Walk organizers pleased with turnout

WSPA-TV's Tom Crabtree leads Saturday's Memory Walk through downtown Gaffney. More than 100 Cherokee County residents took to the streets Saturday morning, taking a small piece out of their weekend to walk in the annual Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk.

The event, which is the premier fundraiser for the organization, is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide.

However, this year's Memory Walk was one for the books as several teams put on their walking shoes for a good cause.

"We had a small organizing committee that did a whole lot of work," Amanda Knowles, chairperson for this year's Memory Walk said. "It was wide open trying to organize the event, but all things worked out great- especially with the knowledge that over 100 people participated."

One of those who participated in the event was WSPATV's Tom Crabtree, who led the large crowd down from the Gaffney Fire Department to the Elk's Lodge before they make their way back.

"It is a real honor being here helping to try to find a cure for a disease that has become an all too familiar part of our community," Crabtree said. "We all know it is a busy time for all of us in the community, but it is good to take time for such a great cause."

Also involved in the Memory Walk were the Limestone College cheerleaders, who led participants in a few cheers and stretching exercises before they began their trek in addition to the Christian musical group The Holidays providing entertainment.

Food and other refreshments were provided by the Gaffney Fire Dept.

All in all, Knowles said she could have not been more pleased.

"The Lord blessed us with a beautiful day after the last few days were filled with rain," Knowles said. "This Memory Walk has been a success and I can't do anything but thank all who had a part in it."