GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – Bright blue skies and colorful plastic flowers provided a cheery atmosphere for an event aimed at fighting a dark disease.

Hundreds showed up on Saturday, Oct. 21, to pound the pavement at Trinity United Methodist Church for Gainesville’s 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Association says more than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, a degenerative brain disorder that is the most common cause of dementia — a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior and social skills.

Despite the enthusiasm of 654 participants on 80 teams, this year’s event fell short of its $140,000 goal. The Gainesville walk raised $94,790.

Participants showed up in purple shirts and some in colorful costumes to celebrate the effort.

The walk is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide and is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

RELATED: Ocala Walk to End Alzheimer’s exceeds fundraising goal

Wind-FM’s morning radio duo Hunter and Dupree served as emcees for this year’s event.

A walk participant carries a purple flower in memory of her dad. Courtesy: Hunter/Wind-FM
Wind-FM’s morning duo, Hunter (bottom left) & Dupree (top right), take time out of emcee duties for a selfie with walk participants.
Saturday’s weather was ideal for the late October event held at Trinity United Methodist in Gainesville. Courtesy: Hunter/Wind-FM
A participant poses for a photo at Saturday’s walk. Courtesy: Hunter/Wind-FM
Walks are held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide. Courtesy: Hunter/Wind-FM