Knoxville TN, September 25, 2025
News Summary
The Alzheimer’s Association held its eighth annual walk at Zoo Knoxville, attracting thousands of participants and raising over $225,000 for Alzheimer’s research and support. The event fostered community involvement, bringing together families, local organizations, and volunteers. The association, dedicated to ending Alzheimer’s, organized similar events nationwide highlighting the importance of advocacy and continued funding for research.
KNOXVILLE, TN – Thousands Gather for Alzheimer’s Walk
The Alzheimer’s Association hosted the eighth annual walk on Saturday, September 20, at Zoo Knoxville, raising over $225,000 to support families, caregivers, and research for Alzheimer’s. The event successfully attracted hundreds of participants who gathered under sunny weather to promote awareness and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association, a nonprofit organization operating nationwide, is dedicated to ending Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Their initiatives include providing critical support to families and caregivers as well as funding research to find early detection methods and potential cures. With operations impacting communities across all 50 states, the organization is the largest nonprofit funder for Alzheimer’s research.
The walk at Zoo Knoxville was part of a nationwide effort, with 600 similar events occurring across the country. Participants included families, individuals, and employees from various organizations, with some traveling from other states to join the cause. Local organizations such as UT’s Sigma Kappa, Garza Law Firm, NHC Healthcare, Edward Jones, and several schools also participated. Members of Sigma Kappa expressed their commitment to raising awareness and supporting Alzheimer’s initiatives.
Community Engagement
Engagement from local students was also evident, as students from West High School volunteered as part of their program’s service requirement, under the guidance of IB coordinator Shari Valencic. Volunteer Richelle Ballenger, who began her involvement with the organization in 2018, noted the joy of engaging with a cause that resonates within the community.
Lindsey Raymond Gonzalez shared her family’s long history with Alzheimer’s disease, referencing her prior involvement in Florida before she relocated to Tennessee. This personal connection illustrates the widespread impact Alzheimer’s has on families and communities, reinforcing the necessity for continued fundraising and advocacy.
Future Initiatives
The annual walk event not only contributes to substantial fundraising but also aligns with the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission to foster community involvement. In addition to the walk, the organization organizes events throughout the year, including painting the town purple and the Ale Trail. Interested individuals can find information about upcoming events on the Alzheimer’s Association website, emphasizing the organization’s reliance on being volunteer-led to enhance community engagement and education.
Conclusion
This year’s successful event at Zoo Knoxville embodies the collaborative spirit of community members and organizations coming together in the fight against Alzheimer’s. As the Alzheimer’s Association continues to champion research and support, events like these are instrumental in driving awareness and funding crucial initiatives.
FAQ
What was the date of the event?
The Alzheimer’s Association hosted the eighth annual walk on Saturday, September 20, at Zoo Knoxville.
How much money was raised during the event?
This year’s event successfully raised over $225,000 to aid families, caregivers, and research for Alzheimer’s.
What kind of organization is the Alzheimer’s Association?
The Alzheimer’s Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.
How many similar events occurred nationwide?
The walk at Zoo Knoxville was one of 600 similar events occurring across the nation.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | September 20 |
| Amount Raised | $225,000 |
| Location | Zoo Knoxville |
| Number of Similar Events Nationwide | 600 |
| Organizers | Alzheimer’s Association |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cellular Sales Hosts Campus Walk to Support ALS and Alzheimer’s Charities
U.S. Representatives Launch Bipartisan Healthcare Bill in Knoxville
Alzheimer’s Tennessee Offers Free Silver Alert Kits
Tennessee Lady Vols Suffer Narrow Loss Against Oklahoma Sooners
High Surf Collapse of Santa Cruz Wharf Causes Panic Amid Other Nationwide Incidents
Additional Resources
- WATE: 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Set for Saturday at Zoo Knoxville
- UT Daily Beacon: Hundreds Show Up to Support the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
- WBIR: Knoxville Nonprofit Offers Free Silver Alert Kits for Alzheimer’s Awareness
- WATE: It’s Time to Paint the Town Purple with the Alzheimer’s Association TN Chapter
- Wikipedia: Alzheimer’s Disease
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
