Jackson Free Press

Holly Smith has fond memories of her father, who passed away two years ago from Alzheimer's disease. He was an electrician with a love of history and an outgoing, friendly man. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in his early 60s and passed away at age 68. Smith's aunt has also been diagnosed with the disease.

Smith's personal connection with Alzheimer's led to her decision to help raise money for the Mississippi Alzheimer's Association by playing in the first Blondes vs. Brunettes football game.

"This is my personal outlet to honor my dad and help people affected by this disease," Smith said. After playing on the defensive line last year, Smith is feeling confident about playing running back for the Brunettes this year.

Last year the Brunettes defeated the Blondes by a 2-0 score by recording a safety for the game's only points. The Blondes are already in a hole on the scoreboard this year since the Brunettes got two points for fundraising last week. Two more points are up for grabs this week for the team that raises the most money before Friday. The Blondes can start the game tied 2-2 or find themselves in a 4-0 hole before they even run their first play this Saturday.

The second annual Blondes vs. Brunettes flag football game is at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Jackson Academy football field on the JA campus off Ridgewood Road. Admission is $5 at the gate, but kids get in free. Going to the game also gets you a wristband that gives you free access to the after-party at Hal & Mal's (200 Commerce Street). If you do not have a wristband, the after-party is $10.

All the money Blondes vs. Brunettes raises goes to the Mississippi chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. So far, the Blondes have raised more than $9,000, but these young women have not reached their goal of raising $30,000. Together, both teams have raised more than $18,000 for the Mississippi Alzheimer's Association.

To donate, visit the Blondes vs. Brunettes website. You can give for a particular player or to either team. You can still donate until a month after the game. You also can follow Blondes vs. Brunettes on their Facebook.

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167857

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Our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/bvbjackson. Please LIKE us to get involved and see all of our updates! Our fundraising website: http://bvb.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1014863&lis=0&kntae1014863=7E550DF638584D65A0A723CD30DDEFA7

Author

Holly Smith 374

Date

2012-05-31T12:52:17-06:00