Eddie’s 550 Tee Off for Alzheimer’s
Eddie’s 550 Tee Off for Alzheimer’s
March 18 – 25, 2024
The Club at Gettysvue
Eddie’s 550 Tee Off for Alzheimer’s
Knoxville health expert Eddie Reymond announces the Eddie’s 550 Tee Off for Alzheimer’s charity golf event that will welcome celebrities and the public to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Reymond will celebrate his 55th birthday and chose to do so in a way that stretches his physical and mental endurance all while making a difference for a cause that is close to his heart. The eight days of sunup to sundown golfing will feature approximately 1,000ft of elevation and 5+ miles of walking for each round of 18 holes.
The kickoff event on day one will welcome celebrity support such as Curt Maggitt, Mike Murray, Keith Delong, Missy Kane, Michelle Marciniak and more.
Meet Eddie Reymond
“Cognitive health is so important and if I can help make a difference for the future of Alzheimer’s, I’m proud to push my mind and body to extreme measures. As I watched heroes like Pat Summitt and others face the disease, I wish I could have done more to help. There’s something inside of me that feels like I can help do that now.” – Eddie
Sponsorship Levels
Hole In One – Title Sponsor – $2,500
- Company Logo on Custom Golf Polo (Eddie will wear this; available as merch)
- Company Logo on Eddie’s official golf cart
- Company Logo and link on official Eddie’s Tee Off for Alzheimer’s website
- Company Logo on all printed material
- Custom social media graphics and posts
Eagle Sponsor – $1,000
- Company Logo on Eddie’s official golf cart
- Company Logo and link on official website
- Company Logo on all printed material
- Custom social media graphics and posts
Birdie Sponsor – $500
- Company Logo and link on official website
- Logo signage at one Tee Box and Putting Green
- Company Logo on all printed material
- Custom social media graphics and posts
Hole Sponsor – $250
- Logo signage at one Tee Box and Putting Green
- Company Logo and link on official website
Golf with Eddie and Celebrities
*Available for March 18th only. Celebrities to be announced.
* Tee time shotgun start at 12:00pm on March 18th.
Awards
Closest to pin
Longest drive
Agenda
7:00am – Spectator gate opens (watch Eddie tee off)
9:00am – Course opens
11:00am – Lunch pickup
11:30am – Announcements
12:00pm – Shotgun start
Golf Registration
18 Holes – $250
Includes 18 holes, Lunch, Refreshments, Commemorative Golf Ball
Spectator Pass
March 18th – Spectator Day Pass – $50
March 18th – Spectator Pass with 2 Beverage Tickets – $75
You’re invited to register to play golf with Eddie, spectate, and support!
Title Sponsors
Sponsors
Pedal for Pat Event Raises $50,000 to Benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation
The Pedal for Pat charity cycling event announces it raised $50,000 to benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation. The 501(c)3 nonprofit, Pedal for Alzheimer’s, hosted the 12-day, 1,098-mile cycling event in honor of each of Coach Pat Summitt’s 1,098 victories. The team pedaled through five states with stops at some of the South’s finest universities to honor Summitt’s legacy and spread awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.
“The mission of the organization is made possible due to elite humans like those who pedaled, volunteered, and supported Pedal for Pat,” Josh Crisp, Board President said. “It is through generosity and commitment that we are able to support the great work of the Pat Summitt Foundation.”
The organization was pleased to team up with Lady Vol MVP and Hall of Famer Michelle Marciniak to show respect to her beloved basketball coach and mentor, the late-legendary coach Pat Summitt.
“This team accomplished so much together, and I know Pat would be proud,” Michelle Marciniak, Summitt Cyclist said. “The Pedal for Alzheimer’s organization is doing great work, and I’m proud to work with them and the Foundation to carry on the fight against Alzheimer’s in Pat’s honor.”
Marciniak continues to show dedication to making a difference in memory of Pat Summitt by reflecting on the profound impact that the legendary coach had not only on her life but on the lives of countless others.
The Pat Summitt Foundation was started by Pat and Tyler Summitt in 2011 to advance research for a cure, provide support for patients and caregivers, and promote education and awareness. The Foundation carries out its mission by supporting nonprofit organizations throughout the region, including the Pat Summitt Clinic. In conjunction with UT Medical Center, the Clinic opened its doors in 2017 and has since treated over 5,000 patients from 25 states. More information on the work of the Foundation can be found at PatSummitt.org.
“Pat was determined to beat this disease and make an impact. We are proud to continue her fight. We couldn’t have the success we do or reach the amount of patients and caregivers without the help from groups like Pedal for Alzheimer’s and the Summitt Cyclists,” said Morgan Vance, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Pat Summitt Foundation.
The Pedal for Pat team, led by Josh Crisp and Michelle Marciniak, will present a check to the Pat Summitt Foundation at the Lady Vols basketball game at Thompson Boling Arena on Sunday, January 7th at noon EST.
Why I Ride: Ambassador Regan Craig
While I’m not sure he ever owned one himself, my grandfather bought every bike I owned as a child. He grew up in the Great Depression and had neither finances nor the time for a bicycle, but that didn’t stop him from wanting to ride.
He was one of those guys who exemplify the Greatest Generation. He had to leave school at age 12 to take over the family farm, then served in Europe during the Second World War. He took advantage of the opportunities military service provided including earning his high school equivalency.
Grandaddy was able to build a successful construction business and start a family. Grandaddy either lived next door or across the cotton patch all the years we shared on this Earth. I often rode the bike he gave me down a field road to get from my home to his.
We lost Grandaddy to Alzheimer’s in 2001. I started cycling a few years later. When Kyle Dortch shared about Pedal for Alzheimer’s in late 2022, I knew I had to be involved.
I’ve lost many other family members to Alzheimer’s, but my grandfather, Carl White, is the reason I ride. He comes to mind on lots of solo rides, especially passing a field road on the edge of a cotton patch.
Reagan Craig is a Pedal for Alzheimer’s Ambassador from Jackson Tennessee.
Pedal for Pat 2023
Pedal for Pat 2023
We’re Back
1098 Miles | 5 States | 1 Mission
In honor of the inaugural Pedal for Pat charity cycling event, a team of 12 Summitt Cyclists pedaled 1,098+ miles on a tour of the southeastern United States. The team visited some of the south’s finest universities on the 12-day ride.
The Team
The team consisted of Summitt Cyclists and a full support crew consisting of nutrition, recovery, moto, mechanical, and more!
The Route
The 12-day, 5-state, epic endurance event took the team through some of the south’s most beautiful scenery. The ride began and ended in Knoxville, TN. The team had memorable experiences along the way including visits to some of the region’s finest universities.
The Beneficiary
Pedal for Alzheimer’s is proud to present The Pedal for Pat event benefitting The Pat Summitt Foundation and The Pat Summitt Clinic. Donate now and help continue the fight against Alzheimer’s.
COMMITTEE AND VOLUNTEERS
Josh Crisp
Event Founder
Knoxville, TN
Sara Mitchell
Event Chair
Knoxville, TN
Brandon "Monk" Feehery
Event Manager
Knoxville, TN
Wendi Love
Hospitality
Knoxville, TN
Ramona Mitchell
Nutrition
Jackson, TN
Al Hennigan
Moto Support Staff
Lynchburg, TN
Dr. Taylor Comford, PT
Recovery Chair
Knoxville, TN
Meaghan Dullea, PT
Physical Therapist
Knoxville, TN
Taylor Azhocar, LMT
Massage Therapist
Knoxville, TN
Dakota Porter
Physical Therapist
Knoxville, TN
Stephen Manners
Nutrition Team
Knoxville, TN
Donna Turner
Nutrition
Covington, TN
Amanda Barnett
Hospitality
Knoxville, TN
CYCLISTS
Why I Ride: Ambassador Luca Giori
Pedal for Alzheimer’s, a 501c3 non-profit charitable platform, holds a special place in my heart. As a soccer player turned cyclist, I embarked on this incredible journey in 2019 after rupturing my ACL. While I’ve always been an athlete, the world of road cycling opened up new horizons for me. Little did I know that my newfound passion would intersect with a cause that’s deeply personal to me.
In 2011, one month after arriving in the United States from Italy, I received the news of my grandmother’s passing. It wasn’t Alzheimer’s, but rather a brain tumor that had slowly grown over the past year. Although different, her decline in mental faculties bore striking similarities to the mental deterioration experienced by Alzheimer’s patients. Witnessing her gradual loss of the ability to perform even the simplest tasks was heart-wrenching. It was a stark reminder of the relentless nature of diseases that rob individuals of their cherished memories and abilities.
Beyond my own experience, I’ve seen the profound impact of Alzheimer’s on several of my close friends who are caring for parents battling this relentless disease. Alzheimer’s affects not only the afflicted individuals but also their entire families, who bear the emotional and physical burdens of caregiving. It’s a disease that touches the lives of countless people, leaving no community untouched.
As a veterinarian, I’ve dedicated my life to the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence. This commitment extends beyond the health of animals to the well-being of all living beings. Cognitive decline is a recognized condition not only in humans but also in our beloved animal companions. In the spirit of “One Health,” a collaborative approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of people, animals, plants, and the environment, I felt a calling to become an ambassador for Pedal for Alzheimer’s.
My mission as a Pedal for Alzheimer’s ambassador is twofold. First, I aim to educate and raise awareness about Alzheimer’s, a disease that affects not only people but also our cherished animals. The shared suffering and the potential shared solutions underline the importance of comprehensive research, embracing the interconnection between our well-being and that of our animal companions.
My journey with Pedal for Alzheimer’s is not only a testament to my personal growth as a cyclist but also a commitment to a cause that touches my heart deeply. I ride with Pedal for Alzheimer’s not only for those who are afflicted but also for the hope of a brighter future where Alzheimer’s is no longer a source of pain and loss. Together, we pedal towards a world free from the shadow of this devastating disease, where memories are cherished, not stolen, and where the health and well-being of all living beings are valued and protected.
Learn more about the Pedal for Alzheimer’s Ambassador program.
Luca Giori, DVM, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical & Diagnostic Sciences at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
JOHN LAMACCHIA CONTINUES JOURNEY ACROSS AMERICA ON HIS BIKE
An East Tennessee man has embarked on a 4,400-mile journey from Washington state to Boston for some good causes.
John LaMacchia plans to raise money for three different groups: Pedal for Alzheimer’s, Thompson Cancer Research Center, and the Cerebral Palsy Center.
PEDAL FOR PAT RIDERS LOG MILES AND MEMORIES
Before Michelle Marciniak decided to get on a bike to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease, she estimated the farthest she had ever pedaled was 25 miles. In September, the former Lady Vol point guard will join the Pedal for Pat peloton for 1,098 miles across five states in 12 days.
Lady Vol Alumni Michelle Marciniak Gifts $50,000 in Honor of Pat Summitt
Pedal for Alzheimer’s announces a generous donation of $50,000 from former Lady Vol MVP and Hall of Famer Michelle Marciniak. This donation was given in memory of her beloved basketball coach and mentor, the late-legendary coach Pat Summitt.
Marciniak’s generous donation will enable Pedal for Alzheimer’s to further its mission of spreading awareness for Alzheimer’s disease through fundraising events like Pedal for Pat. This 1098-mile, 12-day endurance cycling event will feature a team of Summitt Cyclists who will pedal in honor of Summitt’s career NCAA wins.
“I witnessed the most powerful woman and coach in the world suffer and be taken from this earth because of Alzheimer’s and I have made it one of my life’s missions to continue her fight through raising funds and spreading awareness,” Michelle Marciniak said. “I am honored to continue her legacy by supporting the mission of Pedal for Alzheimer’s in this way as we fight this disease together. To this day, the most common question I am asked is, ‘what was it like playing for Pat Summitt’? Even after playing for Pat nearly 30 years ago, I still hear her voice in my head. She made an impact like no other.”
Pedal for Alzheimer’s is thrilled to host the Pedal for Pat cycling event September 11-22, 2023. The team will pedal in five states and stop by some of the South’s finest universities to honor Summitt’s legacy and spread awareness for Alzheimer’s.
“The organization is grateful for the commitment and generosity from Michelle,” Josh Crisp, Board President said. “Gifts like this allow the organization to carry out its mission of raising funds for Alzheimer’s research, education, support, and care.”
In addition to her renowned basketball career, Marciniak has shown immense compassion and dedication to making a positive difference in the world. Her donation in memory of Pat Summitt reflects the profound impact that the legendary coach had not only on her life but on the lives of countless others.
Show your support by participating in the upcoming Pedal for Pat charity cycling event or by making a donation today at PedalforPat.info. Learn how you can join the Summitt Cyclists, or pedal for one or more days with the team. Visit pedalforpat.info for details.
Group Ride Etiquette
So you are going on a group ride, here are the most important group ride etiquette rules for cyclists.
Make Sure to Point Out ANY Hazards in the Road
Riding in a group makes it hard to see all hazards out there. The best way to make sure everyone is staying safe is to point and call out all hazards. Making sure everyone knows about the hazard is key. Not just the front of the group but everyone needs to know about the hazard. Making sure to physically point and call out anything from a pothole, a dog off leash, glass, or cars pulling out. Key is to stay safe and have fun.
Being Safe on the Road
The riders at the back should keep their attention on cars that are behind the group. Using hand signals to let the car know when it is safe to pass the group or trying to hold them off until it is safe to pass. They should let the group know when a car is passing or trying to pass. The riders in the back should know when it is safe for the group to double up or to ride single file.
Group Ride Pace
The group should always know the pace before the ride. Whether it is a no drop, tempo, or race pace. This is key so you don’t have riders left behind or getting pissed off and never coming back to the ride because it was supposed to be a no drop ride and you have riders pushing a pace that other riders can’t keep up. If you want more of a workout stay on the front longer but don’t increase the pace.
Stay Off of the Brakes
When you are riding in a group you want to stay off the brakes as much as possible. If you need to make minor adjustments to your speed it is best to coast or lay off the pressure on the pedals whenever possible. This allows the riders behind you to do the same thing. When you tap on the brakes the rider behind you needs to make a quick judgment on how hard to hit the breaks.
Usually causing them to slam on the brakes so they don’t run into the back of you. This doesn’t give the rider behind them a lot of time to react and could cause the rider behind you to slam into the back of you and could potentially cause a crash. There are times when you need to use the brakes, but try to make minor speed adjustments without slamming on the brakes to avoid any issues.
Pace the Climbs for the Middle of the Group
When the pack hits rolling hills it can be hard to keep the group together, especially when “that guy” drills it on the front. When drafting is less of a help to the riders in the middle and rear of the group ride, it’s important for the riders at the front to consider everyone when establishing the climbing pace. On social group rides it’s typical to wait at the top of longer climbs, but to minimize the frequency of these soft pedal periods or stoppages, try to set a pace that’s comfortable for the middle of the group. This may mean it’s a bit easy for the fast guys at the front and pretty challenging for some folks at the back, but this pacing strategy is good for keeping the group together over the majority of hills.
Standing Up Out of the Saddle
When you stand up to pedal your weight shifts back and causes your bike to move back.
Sometimes when you do this, your wheel could almost move a full wheel length back and could cause the rider behind you to overlap wheels or run into the back of your wheel. This could cause a crash. If you want to stand up out of the saddle, make sure the rider is a safe distance behind you. If they are not, you can let them know you are getting out of the saddle by flicking both elbows or simply tell them you are getting out of the saddle. Doing this will allow the rider behind you to move away from your wheel without causing a crash.
Don’t Overlap Wheels
In a group never overlap wheels with the rider in front of you. We can’t always see what is going on in front of us and at any moment a rider might swerve to avoid a pothole or they get hit by a gust of wind. When you are overlapping a wheel this could cause them to take out your front wheel and end up on the ground.
Have Fun!
We all go on group rides to have fun and enjoy being on the bike with others. The last thing we want is someone getting hurt or not being able to finish the ride because of something that could be prevented. Follow these simple steps to have a fun group ride.
Feehery is a professional crit and road race cyclist who has raced in the USA Professional Cycling Championship for the past ten years. He has won multiple stages, been on the overall podium eight times and won the overall two times in the ten-day crit-racing series, Intelligentsia Cup Chicago. He currently races for the Miami Blazers and uses his global reach to share the mission of Pedal for Alzheimer’s. Feehery won his first National Championship in the overall and crit at the Collegiate Road National Championships in Richmond, Va. He also placed third in the 2016 Tour of Fuzhou and fourth in the 2015 Delta Road Race. Over his professional cycling career, Feehery has over 50 professional wins.
Why I Ride: Ambassador Julie Dortch
Tapping into my “why” for riding bicycles actually begins with my background in running. For years, I ran recreationally and always called it ‘jogging’ instead of running. It wasn’t until my friend and her sisters convinced me to join on their long-run Saturdays that I realized moving my body at any pace was considered running for me, and after my first half-marathon in the heat of Tennessee in July, I was hooked. Throughout my miles pounding the pavement, I began to use the time as reflection on God’s blessings in my life. Many miles were spent praying for others and receiving promises on my own life.
Fast forward through a few running-related injuries and my gears shifted towards riding bicycles with my husband, Kyle. We met so many amazing people through years of riding and racing road bikes. Pedal for Alzheimer’s stood out along the way as an organization that we were introduced to by a mutual friend and knew we had to support. At the time, my grandfather, Kenneth Stafford, was only in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and still mostly the same, walking every morning and joining my parents for supper every night.
When I think about my journey with cycling, I’m reminded of the natural ebb and flow of life. Putting in hard work, grinding on days that seemed to be a chore, but enjoying the sense of accomplishment and the company of amazing people.
As the years progressed in my grandfather’s disease, I witnessed firsthand the work ethic of my mother in caring for him. I am quickly reminded the grit and determination that I love about cycling was more than likely ingrained in me from my grandfather’s hard work ethic. Observing my mother caring for her father was a true display of a long line of character traits that I still admire and aim to emulate.
He worked a full time job as postmaster of my small hometown while running a local dry-cleaning business. He then stayed busy even in retirement with fishing, woodworking, and gardening. When I explain that I honor my grandfather’s memory by cycling, it is not because he loved to ride bikes. Actually, I’m not sure I ever saw him on a bicycle. But, his drive, hard work ethic, and love for family time are some of the same qualities that I connect with cycling, and I’m determined to continue those qualities in his honor.
Learn more about the Pedal for Alzheimer’s Ambassador program.
Make a donation in honor of Julie and in loving memory of Mr. Kenneth Stafford.
Julie and her husband, Kyle, reside in Springfield, Tennessee where she is an assistant principal for the local school district. They enjoy riding mountain bikes, camping in their van, and loving their 12-year-old furry family member, Gunner.