Fundraising and Friends

I am one-week post fundraiser as I write this blog.  One week to digest what the activities of one day meant to me and others.  Perspective is good.  When you are in the middle of organizing, running around and nagging, it is hard to see the bigger picture coming together.  It took a village to put on the event and I am grateful to that village. 

The second annual Box4Bucks fundraiser for the Michael J Fox Foundation was a huge success by all measures.  We raised over $37,000 for Parkinson’s research – a 50% increase over last year.  We had well over 300 people attending and 60 volunteers.  I saw over 300 smiles.  The PD choir and PD dancers amazed the crowd once again. Our sponsors, led by Boston Scientific, were extremely supportive.  We doubled the number of sponsors this year.  Of course, experiencing college professors, boxing coaches, Team Fox members, sponsors, etc. getting dunked by their ‘fans’, is the ultimate fun.  The event was awesome. 

I have to get back to the village.  My friends really came through this year and the event would not have been as successful without their time and creativity (and patience with me).  I am humbled by two out-of-town visitors who arrived early to help – my college roommate and my mom.  That is love – especially since I was stressed and not able to be the hostess I normally am.  My in-town besties really came through.  They embraced their assignments, enlisted their husbands, and delivered a safe, fun, successful event for a cause they took on because of me.  These are special people.  I can’t thank them enough but will keep trying.

Speaking of special people… Duane at the Pound Gym is a special coach/trainer.  The PD community has adopted him as one of us. He inspires people to be their best and strive for more.  He’s also a big teddy bear.  Additionally, the Team Fox folks sent three representatives ‘out West’ for the week of the event.  It was fantastic to get that kind of recognition.

Finally, the award ceremony at the end of the competition was very fulfilling for an organizer of an event of PD patients.  The smiles I saw through the sweat were out of control!  The winners represented various gyms in the area and different mobility levels.  No matter what your restrictions or condition, everyone strives to do their best and win. What a joy to present prizes to all those joyful faces.  The winning team for the most money raised was Pound for a Cure.  They worked very hard and as a larger team to make that happen. To them, I am forever grateful.

I’d like to hear from you.  Please leave comments below.