On Evans Road in Nashville, the Giompoletti household is a local landmark every October. Their yard, decked out with skeletons, a two‑headed figure and a Jeep “stolen” by the undead, draws crowds from the neighborhood and beyond. This year, the family added a purpose beyond the scares: a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, dubbed “Boo Alzheimer’s.”
Family roots and community spirit
Mom Abbie Giompoletti, husband Jason, and their three sons—Henry, James, and Eli—have been creating elaborate Halloween displays for years. “We hope they think we’re fun,” Abbie says, smiling as she watches neighbors pause to admire the spooky tableau. “We worry they think we’re crazy,” she adds, noting that the community’s response has always been overwhelmingly supportive.
Abbie’s motivation is deeply personal. Her father, Mike Arnold, is in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease, a reality that has touched both her and her mother, Kathy Arnold. “It affects a lot of people,” Kathy explains. “You don’t understand until you’re living it.” The family chose the purple hue associated with the Alzheimer’s Association to highlight the cause, turning the yard’s traditional orange and black palette into a symbol of hope.
Turning a Halloween tradition into a charitable drive
After discussing the idea with Abby Cox, the director of the Alzheimer’s Association Tennessee chapter, the Giompolettis launched the “Boo Alzheimer’s” campaign. A QR code posted at the entrance of the yard linked directly to an online donation page. Within weeks, the effort had generated more than $30,000, a sum that will support research, caregiver resources, and community education throughout Tennessee.
“I’m going to be the matching donor,” Kathy announced, pledging to double the contributions received. The promise of a match spurred even more generosity, as neighbors and visitors alike scanned the QR code and contributed what they could.
Neighbors rally around the cause
Local residents described the fundraiser as a reminder of Nashville’s “small‑town mentality,” where people look out for one another. “All these neighbors and friends are so giving and caring about Mike,” Kathy said, emphasizing the personal connection that motivated the donations.
James, who grew up hearing stories of New Orleans’ vibrant celebrations, noted that the city’s love of color and spectacle helped shape the family’s approach. “People in New Orleans, you can put your crazy right in the front yard!” he joked, encouraging others to embrace their own creative expressions for good causes.
Impact and next steps
The $30,000 raised will be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Tennessee chapter, bolstering programs that assist families dealing with the disease. The Giompolettis plan to continue the tradition next year, hoping to expand the fundraiser’s reach and inspire other households to combine holiday fun with community service.
For those who missed the yard display, donations can still be made through the Alzheimer’s Association’s website or by scanning the QR code posted on the family’s social‑media page.
Why this matters
Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of families across the nation, and local initiatives like “Boo Alzheimer’s” demonstrate how community spirit can translate into tangible support for research and caregiving. The Giompoletti family’s effort underscores the power of grassroots fundraising, reminding Nashville residents that even a spooky yard can become a beacon of hope.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
