Fall events bring community together for Alzheimer’s Tennessee
KNOXVILLE — Alzheimer’s Tennessee is inviting Farragut and Knoxville-area residents to join in a season packed with community spirit, education and support for local families facing dementia.
The fun begins with the Dave Landeo Tailgate, which takes place from 4:30 to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18, at Roger’s bar, 8817 Kingston Pike near Farragut.
“This isn’t just a party for Vols fans,” said Samuel Moore, Alzheimer’s Tennessee director of communications. “It’s a chance for Knoxville to come together and support local families facing Alzheimer’s disease. Every dollar raised stays right here in East Tennessee.”
Local favorite musician Dave Landeo leads the celebration with live music, special guests, Vols spirit and great barbecue.
“I was born and raised in Tennessee and will always be a Vol,” Landeo said. “I’m honored to help and grateful to be part of a community that always comes together, whether for game day or for something as important as supporting families facing Alzheimer’s.”
Landeo started the event after his mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
“Her journey made me realize how precious life is and how important it is to support each other – family, friends our whole community,” he said.
There is no charge to attend but the best way to help is to get a VIP ticket, which costs $25 per person. It includes a barbecue plate, beer ticket and access to a special VIP area. Extra donations are welcome and go straight to helping local families.
WVLT’s Rick Russo will broadcast live, and every dollar raised stays local.
“Knoxville knows how to have a good time, and this tailgate is proof,” Moore said. “But what really makes the Dave Landeo Tailgate special is the way our community shows up — not just to celebrate but to help each other.
“Every year, we see friends, families and fans rally together to help local people facing Alzheimer’s,” he said. “Every dollar raised stays right here at home, making sure East Tennessee families have the support they need. That’s what makes this tailgate so much fun.”
“As a musician, I’ve played at a lot of fundraisers, but this one means the most to me,” Landeo said. “I want to do whatever I can to help.”
For more information, visit alzTennessee.org/Tailgate or contact Alzheimer’s Tennessee.
Another upcoming event is Walmart 500 Monday through Friday, September 21-25, at area Walmart locations.
“Keep an eye out for Alzheimer’s Tennessee teams at local Walmart stores throughout that week when they will be bringing awareness, sharing educational resources and spotlighting the lifesaving Silver Alert program,” Moore said.
“Since its launch in 2021, Silver Alert has helped return more than 500 at-risk adults with cognitive challenges safely to their families in Tennessee,” he said. “Stop by to learn more, pick up helpful information, a Silver Alert Kit — a wandering prevention resource and forms helping first responders in the event wandering does occur — plus discover how you can support this vital community safety effort.”
Also, Alzheimers Tennessee will hold:
• a half-day Caring and Coping Workshop Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, 9132 Kingston Pike. It offers expert advice and practical support for caregivers and families. Nationally recognized speakers, Dr. Monica Crane and Melanie Bunn, will share strategies, hope, and encouragement for those on the dementia journey.
• Boos, Brews & Bingo, hosted by Business Professionals Against Alzheimer’s, on Thursday, Oct. 1, at Orange Hat Brewing Company off Hardin Valley Road. This event brings together the Halloween spirit, craft beer and fierce Bingo competition, all for a good cause.
• 34th Annual Smoky Mountain Walk to Make Alzheimer’s a Memory Oct. 24, Saturday, Oct. 24, in Sevier County High School to raise awareness and bring the community together. This year’s fundraising goal is $160,000—all to stay in East Tennessee.
• an online Alzheimer’s Disease Management & Research Symposium Thursday and Friday, Nov. 12-13. This two-day virtual gathering brings together leading experts in brain health and care. Open to physicians, caregivers and anyone interested in learning more about dementia research and best practices.
• Give Back Days: Throughout the season, local businesses across the area are hosting special Give Back Days where a portion of sales supports Alzheimer’s Tennessee. These events are a simple, fun way to help and see the power of small acts add up for local families.
“These events are where the heart of Farragut and Knoxville really shines,” Moore said. “Whether it’s cheering at the Landeo Tailgate, learning at a caregiver workshop, or coming together for a walk, you see neighbors connecting and supporting each other in ways that matter. The best part is knowing every dollar raised stays right here, helping local families facing Alzheimer’s. That’s what makes these events so special to all of us.”
For more information about the events, visit www.alzTennessee.org or call 865-544-6288.
