Pat Summitt benefit concert at CCA

Pat Summitt was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Photo courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

On Dec. 15, a benefit concert will be held at the Clayton Center for the Arts in honor of Pat Summitt, basketball coach of the University of Tennessee’s Lady Vols. The concert will benefit Alzheimer’s Tennessee Inc., which is a local nonprofit organization that provides services to individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and their families.

Alzheimer’s Tennessee was founded in 1983 by a small group of East Tennessee families as a way to reach out to the community on behalf of those inflicted with the disease. They soon became known as the “Alzheimer’s Association, Eastern Tennessee Chapter, Inc.”

They provide services to more than 22,000 patients within the area, serving Knoxville and 25 different counties all over the state.

The organization provides support, education and a community to those with Alzheimer’s. They act also as researchers for cures, prevention and treatment. Assistance is available through the agency’s locally staffed helpline.

The nonprofit organization was chosen by Pat Summitt and the UT athletic department this year to partner in the “We Back Pat” campaign, for which Alzheimer’s Tennessee Inc. is one of the beneficiaries.

With Summitt’s own decision to release her medical diagnosis of early-onset dementia, she is a “Champion for the Cause,” according to Alzheimer’s Tennessee Inc.’s website. The organization is now well-known to the community of Knoxville thanks to the coach’s support.
Per Summitt’s request, all money raised by her “We Back Pat” campaign, which includes T-shirts and other paraphernalia, will be donated to research for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Proceeds from the Dec. 15 benefit concert will go directly to Alzheimer’s Tennessee Inc. as well, to benefit families and enhance research.
Not only will concert attendees have the opportunity to honor the legendary Pat Summitt, but they will also be able to experience a famous singer-songwriter as well.

Glen Campbell, Country Music Hall of Famer, will perform in honor of Summitt at this “Tennessee Homecoming Concert.”

Campbell, like Summitt, has publicly announced his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. This concert will honor two renowned figures that have struggled with the disease, and their support will benefit all who are experiencing similar struggles.

Summitt, for whom Alzheimer's Tennessee, Inc. is hosting a benefit concert, was named the 2011 Sports Illustrated Sportswoman of the Year. The NCAA's all-time winningest women's basketball coach joins an elite group of sports immortals, including Muhammad Ali, Derek Jeter, Michael Jordan, and Pete Rozelle, who have been named to the men's list in past years. Photo courtesy of americanfootballphotos.com

It is a special event not only due to the benefit to Alzheimer’s Tennessee Inc., but also because Campbell is touring his music for the last time. He is calling it his “Goodbye Tour.” His final album, “Ghost of the Canvas,” was released at the end of August this year.

According to the Clayton Center Box Office, four of Campbell’s children will be playing back-up for his performance.

Some of Campbell’s hit songs include, “Galveston,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” and “Rhinestone Cowboy.” He is also well known for co-starring with John Wayne in the original version of the movie “True Grit.”

Kay Watson, executive director of Alzheimer’s Tennessee Inc., expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event.

“We are looking forward to a very special evening,” Watson said.

The concert will take place in the Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 15, 2011.

Tickets for The Glen Campbell Tennessee Homecoming Concert and Pat Summitt Benefit are on sale now. VIP tickets are also available.

Tickets are available by calling the Clayton Center Box Office at 865-981-8590 or by visiting  www.alztennessse.org.

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