Rogers recognized

By Sandy Morris

The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. 

Beverly Rogers who heads up “Team Albany” was recently recognized in several categories for her fundraising efforts in the Abilene Regional District of the North Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Rogers first became involved in the organization in 2002 after providing in-home care for a patient suffering from dementia. 

Over the past 18 years, Rogers has participated in the walk, with every walk in memory of Helen Lieb. 

Individually, Rogers was named as a 2020 Elite Grand Champion fundraiser for her commitment to fundraising in the fight against the disease. 

She was also recognized as the top 2020 individual fundraiser in the Abilene district, raising $5,531.

“The town has always been so supportive everytime I have participated in this event,” said Rogers. 

While there have been years when she raised more money, this year was especially surprising.

“I had no idea what to expect with us being in the middle of a pandemic,” said Rogers. “The town came through better than I could have ever imagined.”

The teams in the 14-county Abilene district raised $103,000 this year. 

Team Albany was named as a “Top 3 Team: Friends and Family Category” for 2020.

The group also received a certificate of Honorable Mention for Best Team Event, 2020 for their Classic Cars Cruise Night. 

When asked to name the members of Team Albany, Rogers said she and Randy Hayes work on the fundraiser, but she considers the entire town as team members because of their support. 

“Everybody in Albany supports us in some way,” said Rogers. “Because of that, I call every person in town a team member.”