Gainesville Links celebrate 30th anniversary of Walk for Healthy Living with focus on wellness and civic engagement

Press release from the Gainesville Chapter of The Links, Inc.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Gainesville (FL) Chapter of The Links proudly joined thousands of members across the globe in celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Walk for Healthy Living, an initiative first launched in 1995 under the leadership of the organization’s 11th National President, Link Patricia Russell McCloud.

The Gainesville Chapter gathered for a spirited community walk, uniting members, families, and supporters to raise awareness of cardiovascular health while celebrating the joy and benefits of walking. From strengthening the heart and boosting energy to improving mood and extending life expectancy, walking remains one of the most accessible and impactful tools for long-term wellness.

“This walk is about more than fitness — it’s about fellowship, education, and empowerment,” said Alena Lawson Bennett, President of the Gainesville (FL) Chapter. “On this 30th anniversary, we are proud to walk together and engage the people in our area to promote living healthier lives and building stronger communities.”

National Movement, Local Impact

The Walk for Healthy Living is a signature national program of The Links, Incorporated, designed to Educate, Communicate, and Save Lives. Over the past three decades, thousands of members and communities have participated, from toddlers to centenarians, underscoring the importance of health equity and civic responsibility in communities of color.

By combining wellness with civic awareness, the Gainesville (FL) Chapter added its local impact to the national movement — proving that small steps create lasting change.