While some teams will be lacing up their walking shoes for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Macomb, one team will be grabbing their leashes. Western Illinois University’s mascot Colonel Rock (also known as Rocky) the English bulldog will be participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Macomb along with the University’s next mascot, Ray, who will eventually become Colonel Rock IV. This isn’t the first time Rocky has participated in the event.
Joseph Roselieb, Rocky and Ray’s handler, did bring Rocky to the Walk in 2016 and decided this year was the perfect year to introduce Ray to the Walk. “Earlier this year, we were once again asked to participate and with Ray joining the family this past May, it just seemed appropriate and a fun event for not only me, but the dogs as well.”
Once the duo announced they had registered as a Walk team on their “Colonel Rock” Facebook page, the fan base of more than 3,200 followers began to donate.
“I was overwhelmed by the number of donations that came forward so quickly as we announced our participation,” said Roselieb. “It was an incredible outpour from friends, family, and colleagues and a very cool feeling when you get to move your goal two times in one week. This type of support makes me feel proud to be in such a caring community.”
Within four days the team raised more than $700 to help #ENDALZ. “It means a lot to me to be able to raise money and have my two best buds Rocky and Ray (Colonel Rock III & IV) participate in the Walk, said Roselieb.
“We are extremely grateful to all of them for their continued support and hope that the Macomb area joins Rocky as he leads our Macomb Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Veterans Park in Macomb,” said Cheri Robertson, Manager of Special Events for the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter.
“I have to give a shout out to Cheri Robertson who is the Special Events Manager for the Macomb Walk.” said Roselieb. “Cheri contacted me a couple of times over the last several months and really convinced me of the success a team led by Rocky and Ray would have, not only from a fundraising standpoint, but from the excitement we would bring to the event as well.”
Overall, Roselieb, Rocky and Ray are glad to help raise awareness for the cause, “For a disease that affects so many people, I want others to see that WIU supports them as well as the cause. This is a great event to raise awareness and bring people together and we are very humbled to be able to participate as representatives from Western Illinois.”
If you are interested in registering for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Macomb, or any of the other 24 Walks across Illinois, visit alz.org/walk to find a walk in your area and join us for a tail waggin’ good time!
Donate to Team page of WIU’S COLONEL ROCK III & IV MASCOTS: https://bit.ly/2CJXESp
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