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Purple Willie Jam IV Supports Alzheimer's Association

Bob O'Lary

Tallahassee's yearly Walk to End Alzheimer's is coming up in October. In advance of that event a supportive fundraiser was happening at a Midtown bar Saturday night (8/11).

This was the Fourth Annual Purple Willie Jam, like most of its predecessors held at Krewe de Gras Tavern. The musical fundraiser was the brainchild of David Wheeler, whose father Willie Wheeler, lost his life to the brain-robbing illness. David said he had been a bit concerned when online ticket sales lagged in the runup to the event.

"And I looked at that and I said they'll show up and pay at the door and they'll do the silent auction and the raffle and it'll be all right and fine. And now the house is filled up pretty well and the Turkeys are playing and people are having a good time. So it's all good!"

All proceeds from the Purple Willie Jam benefit the Alzheimer's Association. Its Tallahassee Walk to End Alzheimer's takes place at Cascades Park on October 13th.

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Tom Flanigan has been with WFSU News since 2006, focusing on covering local personalities, issues, and organizations. He began his broadcast career more than 30 years before that and covered news for several radio stations in Florida, Texas, and his home state of Maryland.

Find complete bio, contact info, and more stories. here.