THE PARKINSON FOUNDATION OF NORTHWEST OHIO, affectionately known as PFNWO, is hosting “Paint the Town,” a major fundraiser benefiting those with Parkinson’s disease, Thursday, September 26, 2024, 6:009:00 p.m. at the Toledo Country Club, 3949 River Road, Toledo.
“Through ‘Paint the Town,’ we aim to raise awareness of the number of those affected by Parkinson’s disease and raise funds to continue our mission of providing education, care, and comfort to those living with PD and their caregivers,” said Stacey Dunbar, PFNWO treasurer.
“Paint the Town” attendees will enjoy an evening of hand-crafted signature cocktails, fine cuisine, lively music, and a spectacular silent auction of “experience” packages and curated art auction by the Toledo Artists’ Club. Widely known artist Aaron Bivins, whose works are in corporate and private collections around the country, will be painting live on the scene. Bivins’ painting will also be part of the silent bidding process. The silent auction bidding is from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
“We don’t do gift baskets, but rather experiences” and “Bid high and often!” are the silent bidding mottos. Experiences include Who’s Your Caddy, Encounters of the Beastly Kind, Splendor in the Grass, Touch Me All Over, Start Wining, and Attention Tree Huggers among many others. You’ll have to attend “Paint the Town” to learn more about the auction experiences and the curated art by regional artists. Bidders may, however, view and purchase any artwork in advance of “Paint the Town” by visiting toledoartistclub. com/special-events. A portion of the proceeds from sold art will go toward PFNWO.
Because of individual and corporate donors and special events like “Paint the Town,” PFNWO is able to continue providing programs, services, and grants to the Northwest Ohio Parkinson’s community. Resources include support groups, an annual symposium, and programs such as “Big and Loud,” “Delay the Disease,” boxing, dance, and music therapy. PFNWO’s support is unwavering with funding to numerous entities including ProMedica’s Neuroscience Foundation and the UTMC Gardner McMaster Center for Parkinson’s Research.
Co-chairs for “Paint the Town” are Perrysburg residents Shelly and Tom Konz. Diagnosed 22 years ago with PD, Shelly has long been a PFNWO champion. Both Shelly and Tom share the same passion as PFNWO in the fight against Parkinson’s.
Northwest Ohio has a large and active Parkinson’s disease (PD) community consisting of 24 counties. Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive movement disorder that affects the lives of approximately one million people across the United States. That number is climbing. Approximately 60,000 new cases of PD are diagnosed each year in the US. In Ohio alone, over 30,000 people are afflicted with PD.
Parkinson’s disease knows no boundaries. It doesn’t recognize educational or socioeconomic factors. PFNWO serves all demographics including all underserved communities.
To learn more about the Parkinson Foundation of Northwest Ohio and the “Paint the Town” evening, to buy tickets, and for sponsorship information, visit pfnwo.org or call 800-438-5584, ext.1. Tickets must be purchased by September 16, 2024. ✲
