Covering Knoxville in purple and orange: Pansy Project returns to honor Pat Summitt

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Knoxville is paying special tribute to those who suffer from Alzheimer’s as the 13th annual Pansy Project kicked off on October 8 to raise money for the Pat Summitt Foundation.

Throughout the fall, orange and purple pansies can be bought from Stanley’s Greenhouse and planted around Knoxville as a symbol of support for those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease . Purple represents the fight against Alzheimer’s and orange is a reminder of beloved basketball icon Pat Summitt’s struggle with the disease.

“Lisa Stanley, our matriarch, and the initiator of this partnership, passed away in 2022. This cause was so important to her and us because of family members who suffered from the disease and because of our longtime love and support of Pat Summitt and the Lady Vol basketball program. At Stanley’s, we constantly strive to make a difference in our community, no matter how small it may seem. As Pat said best, no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care,” said Abby Stanley, retail manager at Stanley’s Greenhouse.

“My grandfather suffered and was a longtime Lady Vol fan and we wanted to do something to give to the community and to the Pat Summit organization,” she told 6 News. “These beautiful purple and orange panties just seemed like the right thing,”

“The Pansy Project is a special tradition in Knoxville. It’s a beautiful way to remember our beloved coach and honor those currently battling Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. As we head into fall and November’s National Alzheimer’s Awareness month, we hope those diagnosed with the disease and their loved ones know they have a community supporting them. We are so appreciative of the annual commitment from Stanley’s Greenhouse to help us advance the fight, as well as the supporters who join us for the kick-off every year.”

Morgan Vance, director of strategic initiatives and advancement for the Pat Summitt Foundation, a fund of the East Tennessee Foundation.

“It’s real important that people realize this is such a visible way to pay honor to Pat Summitt and her goals were when she was diagnosed. She told me she wanted to form a foundation and she wanted to be for caregivers and research, and that’s what we have gone about all these years,” said Joan Cronan, the chairman of the Pat Summit Foundation Advisory Board.

Stanley’s Greenhouses is located at 3029 Davenport Road in South Knoxville. All of the proceeds from the pansies go to the Pat Summitt Foundation.

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