STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Featured in this week’s Staten Island’s Best Dressed are photos from the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s disease.
More than 750 people gathered at Wolfe’s Pond Park for the annual event on Saturday, Sept. 20, raising nearly $60,000 to support Alzheimer’s care, research and community programs.
Organized by the Alzheimer’s Association’s New York City Chapter, the event brought together families, caregivers, students and local supporters for a morning of unity and fundraising.
Christine Pizzariello, a Staten Island resident and the event’s top fundraiser alongside her husband, Anthony, shared her personal connection to the cause. Both her mother and mother-in-law are living with dementia.
“While raising funds for our walk, my husband and I have come to the realization of how common this disease is,” Pizzariello said. “The more people we talk to, the more we meet other families affected by Alzheimer’s.”
“At times we cannot help but feel sorry for ourselves and question why this is happening to our families and so many families of those close to us, but gathering with others who are affected by this disease rejuvenates my soul.
“It reassures us we are not alone and there are so many people that understand how we feel and what we are going through on a daily basis.”
Christine Pizzariello addresses the crowd. (Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)
(Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)
Pizzariello, a teacher, said she also walks, “for my nieces and nephews, as well as my many students.” Local students and educators played a prominent role in the day’s activities.
The I.S.24 Dance Company, led by Therese Causi, energized the crowd with a group warm-up, and teacher, radio host and singer Vinnie Medugno returned as emcee.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 9,200 people in Richmond County are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
The nonprofit has been working to expand its free services, support programs and partnerships across Staten Island — efforts that are made possible in part by funds raised through the walk.
The event was coordinated by a volunteer committee including Anne Matrone, Ashley Marie Davis, Rhea Restivo, Alice Acampora, Barbara Doty, Jessica Davis, Marie Christman, Eileen Fields Cohen and Marisa Streppone.
Scarlett DeWitt, Chloe Wong, Nadia Anwar, and Madison Gatullo hold white flowers symbolizing the first survivor of Alzheimer’s. (Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)(Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)
Sponsors included The Brielle, Rampulla & Newstad, Northwell Health, and SHERO Senior Living Advisors. Local businesses La Dolce Bakery and Bagels N Buns donated food and beverages.
Donations for the Staten Island Walk to End Alzheimer’s will remain open through the end of the year at act.alz.org/statenislandwalk.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s disease. Since its inception in 1989 as the Memory Walk, it has mobilized millions of Americans in support of Alzheimer’s care, advocacy and research.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a global voluntary health organization focused on Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other forms of dementia by accelerating research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and improving quality care and support.
More information is available at alz.org or by calling 800-272-3900.
Scroll for a glimpse of the fundraiser below. To be considered for future installments of this column, please send photos of high resolution, with a brief description of the event, to gsantos@siadvance.com.
Scene from the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s disease at Wolfe’s Pond Park for the annual event on Saturday, Sept. 20. (Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)(Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)
Scene from the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s disease at Wolfe’s Pond Park for the annual event on Saturday, Sept. 20. (Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)(Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)
Scene from the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s disease at Wolfe’s Pond Park for the annual event on Saturday, Sept. 20. (Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)(Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)
Ashley Marie Davis welcomes people to the Staten Island Walk to End Alzheimer’s. (Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)(Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)
Walkers on the route at the Staten Island Walk to End Alzheimer’s.(Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)
Members of the I.S. 24 Dance Company cut the start line ribbon. (Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)
The Staten island Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Wolfe’s Pond Park.
(Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)
Performance by the I.S.24 Dance Company.(Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)
Walker writes a message on the Tribute Wall at the Staten Island Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
(Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)
(Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)
Participants hold up signs and flowers during the opening ceremony. (Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)(Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)
Miss Staten Island Madison Gatullo sings the national anthem. (Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)(Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)
Participants hold up signs and flowers during the opening ceremony.
(Courtesy Corey Rives/Alzheimer’s Association)
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