $73,000 in early November at the Steele County Fairgrounds.

A news release from Alzheimer's Association Director of Communications Dawn Klehr indicates the goal was $50,000. Thirty-four teams raised the large total, led by Mary's Angels at more than $16,000 on their own. "Funds raised provide people in the local community with Alzheimer's and demintia and their caregivers with free care and support services."

Walk Manager Jennifer O'Donnell adds, "We had a few first this year. First, we held the event entirely outdoors and we exceeded our fundraising goal before the day of the event."

The total reported in the November 11, 2021 release doesn't include amounts from an auction that only wrapped up Friday, November 12. In fact, donations can still be made toward the project by visiting the Owatonna website here.

Many pictures of the walk can be found on the

" target="_blank">Owatonna Walk to End Alzheimer's Facebook page. Weather can be unpredictable in early November. But Mother Nature smiled on the event. So much so that you can see people standing in the shade to get out of the sun.

The news release states, "More than six million American are living with Alzheimer's disease - a leading cause in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer's and other dementias."