The Pamper Yourself for Parkinson's team with Team Fox staffer, Kristina Lopez.
Each year, hundreds of Team Fox members channel their creative energies and their passions to host unique fundraisers. MJFF checked in with a few members around the country to see what inspires them and what advice they have for fellow members.
1. Party Like a Fox
Where: Chicago, Illinois
Who: Gayle Wolski, Co-Chair, Chicago Young Professionals for Team Fox
Why Team Fox: Our dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s over six years ago and is in the final stages of PD. Our family got involved with Team Fox when my brother and sister-in-law ran the Chicago marathon. And I hosted the after-party. The Chicago YPs and our gala event, which my sister-in-law and I co-chaired, grew organically out of that incredible experience. For us, it’s all about joining forces to create a contagiously positive impact on our community.
Why a gala fundraiser: It was either go big or go home. We wanted to create an evening where you could nosh on some of Chicago’s finest bites, dance and bid on the silent auction. We thought, if we build it, they will come. And they did!
Greatest challenge: Putting in all the time and resources to pull this off — and meet our $15,000 fundraising goal. But with a big risk comes a big reward! Over 250 people came and we raised more than $40,000.
Greatest reward: It was amazing to bring so many people together for the first time in Chicago. For many, they had a personal connection to PD, and you could see it in their eyes. It’s really a grassroots effort here, and we’ve barely scratched the surface.
Best advice: Find the right people to help with your event and play to their strengths. Don’t hesitate to put your best resources to use. And remember to have fun!
Greatest benefit to joining Team Fox: Team Fox is responsible for bringing together the Chicago YPs. Because we all have a loved one with PD, we’re so driven to find a cure. And I know we’ll be friends for life.
2. Pamper Yourself for Parkinson’s
Where: Cleveland, Ohio
Who: Jamie Askari
Why Team Fox: My husband was diagnosed with YOPD several years ago. Right away, we wanted to focus our efforts on helping Team Fox and MJFF.
Why a spa fundraiser: My sister Sherri had been to an event like this. Everyone enjoys pampering themselves. It’s even better when you can do it for a great cause.
Greatest challenge: The logistics — specifically coordinating the schedule with our spa service providers and our guests. Next year, you’ll make appointments for services as you arrive, instead of booking in advance.
Best advice: Follow your passion. Let that drive you and your event, even when it gets stressful. Stay focused on the big picture: you’re raising money to find a cure for this disease.
Greatest reward: Knowing you pulled the event off! Last year, we raised over $60,000 for MJFF.
Greatest benefit to joining Team Fox: Being at the MVP Awards Dinner last year. My husband and oldest daughter were there. It was one of the most special nights for us as a family. We are so fortunate to have Team Fox in our life — it’s 150 percent the right place for us.
3. Charity Cupcake Challenge
Where: Vero Beach, Florida
Who: Janie Graves Hoover
Why Team Fox: My mom, Jeane, had Parkinson’s for nine years, and my sister and I wanted to do something for her. So in 2010, we decided to run the ING NYC Marathon for Team Fox. Our mom passed away later that year. Since then, our events have been our tribute to her.
Why a cupcake fundraiser: My sister, Judy, and I loved the TV show “Cupcake Wars.” We wanted to try to make that concept into a fundraiser. To keep our event accessible, we ask guests to contribute $10 each. Every amateur and professional baker brings 60 cupcakes. Supporters taste all the cupcakes and vote 10 times for their favorites. Plus they can buy more votes. This year’s overall winner was a pumpkin streusel cupcake (pictured).
Greatest challenge: Trying to guess how many will attend. And the 10 minutes before the doors open, when you wonder if anyone will come.
Greatest reward: My mom touched so many in her life. It’s nice to provide people with a way to do something in return for her — even now. People have such heart for the cause. Every year someone says, “Your mom would have loved this.”
Best advice: Don’t procrastinate on the details!
Greatest benefit to joining Team Fox: The Team Fox community. Parkinson’s manifests itself in so many ways. It’s been so meaningful to connect with people who really understand the impact of PD on your family’s life.
4. Pasta for Parkinson’s
Where: Carbondale, Colorado
Who: Olivia Savard
Why Team Fox: My step-grandfather had Parkinson’s, and he passed away last year. I wanted to volunteer and help people like him in assisted living homes or hospitals, but they said I was too young [13 at the time]. There’s no age limit with Team Fox!
Why a pasta fundraiser: I’ve hosted several Pancakes for Parkinson’s events for my birthday. But this year, we wanted to make it an after-school event. So we’re hosting a pasta party for my 16th birthday.
Greatest challenge: It always comes down to those last few weeks before the event, which are most stressful. But my mom helps me balance everything while I’m in school.
Greatest reward: Meeting new people at each event and hearing their stories. Even when you’re in a small town, you learn you’re not alone.
Best advice: If people have fun at your event, they’ll remember and want to come back next year. So keep building your event and make it an annual thing.
Greatest benefit to joining Team Fox: I used to feel helpless, watching as my step-grandfather’s Parkinson’s progressed. But now I know I’m doing something to help stop this disease. And I’m putting my town on the map. That’s why I’m aiming to raise $100 for every person in Redstone. With 97 of us, that would mean $9,700. And all of that would be doubled by the Challenge!
5. Winter Gala for Parkinson’s Disease Research
Where: Norman, Oklahoma
Who: Nicole Jarvis Zimmerer
Why Team Fox: I was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s one year ago, at age 39. I immediately wanted to get involved and do something through Team Fox. But there weren’t any events near me in Oklahoma. So I decided to create my own.
Why a gala fundraiser: I’d read about Team Fox mentor’s Nancy Mulhearn’s gala online. I knew an event like this would resonate with my community. I’ve lived here my whole life and have a lot of connections, so I thought this played well to my resources. I was confident it was something I could pull off.
Greatest challenge: I work full-time as an OB/GYN, and my mom and my office manager are helping me out. With the Brin Wojcicki Challenge in effect for just a few more months, I needed to host my event while I could still double every dollar I raise. I couldn’t afford to wait! And I’ve received so much support from family and friends to make this happen.
Greatest reward: Many people in my area don’t know much about PD. So I’m really looking forward educating folks about Parkinson’s and Team Fox. And I hope they have fun so they want to come back next year!
Best advice: When you have Parkinson’s, Team Fox is one way you can incorporate PD in your life, versus letting it become your life.
Greatest benefit to joining Team Fox: While I’ve only been a member for a few months, people have come out of the woodwork to support me and this cause. I’m astonished that I’ve already had to increase my fundraising goal to $60,000! People now see me as a spokesperson for Parkinson’s. On behalf of the more than 15,000 Oklahomans who have PD, I’m honored to do my part.
6. Create Your Own
You don’t have to run a marathon to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research. Let your talents and interests lead you to your own event for Team Fox.
Set up an online fundraising page, track donations, connect with our mentor network, and access helpful resources to host a successful event.
Get started today online or email us at TeamFox@MichaelJFox.org.