Scooping it up

When it comes to scooping ice cream, James Berrong, Tony Crisp and Don Heinemann can find jobs doing the work if their current positions don’t work out. They made some serious money “scooping” for a good cause.

The trio were the top three money earners in the Ice Cream Scoop-off at Blount Memorial Hospital on Friday, Nov. 5. They brought in more than $650 of the almost $1,000 that was raised for the Blount Memorial Hospital Morningview Village Foothills Memorial Walk Team.

The idea for the fundraiser was for people to “vote” for their favorite “scooper” by donating $2 to have them scoop their ice cream. The money supported Blount Memorial MorningView Village Senior Community’s Memory Walk team in the upcoming Alzheimer’s Association walk.

Sponsored by the Eastern Tennessee Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, the walk raises funds that directly contribute to better Alzheimer’s treatments and to support programs for those affected by this fatal disease. The competition, with ice cream donated by Blue Bell, was held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Blount Memorial Hospital cafeteria.

Blount County Sheriff James Berrong raised $328, Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp brought in $180, Blount Memorial Hospital Administrator and CEO Don Heinemann got $151 to secure the top three places in the Scoop-off. Blount Memorial Assistant Administrator Jane Nelson generated $111.31. WBIR Live at Five at Four anchor Beth Haynes raised $72.25, WIVK on-air personality Ted “Gunner” Ousley brought in $58 and WBIR traffic reporter Ed Rupp generated $36. Bracelet sales raised $19.06 for a grand total of $955.70.

The Foothills Regional Memory Walk will be held Saturday, Nov. 20 at Maryville College. Registration begins at 9 a.m., opening ceremonies follow at 10 a.m. and the Memory Walk ribbon-cutting is at 11 a.m. Team captain for Morningview is Leslie McInturff.