Events Join our Community APDA Wisconsin Events Check back often or follow us on Facebook for the latest-and-greatest event announcements. Our current virtual programs and classes are linked here. In response to the evolving coronavirus disease and with an abundance of caution, the American Parkinson Disease Association has decided to postpone all in-person events and meetings until further notice. We want you to know that this decision was not made lightly. Our first priority is the health and safety of our attendees, volunteers, and staff. Learn more about APDA’s response to COVID-19 here. Recap and outcomes Upper Midwest Parkinson Symposium November 2020 Upper Midwest Parkinson Symposium 2020 Virtual Optimism Walk September 2020 Thanks to your generous support we raised more than $20,000. Parkinson’s Symposium November 1, 2019 Marriott West (Middleton) More than 250 people attended this much appreciated education and support program. The 2019 event featured informational sessions for people living with PD and their families, caregivers and health care professionals. In addition to an uplifting keynote speaker were two session tracks, diverse exhibitor area, and interactive exercise breaks. Optimism Walk August 25, 2019 Warner Park (Madison) The Optimism Walk is part of a nationwide movement to mobilize and inspire people to help put an end to Parkinson’s disease. This Wisconsin family-friendly event is a fun short walk, a cookout, community resource fair, musical entertainment and time visiting and connecting with others in our Parkinson’s community. More than 200 people turned out for the 2019 event raising nearly $24,000. Connecting Through Art Workshop August 24, 2019 Badger Rock Neighborhood Center (Madison) The Connecting Through Art workshop is a new creative arts program that offers people with Parkinson’s disease the space and ability to express feelings, emotions and daily concerns through their artwork. This program encourages participants to socialize as they participate in art activities and also helps them to strengthen their fine motor movements. It is open to any adult who has been diagnosed with PD and their care partner. This free program was attended by eight people. Financial Planning for Parkinson’s presentation May 22, 2019 Urban League of Greater Madison Living with Parkinson’s disease can have significant impacts to your finances. But these needn’t take you by surprise. Come learn some of the most important tools for financial planning when Parkinson’s is part of your life. Whether you’re protecting wealth or seeking additional resources, you’ll learn resources and methods to build confidence in your financial future so that you can live life to the fullest. This free program was attended by nine people. Perfect Pairings: An evening of wine & food April 13, 2019 Black Hawk Country Club (Madison) Perfect Pairings four-course small plate dinner and wine tasting event was a sell-out again 2019. This year we raised more than $40,000 from registrations, wine pull, silent auction and sponsorships. Key to this year’s success was two $4,000 auction wins for an overnight stay and cases of wine donated by Dutcher Crossing winery. This event raised more than $25,000 in 2018, and we were thrilled to beat that amount this year – all in the name of supporting the Parkinson’s community. View photos of the 2018 event. Parkinson’s Half Marathon and 5K Run, and 1-Mile Walk April 6, 2019 Glacial Drumlin Trail (Cottage Grove) Parkinson’s disease Awareness Month in April started with a bang as 1,400 runners and walkers joined us for the Parkinson’s Half Marathon and 5k. It’s always such fun to see so many teams of family and friends band together in fitness and support of those with PD. Smile Through Art Workshop March 2, 2019 DreamBank (Madison) APDA Wisconsin hosted the Massachusetts Art Cart’s Smile Through Art program. About 20 people enjoyed an afternoon of creativity. If you couldn’t join us for this first visit, I have good news. They’ll be back August 24th for a Connecting Through Art program. Pucks for Parkinson’s March 1, 2019 Bob Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena (Middleton) In early March, we had a great group of American Parkinson Disease Association supporters at the Pucks for PD event with the Madison Capitols hockey team. The Caps had a near sell-out crowd, so there were lots of eyes on the Nasett family as they dropped the puck to start the game. We raised nearly $400. More importantly, lots of new people learned about our organization. Oh, and we had a great time. 25th Annual Fall 15K and 3x5K Relay October 14, 2018 University of Wisconsin-Madison The Annual Fall Individual and Relay Race with the UW Madison Running Club was a success. More than 80 runners including the relay teams raised nearly $900 to be donated to APDA Wisconsin. Runners enjoyed a beautiful day, a moderately challenging course with lots of Fall color, and helping out a worthy cause. Optimism Events These events help raise funds to enable APDA Wisconsin Chapter to continue providing local support and education to those touched by Parkinson’s disease right in your own communities, and also fund scientific research into the causes. We’re always looking for event volunteers and sponsors, so give us a shout-out if you are interested. Did you know that you can start your own fundraiser in your community and donate the proceeds to help the APDA further its mission? Let us know if you are planning an Optimism Event of your own and we would be happy to list it on our website. Please note that Optimism Events are not sponsored or affiliated with the APDA in any way.
