Alzheimer’s Tennessee 500 Set To Start In Memphis And Finish In Bristol

  • Monday, October 21, 2019

Tennesseans from Memphis to Bristol are invited to support the Alzheimer’s Tennessee 500 to commemorate families statewide who are living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. 

The Alzheimer’s Tennessee 500 Race to Make Alzheimer’s a Memory has already started with an online “race” to raise awareness and funds at www.alzTennessee.org/500.  Beginning this Sunday, Oct. 20 through Wednesday, Oct. 23, the official Purple Pace Car will make the 500-mile trip across the state.

Walmart stores will host 12 regional Pit Stop celebrations for the Purple Pace Car, featuring fun, food and entertainment. 

“Every dollar donated and every mile traveled will aid Tennessee families living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias who need help now more than ever,” Janice Wade-Whitehead, Alzheimer’s Tennessee president and CEO, said. “We appreciate Walmart associates and their customers for raising funds and awareness for the work of Alzheimer’s Tennessee. Our hope is to make Alzheimer’s a Memory, and in the meantime we want to support those through their journeys with dementia.”

The Alzheimer's Tennessee Purple Pace Car will "connect" the Pit Stops during its 500-mile trip with stops at Walmarts in Memphis, Jackson, Dickson, Murfreesboro, Cookeville, Tullahoma, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Alcoa, Morristown, Greeneville and Bristol. Sponsors Hill & Hill Financial based in Chattanooga, West Chevrolet in Alcoa, Walmart and the Tennessee Clerks of Court have helped to make the event possible.

“We will be a part of the Alzheimer’s Tennessee 500 Pit Stop celebration in Chattanooga at Chattanooga Walmart 3659, 501 Signal Mountain Road,” Hamilton County Juvenile Court Clerk Gary D. Behler said. “Clerks from Hamilton County Criminal Court led by Vince Dean, Hamilton County Circuit Court led by Larry Henry and my staff join communities and court clerks across the state to celebrate Purple Out Tennessee. We are happy to work with our local Walmart stores to raise even more awareness and funds to provide important local services and support research.”

Each Pit Stop celebration is unique - with food and festivities. Plus surrounding Walmart stores and supporters have the opportunity to present their contributions and learn more about Alzheimer's and the services provided by Alzheimer's Tennessee. The public can also “ride along” virtually by following on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/alzTN

“So many of us at Walmart have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease,” Boyce Smith, Walmart Pickup Market eCommerce manager, shared. “Whether our own families are struggling with memory loss – or our customers and their families, we think it’s important to do what we can to show our support. Alzheimer’s Tennessee is a great resource for our state, and we are just proud to be able to give back.” 

"More than 110,000 Tennesseans and their families are currently living with Alzheimer's disease," officials said. "Alzheimer’s is ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, but statistics show that the brain disease may rank third, just behind heart disease and cancer.  For every individual living with the disease, an average of four family members, friends and neighbors serve as caregivers who need support and guidance.

"Alzheimer’s Tennessee now has six regional offices throughout the state, including Jackson, Nashville, Tullahoma, Cookeville, Knoxville (headquarters since 1983) and Johnson City.  Donors appreciate that 85 cents of every dollar donated directly funds the Alzheimer’s Tennessee Mission: To serve those facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, to promote brain health through education and to champion global research, prevention and treatment efforts."

For more information, visit www.alzTennessee.org or call toll-free statewide 888-326-9888.


Alzheimer’s Tennessee 500 Race Pit Stop Celebration Itinerary:  Visit www.alzTennessee.org/500 


Sunday, Oct. 20: 
1 p.m. CST @ Cookeville Walmart 657, 768 S JEFFERSON AVE.
(will release online/via social media as Pit Stop #5 on Tuesday)

Monday, Oct. 21: 
9 a.m. CST Pit Stop #1; Memphis Walmart 1561; 3950 AUSTIN PEAY HWY.
11:30 a.m. CST Pit Stop #2; Jackson Walmart 335;  2196 EMPORIUM DR.
2 p.m. CST Pit Stop #3; Dickson Walmart 264; 175 BEASLEY DR.
4 p.m. CST Pit Stop #4; Murfreesboro Walmart 682; 2000 OLD FORT PKWY.

Tuesday, Oct. 22:
9 a.m. CST Pit Stop #6; Tullahoma Walmart 667; 2111 N. JACKSON ST.
12:30 p.m. EST Pit Stop #7; Chattanooga Walmart 3659; 501 SIGNAL MOUNTAIN ROAD
3 p.m. EST Pit Stop #8; Turkey Creek/Knoxville Walmart 2932; 10900 PARKSIDE DR.
4:30 p.m. EST Pit Stop #9; Alcoa Walmart 672; 1030 HUNTERS CROSSING

Wednesday, Oct. 23:
10 a.m. EST Pit Stop #10; Morristown Walmart 685; 475 CROCKETT TRACE DR.
Noon EST Pit Stop #11; Greeneville Walmart 680; 3755 E ANDREW JOHNSON HWY. 
2 p.m. EST Pit Stop #12; Bristol, TN Walmart; 220 CENTURY BLVD.

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