VALDOSTA — Each year the Alzheimer’s Association hosts a kick-off event for its big fund-raising effort, which is the Memory Walk, said Misty Sasser, event organizer.

This year’s opening event is The Great American Grand Stand.

“The Valdosta Memory Walk steering committee wanted to do a kick-off event that would be family friendly and bridge the gap between generations,” Sasser said.

The idea for a grandparent/grandchild dance was born.

The dance will be held from 7-9:30 p.m. Friday at Azalea City Church of God, which is located at 247 N. St. Augustine Road. Tickets are $10 each or $15 per couple. Tables are also available for interested companies for $125, which will include eight place settings, eight tickets, and a table top sign. Refreshments will consist of light finger foods.

“This being an awareness event, we want as many people as possible to attend,” Sasser said. “Everyone is welcome. While we decided to promote it as a grandparent/grandchild dance, we want mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles too. We want the whole family to be a part of the fun.”

DJ Lloyd Carter will be playing oldies from the 40s through the 70s, Sasser said. All music will be family friendly. Photographer Casey Thompson will be on site with a backdrop set up to take pictures of the “couples” or families. The only charge for pictures will be $15, which includes one 5x7, two 4x5s and four wallets.

Caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease will give short testimonies throughout the evening, she said. The Alzheimer’s Association will have a table set up with information on the many services that it offers, which many people may be unaware of. A laptop will also be set up to register new teams for the Memory Walk, which will take place on Oct. 17.

All proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Those wishing to purchase tickets, can call Misty Sasser at (229) 247-4300 or (229) 888-7676.