Team ArcBest Raises Money for Walk to End Alzheimer’s
For the fifth consecutive year, ArcBest employees participated in the Arkansas River Valley’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s® event on September 16, 2023. The Walk included the ceremonial Promise Garden, a two-mile walking trail, health information booths and a presentation recognizing sponsors and top fundraisers. ArcBest was also the official stage sponsor.
Each year, Team ArcBest, our employee-led Walk to End Alzheimer’s team, sets a fundraising goal and plans quarterly events to raise money specifically for the Walk. For 2023, they set a goal to raise $10,000 — the team has raised over $8,200 so far and is on track to reach its goal. Additionally, ArcBest donated $5,000 toward the cause. Through various fundraising efforts and the company’s donation, Team ArcBest was recognized as the top fundraiser for the River Valley’s Walk event, earning an ALZSTAR title for the second year.
Building a Community of Support
Jennifer Karr-Sanchez, ArcBest’s CX quality manager, serves as co-captain of Team ArcBest. Her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2017, and she and her mother became his full-time caretakers, working around the clock to keep him safe and maintain his normal routine as much as possible.
With limited knowledge of the disease, Jennifer learned about the Alzheimer’s Association and ArcBest employees’ involvement after her father passed in 2019. She joined Team ArcBest that year and began personally fundraising, raising over $500 during her first year as a member. Since then, Jennifer has helped with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event each year, including setting up the Promise Garden of orange, yellow, blue and purple flowers. During the Walk, participants carry the flower that represents their story — Jennifer holds a purple flower as a symbol of losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s.
When describing Alzheimer’s, Jennifer said, “Because it’s a disease in the brain, a person’s body can be perfectly healthy and functional, making it easy to mask — something we experienced with my dad. Most people think Alzheimer’s is about forgetting things, but it’s also about forgetting what things are used for or their purpose. Once I got involved, I realized there’s a support group in Fort Smith for others living with Alzheimer’s or caring for loved ones. If I had known this, it might have been easier for my mom and me.”
Since joining Team ArcBest, Jennifer has shared her story with coworkers, helping build awareness and foster a community of support for those who need it.
“I have met so many employees that have a personal connection or care for someone with Alzheimer’s. It’s also positive to see the company support this cause because the more we fundraise and raise awareness, the more likely we are to find a cure.”
ArcBest Employees are Making a Difference
Through organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association®, ArcBest employees are dedicated to serving the communities in which we live, work and operate. Learn more about ArcBest’s community involvement and how our people drive our philanthropic efforts.
About the Alzheimer’s Association and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
The Alzheimer's Association® leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.
