Kingdom Heirs Headline 25th Anniversary Smoky Mountain Alzheimer's Tennessee WALK
Kingdom Heirs to Headline
25th Anniversary Smoky Mountain
Alzheimer’s Tennessee WALK
Saturday, Sept. 16th at the Tennessee Smokies Stadium
Award-Winning Southern Gospel Group to be Inducted in AlzStar Walk of Fame
(August 29, 2017 – Smoky Mountains) The Kingdom Heirs, one of the country’s top Southern Gospel Quartets, is joining the starting line-up for the 25th Anniversary Smoky Mountain Alzheimer’s Tennessee WALK on Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Tennessee Smokies Stadium.
Fans of Dollywood’s resident Gospel Group are invited to step up to the plate and support families touched by Alzheimer’s during a Saturday morning filled with celebration on the Tennessee Smokies Baseball diamond. The event will once again feature free food from area vendors and fun for the whole family, including pets.
But perhaps more importantly, the Smoky Mountain Alzheimer’s Tennessee Walk is an opportunity to honor loved ones. For a few of the Kingdom Heirs this special performance is personal. Bass Player Kreis French’s father is now living with dementia. Lead Singer Arthur Rice’s father, Julius, suffered from Alzheimer’s before he passed away.
“It’s so tough to see how Alzheimer’s takes their dignity,” Arthur shared. “My dad was our rock. He was the go-to-guy. If you had a problem, he was the one we talked to. When you didn’t have that, that was a struggle.”
Rice said he along with his mother and three sisters appreciate those who come together to raise funds to help families like theirs.
“Any support you can get to help you realize you’re not the only one who has lived with Alzheimer’s is important. It touches a lot of lives. We go through things in life so that we can support others,” Arthur explained. “Without having someone to talk to who has been through it or an organization like Alzheimer’s Tennessee would make this tough journey unimaginable. Alzheimer’s Tennessee is a great resource and ministry.”
The first 900 walkers who pre-register and raise $50 will receive a FREE 2017 Dollywood day pass and a souvenir WALK T-shirt (if signed up by Sept. 5 and present at the WALK). WALKers can also qualify for other Incentive Items and Top Prizes. Visit www.alzTennessee.org/smokywalk2017 or call 865-544-6288/Toll-Free 888-326-9888 for more information.
More than 800 people from Sevier, Jefferson, Hamblen and Cocke Counties are expected to take part in the Smoky Mountain Alzheimer’s Tennessee WALK. All proceeds benefit Alzheimer’s Tennessee, a non-profit organization that has been in the community for more than 30 years, serving those facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, promoting brain health through education, and championing research, global prevention and treatment efforts.
Walkers will cross home plate completing a ceremonial “Home Run” against Alzheimer’s. Funds raised through the walk will help Alzheimer’s Tennessee continue its legacy of supporting families in the Smoky Mountains through support groups, care consultations with referrals, and education. Family and professional caregivers are invited to sign up for the Alzheimer’s Tennessee “Caring & Coping” Caregiver Conference on Tuesday, September 26 at LeConte Medical Center. The day-long event features experts who will provide a better understanding of dementia, practical caregiving tips, and legal issues.
Learning how to best support loved ones and communicate with them is something Arthur remembers well. “The biggest thing that stood out was the challenge to communicate,” Arthur said. “We didn’t want to embarrass him; it wasn’t his fault, and I learned that a lot of families struggle with those feelings.”
The Kindom Heirs may share a song from their own 25th Anniversary album as a nod to the quarter century mark for the Smoky Mountain Walk. Alzheimer’s Tennessee will also induct the award-winning Southern Gospel Group into its own AlzStar Walk of Fame.
In addition to live music, participants will enjoy food from area restaurants and attractions plus fun for children. Even pets are included in contests for “best-dressed” and “most purple” plus the title of WALK mascot will go to the pet that raises the most money with the help of his or her owner and team.
Smoky Mountain Alzheimer’s Tennessee Walk
Register Now at www.alzTennessee.org/smokywalk2017
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Tennessee Smokies Stadium, 3540 Line Drive, Kodak TN, 37764
9 a.m. - registration, plus live music, team photos, kids & pet fun start
10 a.m. - Opening Ceremonies
including Kingdom Heirs special performance, door prizes and contests (team t-shirt design)
11 a.m. – WALK ribbon cutting
Alzheimer’s Tennessee
With the support of WALKers, donors and volunteers, Alzheimer's Tennessee has been providing area services, advocating for the cause, and funding research since 1983. Alzheimer’s Tennessee is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to coordinating support groups and resource referrals, educating family and professional caregivers, and offering financial assistance. Visit www.alzTennessee.org or call the local office at 865.544.6288. A 24/7 Helpline is also available at 1(800)259-4283.
