Murfreesboro, TN – Incoming storms have caused the postponement of the much-anticipated Stones River Manor Yard Sale, initially scheduled for this Friday and Saturday. The yard sale is a part of ongoing fundraising efforts to raise $20,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association in hopes of aiding research to find a cure.

The decision to reschedule the event was made after the National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for Rutherford County and the surrounding areas. The watch is in effect from Thursday night through Saturday morning due to heavy rainfall expected from Hurricane Helene, which is making its way through the Gulf of Mexico. Organizers have now set new dates for the yard sale, which will now be on October 18th and 19th.

Hurricane Helene has already prompted warnings of severe weather across the Gulf Coast, with the potential for storm surges as high as 20 feet in some areas of Florida. The storm is gaining strength, and residents along the coast have been urged to take necessary precautions.

This year’s yard sale fundraising efforts hold particular significance, as they are being carried out in honor of the late Mike Gann, who passed away in December at the age of 55. Gann, a longtime employee at Stones River Manor, worked there for 30 years as the family services director. His legacy continues to inspire coworkers, friends, and residents of the manor.

Gann was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a rare brain disorder with symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s but with a faster progression. Despite his diagnosis 26 years before his passing, Gann remained committed to helping others and raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Thomas Stevenson at the Manor told WGNS that for more than 25 years, Gann was the top fundraiser for the walk, a cause that deeply resonated with him, which is why he is making sure that Gann is honored… Stevenson is leading a team of volunteers

In honor of Gann’s tireless dedication, his colleagues have formed a team called “Manor for Mike” to participate in the upcoming Rutherford County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will take place on November 2nd at the MTSU campus... The yard sale is one of several efforts to continue his legacy and raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association.

PREVIOUS NEWS ARTICLE: Stones River Manor in Murfreesboro is honoring the legacy of longtime employee Mike Gann, who passed away last December. To pay tribute to him, nurses, staff, and volunteers are raising funds for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in his name.

Gann, who worked at the Manor for 30 years, was a passionate advocate for Alzheimer’s research and always led a team in the annual walk, which will be held on the MTSU campus this November.  This year, “The Manor for Mike” team will carry on his tradition, with volunteers like Thomas Stevenson… Stevenson and others want to keep Gann’s legacy alive.

Gann’s dedication to Alzheimer’s research came from a personal place. Twenty-six years before his death, he was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a rare brain disorder with symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s. Despite his diagnosis, Gann remained active, preaching twice a month at Sugar Tree Knob Church of Christ and staying involved in efforts to find a cure for both Alzheimer’s and dementia-related illnesses.

Mike Gann Baked Over 2,000 Carrot Cakes - One of the many ways Gann left a lasting impact was through his famous homemade carrot cakes… He baked cakes for those who donated to the Alzheimer’s Association through his team of participants... This simple but heartfelt gesture remains a cherished memory for those who knew him.

Gann’s Wife Top Fundraiser - Gann’s wife of 27-and-a-half years, Sheila, is continuing his mission and is currently the top fundraiser for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Rutherford County, having already raised an astonishing $20,000+. Her overall goal is to reach $25,000, and she’s determined to meet it in honor of her late husband.

Stones River Manor Top Fundraising Team - “The Manor for Mike” team has met their goal and are on the road to exceeding the $20,000 they set out to reach... To help in that effort, the Stones River Manor will host a Yard Sale in October.

The sale was originally scheduled to take place September 27th and 28th, but had to be postponed due to the storms that are headed into the area. The storms are the result of Hurricane Helene.

The new dates for the yard sale are October 18th and 19th and all proceeds will be going towards the Alzheimer’s Association. 

If you’d like to donate items for the upcoming yard sale / fundraiser, call the manor at 615-893-5617. The community can also help in the efforts by donating items to be sold at the yard sale. If you have large items you’d like to donate, the manor can help with that as well. Simply call 615-893-5617. To financially donate directly to the “Manor for Mike” team in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit RUCOwalk.com, scroll down to the “Find a Team” section and type in “Manor for Mike” or CLICK HERE.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s: The Rutherford County Walk to End Alzheimer’s takes place on Saturday, November 2, 2024. It will be on the MTSU campus at the Hayes Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro (1568 Greenland Dr, Murfreesboro, TN 37132).  Pre-register online or register on the day of the event on-site between 8AM and 9AM, with the opening ceremony beginning at 9.

Yard Sale Location: Stones River Manor / Address: 205 Haynes Dr, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 / Phone Number: (615) 893-5617 Date: October 18th and 19th