News Tidbits

More Than 225 Attend 9th Annual Stepping Out Walk in Nashville in 2011

Faithful volunteers had to get an early start on a hot June 11 in order to kick off the 9th annual Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma Walk at the large pavilion in Nashville’s Centennial Park. Faithful board members and their families met at 6:30 a.m. and busily got all the walk preparations in order to have a fun and trouble free day. While there were a few minor hiccups early on, the event went smoothly and we thanked the Lord for the fans under the shaded shelter. Our famous chef, Richard Murray, from Community Bank and Trust, arrived with his chuck wagon to grill hot dogs and get ready to fill empty stomachs. We thank all our volunteers who gave so much of their time to make this day happen. 

The crowd began to arrive and our enthusiastic Master of Ceremonies, Rhori Johnston from News Channel 5, kicked off the walk, and 225 people stepped out for Scleroderma. 

We are so proud of our wonderful teams such as “Zula’s Tribe,” in memory of Zula Kuertz; the “Sugarfoots,” in memory of Jan Abercrombie; “Team Shirley,” in memory of Shirley Biggers; “Mary’s Angels,” in memory of Mary Thompson; “Double H,” in honor of Mary Crutcher; “Violet,” in memory of Violet Adamski; “Charlie’s Angels,” in honor of Charles Cowell; “Calvary Bible Church,” in honor of April Simpkins; “Team Green,” in honor of Marilyn Green; “Mama Nem,” in honor of Evette Britton; “Team Williams,” in honor of Anita Williams, “Team Tenesia,” in honor of Tenesia Thorpe, who merged with so many other walkers to honor their loved ones who have passed away, or support those who are still enduring this debilitating disease. 

Before the walk, a rising singer, Angela Martinez, entertained us with many country songs and highlighted her song, “Right There,” which was written specifically for scleroderma patients. Our walkers were troupers as they combated the heat of the day. As they returned from the trail, a picnic lunch was waiting for them with hot dogs donated by Tony’s Foodland in Joelton and ice cream from Purity Dairies.

Everyone pulled out their door prize tickets hoping their name would be called as gifts from Cracker Barrel, Logan’s Roadhouse, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, J. Alexander’s, Walmart, and so many other businesses were freely given out to our walk family.

We were thrilled to be on News Channel 5’s evening news the Friday night before the event, as well as the evening after the walk (due to the help of our emcee, Rhori Johnston). It was a tribute to the many who came together to assist in fighting the disease. We were pleased to bring in $8,000 at the walk, but disappointed that our total raised wasn’t as much as hoped for.

With this money, and funds from our treasure, we were able to make a $12,000 donation to the National Foundation for medical research. It seems the downed economy has affected so many people, but if you would still like to give to this fund, it is not too late.  Please mail in your check and be sure to write "Walk" in memo line!

Looking forward to seeing you June 9, 2012, in Nashville!! And for you in western Tennessee, please stay tuned as we hope to have a walk in Memphis next year.

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