Memory Walk/Run
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Memory Walk/Run Co-Founders:
Carol Gengler and Mary Turner welcomed participants and shared their stories of family lost to memory loss and the support of Countryside along the journey.
5th Annual Memory Walk/Run
What began with community members wanting to remember loved ones lost to Alzheimer’s has grown into a meaningful annual tradition. Carol Gengler and Mary Turner co-founded the Countryside Memory Walk/Run to honor those memories, raise awareness about memory loss, and remind families that they are not alone—Countryside Support & Memory Center is here to help.
Every step represents someone we remember, someone we care for, and caregivers walking a memory loss journey. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who walked, ran, volunteered, sponsored, donated, and helped make this milestone event so special. Proceeds from the event help provide free memory screenings, caregiver support, educational resources, and programs like Opening Minds through Art (OMA). This year we raised $4,225 for Countryside Memory Center.
Five years of memories. Five years of community. Five years of walking together – so no one walks alone.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so meaningful! We are already planning for the 5th anniversary of the memory walk/run in 2026.
Committee Members & Volunteers: Carol Gengler, Mary Turner, Kara Hughes, Wendy Smith along with their spouses, Countryside board members and Govs to Govs students for volunteering for this event.
Event Sponsors: A Cut In Style, Bridget M Photography, Cathy Sonnenschein Properties, Chandlers Auto Glass, Dakota Butcher, Sallie Doty Financial – Raymond James, Edward Jones – Carol Gengler, First National Bank, Mary & Randy Turner, Nagel Agency, Rice & Associates, Riter Rogers LLP, River City Chiropractic, Stulken Petersen, LLP, Wendy Smith – Fischer Rounds Real Estate
Join us October 2027 for next years 5K event.
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4th Annual Memory Walk/Run Highlights
We’re grateful for a successful Countryside Memory Walk/Run held on a gorgeous fall day! Participants gathered in support of the Countryside Memory Center, raising awareness and resources for individuals and families affected by memory loss.
Walking is more than symbolic—it’s a powerful tool in the fight against memory loss. Regular walking has been shown to support brain health, improve mood, and stimulate cognitive function, making it an ideal activity for individuals on a memory loss journey.
A special highlight of the event was the OMA (Opening Minds through Art) display. OMA is a weekly art program designed for individuals with moderate to severe memory loss. While participants paint alongside trained volunteers, caregivers get a chance to relax and connect with others walking a similar path. It’s a beautiful reminder that creative expression and community support go hand in hand.
Together we raised $4,000 as we walked to support memory screenings, educational resources, caregiver support groups, and programs like OMA that bring hope and connection to our community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so meaningful! We are already planning for the 5th anniversary of the memory walk/run in 2026.
Committee Members: Carol Gengler, Mary Turner, Kara Hughes, Wendy Smith along with their spouses and Countryside board members, volunteering on event day.
Event Sponsors: Raymond James – Sallie S. Doty, Mary & Randy Turner, Nagel Agency, Clausen & Rice, River City Chiropractic, A-G-E Corporation, First Fidelity Bank, Cathy Sonnenschein, Comm Tech, Schweiss Construction, Lee Real Estate, A-Cut-Above, Branding Iron Bistro, Edward Jones – Carol Gengler, Feigum Funeral Home, Isburg Funeral Chapel, Wendy Smith – Fischer Rounds Real Estate, and Circle K.
2024 Memory Walk/Run Gallery Highlights
3rd Annual Memory Walk/Run
It was a ‘breezy’ but beautiful morning for the Memory Walk/Run, Oct. 5th with 56 participants. The Memory Walk is an opportunity to honor, remember and support everyone with a memory loss and celebrate all caregivers. Hats off to the planning committee (and spouses), volunteers, staff and to all those who attended. Proceeds from this event help provide FREE memory screenings, resources to support patients, caregivers and their families. Since 2011, 1,875 memory screenings have been completed. Mark your calendars for October 2025. If you’d like information about the screening process, call Countryside Memory Center at 605-945-0827.
THANK YOU to our SPONSORS:
A Cut In Style, A-G-E Corporation, Capital City Monuments, Cathy Sonnenschein Properties, Clausen & Rice, CommTech, Edward Jones – Carol Gengler, Feigum Funeral Home, First National Bank, Isburg Funeral Chapels, Pure Bliss Bakery & Café, Randy & Mary Turner, Schmitz Financial Group, Shane’s Pharmacy, Branding Iron Bistro, Nagel Agency and Wendy Smith – Fischer Rounds Real Estate.
