Community members are joining forces with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for a musical fundraiser aimed at supporting local efforts to fight Parkinson’s disease.
“Parkinstock,” which is a play on words with Parkinson’s and Woodstock, will be held at Blaker Brewing in Ceres on May 14. This is the third year the fundraiser will take place and the first time it will be hosted by the popular taproom. The day will consist of several live performances, games and other activities to raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Admission into the event is free.
The collaboration between local organizations and the Michael J. Fox Foundation began several years ago when Turlock native Sherri Todd was diagnosed with the disease.
“We put on this event for Sherri Todd, who at 35 years old, this wife and mother of two was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease,” explained event organizer Kyle Anderson. “Sherri is an amazing individual that is always offering help and doing things for others without thinking of herself. We are proud to do this for and the countless others in this world that have to struggle on a daily basis with this disease.”
There are a number of activities planned for Saturday’s fundraiser.
Throughout the day, six different singers and bands will perform live music. Musicians include Makin’ Noise, Matt Davis, Tea Noelle, Scotch Beck, Jamie Byous and headliner Neil Buettner.
Additionally, a 10 to 12 team cornhole tournament is planned for the fundraiser. It is $20 for an individual spot and $40 for a team spot, with preregistration and payment required. The winner of the tournament will win a full growler of beer.
Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase beer and Blaker Brewing will be having a special release of 4-packs and will continue offer their wide selection of on-tap products during the event. The Rub BBQ food truck will be at the venue selling food for attendees.
Numerous raffles are also on the schedule. Prizes will be awarded throughout the day with a grand prize winner announced at approximately 7 p.m.
Whether it is the cornhole tournament, raffle entries, or the purchase of food and drinks, all proceeds will go towards the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
April Heft has participated in the fundraiser for the past few years, as she is a longtime friend of Todd. Heft has also helped organizing the event and explained that in past years due to COVID, the team has still had success reaching donors virtually. This year’s event will also be livestreamed, accompanied with online links to donate to the fund.
“This is great opportunity to bring awareness to this wonderful charity affecting one of our dear friends along with so many others,” Heft said. “So far, we have made a good push and are over $7,400 raised, looking towards that $20,000 goal. We all are doing that final push prior to the event, and if you are able to make it out, awesome, it will be a great time.”
More information regarding the Parkinstock fundraiser can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/musicforacure.parkinstock, on Instagram at @MusicForaCure, or on the official fundraiser website at fundraise.michaeljfox.org/tf-2022/parkinstock2022.
