Fall / Winter 2020 | Community 23 funds virtually ,” says Madison Hurwitz , Team Fox NOLA Executive Board chair .
One team member began selling handmade masks on Etsy and donating 100 percent of the proceeds , and another is hosting Zoom workout classes to raise additional funds . “ Prior to COVID-19 , our fundraising was mainly targeted to our local community , but now we can expand our reach ,” says Madison .
“ We also are trying to find ways to support our local businesses that have been struggling ,” says Madison . In October , since they can ’ t host their annual bowling fundraiser , Team Fox NOLA is planning a silent auction via Instagram in which people can bid on curated baskets featuring local products and services .
On the East Coast , the New England Parkinson ’ s Ride ( NEPR ), based in Old Orchard Beach , Maine , changed courses with a “ Cycling in Sync ” remote challenge . By August , they had secured riders in all 50 states , plus Canada , England , Ireland and Singapore for the September event . Peter Marconi who is living with PD and is the captain of Team CRCF Strong , the top NEPR fundraising team , says , “ Continuity is important ; we can ’ t just miss a year . Any amount we raise is worthwhile .” He adds , “ When I reach out to supporters this year , it ’ s more about letting people know how I ’ m doing and why I ’ m still riding . Continuing to raise awareness and keeping people engaged for future years is critical .”
Visit our virtual events hub (
michaeljfox . org / virtualevents ) for upcoming virtual fundraisers and to download guides on fundraising via social media , canceling or postponing your event , and more .
A World Record in the Name of Parkinson ’ s Research
The “ Fox Ninja ” has done it again ! Team Fox fundraiser Jimmy Choi — who made headlines as a competitor on NBC ’ s American Ninja Warrior — has broken an all-time record in the name of Parkinson ’ s research . In August , Jimmy beat the Guinness World Record of chestto-ground burpees by completing an astonishing 30 burpees in just 60 seconds . Surrounded by family and friends from a safe distance , Jimmy broadcast his latest athletic feat live on social media to raise more than $ 12,500 to help speed scientific breakthroughs .
Diagnosed with Parkinson ’ s at 27 , Jimmy , now 44 , admitted he was in denial for the first seven years after his diagnosis . It was only after a bad fall , that he decided to confront his disease head-on . It started as a single step down the street , which turned into a walk , a jog and then a half marathon . Today , Jimmy is a full-fledged endurance athlete who has competed in more than 16 marathons , 100 half marathons , and four seasons of American Ninja Warrior .