FUN IN THE SUN (AND RAIN) FOR PARKINSON’S

On an unusually blustery day in the desert, a group of about 140 golfers marched out to the greens for a golf tournament benefiting Parkinson’s Resource Organization. The golfers, all members of the Palm Desert Greens Country Club, were participating in their annual charity golf tournament, a tradition stretching back decades. Despite clouds, wind, and even some spitting rain, the golfers placed friendly side bets, enjoyed treats and drinks at each of the holes, and laughed their way through a morning of friendly rivalry.

Following the tournament, golfers hurried inside for a warm lunch, silent auction, and a rousing live auction led by Board Member John White and his fellow KESQ News Channel 3 co-star Patrick Evans. The true star of the show was PDG’s golf pro, Bob  Breidenbach, who started a bidding war over the privilege of playing a round with him. The winning bidder made one demand though... the famously buttoned-up Breidenbach must unbutton the very top button of his golf shirt. For the sake of charity, Breidenbach acquiesced.

This year, Parkinson’s Resource Organization was the charity of choice, thanks to the advocacy of Barbara Kelly, Liz Dixon, and a special group of women known as PDG Strong. This group initially became involved with PRO through the First Annual PRO on the Move Walk. Looking to do something to honor her brother who died of Parkinson’s, Barbara brought her walk idea to PRO and it’s been an annual tradition ever since. This year, you can join us in-person or virtually on Saturday, April 27th for the 3rd Annual Walk. (Learn more at ParkinsonsResource.org/PAM.) Seeing the opportunity to help their favorite organization even more, the PDG Strong ladies lobbied for PRO to receive this year’s golf tournament proceeds, and we made a number of new friends in the process. One key thing to know about the PDG Strong crew… they’re competitive. They set themselves a goal to beat the proceeds from last year’s golf tournament, and it’s safe to say they smashed it.

The Palm Desert Greens Charity Golf Tournament raised $36,000 for Parkinson’s  Resource Organization. Or, as Barbara would say, $6,000 more than last year. What made this fundraiser so meaningful for PRO is simple — we didn’t have to beg. As a nonprofit, our programs are entirely community-funded, which means we have to ask for money all the time. Trust us, it gets old. We were so honored that PDG Strong went to bat for PRO and put this tournament together entirely on their own. As a small organization with big goals, it really makes a difference. Does your community run any events for charity? Would you consider going to bat for PRO? Let us know. Call
877-775-4111 or eMail us at info@parkinsonsresource.org.
You can see photos from the event on our Facebook and Instagram pages, and stay tuned for a special check presentation in April.