Alzheimer’s disease impacts Tennessee families in every county from West to East, and now court clerks across the state, including Hamilton County’s Court Clerks Vince Dean (Criminal Court), Larry Henry (Circuit Court) and Gary D. Behler (Juvenile Court) are showing their support by participating in the second annual statewide “Purple Out Day” benefitting Alzheimer’s Tennessee, a not-for-profit organization.
"Seeing our state turn purple to show support to the hundreds of thousands of families who have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is incredibly powerful," said Blount County’s Circuit Court Clerk Tom Hatcher, who is coordinating the statewide event. "I know many understand what it’s like to slowly lose a loved one to this brain disease that steals both memories and dignity. I hope our loved ones will inspire all of us to come together again and make this month’s Purple Out Day even more memorable.”
From Memphis to Mountain City, as many as 205 court clerks and their deputy clerks are planning to wear purple and participate in “Purple Out Day” on Friday to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and related dementias as well as raise funds to support the work of Alzheimer’s Tennessee. The state’s registers of deeds are officially on board this year for the event that started turning courthouses, justice centers, businesses and communities purple last year. The elected court clerks have already made a personal donation of at least $50 and has invited each of their deputy clerks in their offices to make a $5 donation.
“If the public would like to pitch in, and other court clerks in the state make similar donations, together we can raise more than the $25,000 we contributed last year to help Alzheimer’s Tennessee continue to expand its services and provide invaluable support to all families across the state ,” said Mr. Behler. “Everyone is encouraged to wear purple on Friday for our state’s ‘Purple Out Day’”.
Here's how to participate in “Purple Out” the State:
1) Start by wearing purple on Friday. Take pictures and share purple pride. Post photos at ww.facebook.com/AlzTN.
2) Learn about Alzheimer's disease. Every minute someone in America is diagnosed with Alzheimer's. More than 110,000 Tennesseans are facing the disease and that number is growing. Court clerk offices across the state have educational materials from Alzheimer's Tennessee to help others learn about Alzheimer's and related dementias. For more information go to www.alzTennessee.org.
3) Make a donation. Along with displaying purple spirit, consider supporting Alzheimer's Tennessee's mission with a donation. Please make checks payable to Alzheimer's Tennessee. Take a donation to the local Court Clerk’s office or mail it directly to the Alzheimer’s Tennessee Main office at 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville TN 37919. To make an online donation go to http://www.alztennessee.org/donate