KNOXVILLE – Ingles Markets will join the Alzheimer’s Association East Tennessee Chapter as the 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s® event sponsor in Knoxville.

“Like so many who are participating in this event, it is personal for me. I lost my brother to Alzheimer’s when he was 62,” says Melissa Leavell, Advertising Director for Ingles Markets. “Our participation is because of the many customers and associates who are dealing with Alzheimer’s with a family member or dear friend. Opportunities to better our community come in all shapes and colors, so we try to find ways that impact the everyday life of the areas we serve. That is where you will see Ingles.

This event impacts our community by bringing the funds that provide resources and information to those providing care, to research which is reaching new expectations every day and to be around others that are going through or have been through ‘The Long Goodbye’. This type of event lends support in so many ways.”

The Knoxville Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Saturday, October 2nd. On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s — their personal reasons to end the disease.

While plans are moving forward to host Knoxville’s Walk in-person, the health and safety of participants, staff and volunteers remain the top priorities as decisions are made about event details. Options will be offered to participate online and in local neighborhoods.

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To register and receive the latest updates for this year’s event, visit Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s.