More than 500 volunteers, including ASU students, gathered at Tempe Town Lake on Valentine’s Day for the fourth annual “Walk the Fight” to knock out Parkinson’s disease.

The event included a 5 kilometer run, health fair and featured a live band called “The Boomers.”

All proceeds went to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center (MAPC) at St. Joseph’s hospital in downtown Phoenix.

SCAN health plan volunteer Kimber Hamilton, of Phoenix, was excited about the turnout.

“It’s going to be a spectacular day,” she said. “We have some ASU volunteers who are supporting the cause. Hopefully they’ll come back and we’ll gear up for an even bigger year next year.”

Margaret Ann, the program manager with the Parkinson’s center, stressed the importance of the event.

“The money that is raised helps people maintain a quality of life by supporting programs that help people stay physically and emotionally engaged,” she said.

The money raised from the walk will go to support community outreach programs, Ann said.

Patty Hatton, registry coordinator at the center, said the center has the largest community outreach program in the country.

“There’s a wellness program, education program, support groups, and care-giver support groups,” she said.

The event’s goal was to raise $25,000, which it exceeded quickly, she said. The total amount of donations received reached $30,508, according to event’s Web site.

“That’s great,” she said. “It’s a great way to give back to the community, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Tiffany White, a volunteer and 1998 ASU alumna, encouraged students to give back.

“There are things to fight and work for: Volunteer and give back,” said White, who graduated with a degree in speech and hearing science. “If you’re in good health, don’t take advantage of it. Come out and support those who are less fortunate.”

Chandler Young, a local high school student who will be attending ASU in the fall, volunteered to support his friend’s mother, who has Parkinson’s.

“It’s all for a great cause. If we can get as many people out here as possible, that would be awesome,” he said.

Every ASU student should go and volunteer at least once, he said.

Hatton praised the University and its students for the support.

“We couldn’t have done what we did without ASU,” she said.

The University has been a huge contributor, with students coming down and volunteering their time, she said.

Ann said the walk was part of a big community effort.

“What’s neat about this is it’s really the community of people coming together,” she said. “There are multiple generations, support groups and families walking together. We’re trying to build a Parkinson’s community. It’s a fun way to do it.”

Reach the reporter at mmbarke1@asu.edu