Sources |
- [S74] Atchley Funeral Home Records, Volume IV, 1987-1999, Larry D. Fox, (Smoky Mountain Historical Society), 22 Dec 1994.
Harris William Latham obituary
- [S106] The Mountain Press, 24 Jul 2005.
Local Boy Scouts ready for Mandrell 5K Run
By: J.J. KINDRED, Staff Writer July 24, 2005
Photo by J.J. Kindred
Boy Scout Troop 110 members Dale Breeden, left, Dustin Breeden and Jordan Tarwater will participate in today’s Louise Mandrell 5K Run for the Scouts, which benefits all of East Tennessee’s Boy Scouts.
Some local boy scouts participating in today's Louise Mandrell 5K Run for the Scouts have learned to appreciate what the beloved entertainer has done for them.
"She has really helped us out," said Dustin Breeden, a member of Scout Troop 110 in Sevierville. "She's helped us with all our fund-raisers and everything. She's been a real help to the Boy Scouts."
Dustin, 14, and his fellow scout and friend, Jordan Tarwater, also 14, are participating in the run for the first time in three years and have been in the Boy Scouts for four to five years.
Dustin's younger brother, Dale, 10, joined the scouts a few months ago and will participate in the run for the first time.
"The fact that (Mandrell) has given time is pretty cool, being a local celebrity and all," said Jordan.
"I wanted to meet her, but I haven't personally met her. Hopefully I will," added Dustin.
The Run for the Scouts, which benefits all of East Tennessee's Boy Scouts, kicks off a month-long fund-raiser for the organization. In conjunction with the run and continuing throughout next month, Mandrell is offering Sevier County adults admission to her show for $15. All Boy Scouts who attend in uniform will be admitted free.
"I hope there will be more participation in the scouts," said Dustin.
"We have enough troops here that more kids can be in them," added Tarwater.
Mandrell has been a board member of East Tennessee Boy Scouts for many years, receiving both the Silver Beaver and the Silver Buffalo awards, the highest honors in Boy Scouts. She has hosted the run for eight years, leading to significant amounts of money being raised for the East Tennessee Boy Scouts.
Her final performance at her long-standing Pigeon Forge theater will be New Year's Eve. She is leaving to be in Nashville to be with her husband, John Haywood, who suffers from a rare disease called Reflex Sympathetic Disorder.
"I'm hoping this will be our biggest year ever," said Mandrell. "I'm praying for good weather. I'm proud of all our sponsors who stayed and supported me since this is the final year of the theater."
In the meantime, the scouts are looking forward to today's event.
"I hope it turns out good," said Dale.
"I hope all kinds of people show up to raise money for us," added Tarwater.
* jkindred@themountainpress.com
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