Every summer, the Anderson Lock family comes together for one of the most meaningful traditions of the year, our TEAM GENE Mini Walk. What began as a way to honor our founder, Gene Anderson, has grown into an event that brings together employees, family, friends, customers, vendors, and community partners for a cause that is close to our hearts.

This year, more than 200 people proudly wore TEAM GENE red as they walked nearly two miles in support of ALS research, patient care, and advocacy. Together, we exceeded our goal by raising more than $50,000, bringing our six year total to more than $270,000 in the fight against ALS.

Gene founded Anderson Lock in 1960, but his legacy is about much more than the company he built. He believed in working hard, treating people with respect, doing the right thing, and building relationships that lasted a lifetime. Those values continue to guide us every day, and they are evident whenever the Anderson Lock family comes together.

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening came when Gene’s granddaughter, Cathryn Wascher, who is spending the summer as an intern at Anderson Lock, shared these words:

“Looking around this room tonight, it’s easy to see the kind of person Papa was. His legacy wasn’t just the business he built, but the lifelong friendships he made along the way. He believed in a strong work ethic, treating people well, and always doing the right thing. Nothing made him happier than having the people he cared about all in one place, which is why I know he would have loved a night like tonight. Good food, great people, and a cause worth supporting.”

The evening was filled with laughter, great food, and friends old and new coming together for a great cause. We are grateful to Allegion for generously sponsoring the taco tent, to S.D. Walker for smoking delicious BBQ, to our many vendors and local businesses for donating raffle prizes, and to ALS United Greater Chicago for once again partnering with us to make the event such a success.

Most of all, we want to thank everyone who participated. Whether you walked, donated, volunteered, sponsored the event, or simply came to show your support, you made a difference. Your generosity brings hope to families living with ALS and helps move research one step closer to a cure.

At Anderson Lock, we believe our greatest strength has always been our people and the relationships we’ve built over the years. TEAM GENE is a reminder of what can happen when those relationships come together in support of something bigger than ourselves.

Thank you for helping us honor Gene’s legacy. Together, we will keep taking steps toward unlocking a cure for ALS.