CROWN POINT | Students are invited to "go for the gold" and win a trophy for raising the most money during a walk May 10 to raise money for Alzheimer's Services of Northern Indiana.

Registration and continental breakfast start at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 9:30 a.m. at Franciscan Community Services, 205 Franciscan Drive, and heads into the Lake County Fairgrounds. The walk will conclude at 12:30 p.m.

Because walkers are sponsored for participating, not for a certain length, they may walk as much as they like, according to Leona Bachan, community relations coordinator for Alzheimer's Services of Northern Indiana. "There a no minimums," she said.

Those in wheelchairs also are welcome.

A few years ago, Ryan Gott submitted the idea of joining the walk to Munster High School's Project X, and members have participated ever since.

The club was formed in February of 1992 by a Munster High teacher to provide students with an opportunity to give back to the community.

Members donate four hours a month where they are needed and for events such as walking for the March of Dimes and raising Pennies for Patiens to give to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Another group joining the alzheimer's walk is Lowell High School's ROTC. About 50 students have joined the walk in the last few years, according to Bachan.

In addition to students who can compete for the trophy, individuals and community groups are invited to join in the fundraising effort. For information about the walk or to sign up, call Kathryn Hartley at (888) 303-0180.

Money raised will ensure the association can continue its free services, such as monthly educational classes, monthly support groups, a 24-hour help line, a Web site - www.alz-nic.org - and quarterly newsletters.

For information about support groups or classes, call Bachan at (219) 789-2470.

- The Times