By ELLEN BROWN

Staff Writer

PIGEON FORGE — The Alzheimer’s Association announced Thursday at its Memory Walk Appreciation Lunch that participants had raised $136,589.

“You certainly beat last year’s total (of $110,000) and you definitely beat this year’s goal (of $115,000),” Kay Watson, Alzheimer’s Association public relations director, told attendees at the lunch, held at the Music Road Convention Center. “We have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for.”

Janet Wade-Whitehead, Alzheimer’s Association executive director, added that this year’s walk had 54 teams — 26 of which were new. There was a total of 846 walkers at the October event at Pigeon Forge High School.

“I think people really walked with their heart this year,” Wade-Whitehead said. “We appreciate your contribution to the cause.”

The corporate community, which included nine new sponsors, raised $45,450 of the grand total.

Top individual and team fundraisers were recognized. They included Lindsey White, 10, Top Youth Individual, $218; Gatlinburg-Pittman High School Interact Club, Top Youth Team, $2,215; Ray Burchell, Honorable Mention, $1,000; JoAnn Hill, Fourth Place, $1,015; Stephanie Flatt, Third Place, $1,041; Earl Lane, Second Place, $1,925; and Barbara Smith, First Place, $2,930.

Top team fundraisers were James Rogers Team, Honorable Mention, $4,267; Sevier County Bank, Third Place, $4,671; Citizens National Bank, Second Place, $14,315; and Dollywood, First Place, $17,648.

Along with recognizing sponsors, fundraisers and volunteers, Watson thanked Memory Walk co-chairs Marlene Burnett and Kim Bridges for their commitment to the event.

“They have poured their hearts and souls into this to make it a success,” she said.

Burnett told lunch attendees she became involved with the Alzheimer’s Association when her mother died five years ago from the disease.

“We know there are 22,000 (Alzheimer’s patients) in East Tennessee,” she said. “We thank all of you for your compassion — and a special thanks to those of you who live with this disease at home or at work and don’t hear the words ‘thank you’ enough.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are supporting the mission to create a world without Alzheimer’s.”

ebrown@themountainpress.com