Upcoming Events

APDA Wisconsin Events

We have lots of events that are still in the planning stages. Check back often or follow us on Facebook for the latest-and-greatest announcements.

Pucks for Parkinson’s

Friday, March 1, puck drops at 7pm
Bob Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena, 2616 N. Pleasant View Road, Middleton, WI  53562
Join us for a night of family-friendly fun as the Madison Capitols Hockey take on Team USA. Ticket options are $15 for a Tier 1 ticket and a Chuck-a-Puck or $20 for a Tier 1 ticket and a Chuck-a-Puck plus a food and a drink item. All ticket prices include a donation to APDA Wisconsin. Chuck-a-Pucks are an audience contest where numbered soft foam pucks are tossed onto targets on the ice. The number closest to the target wins. Fun, family and hockey. Buy your tickets online with the code APDACAPS.

Smile Through Art Workshop

Saturday, March 2 from 2-4pm
DreamBank, 821 E. Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53703
A nationally-recognized workshop developed for those with Parkinson’s to spread smiles through creativity and movement is coming to Madison. The workshop is designed for the PD community with the goal of improving fine and gross motor control, mood; and also combating rigidity, tremors and micrographia. Register now!

Parkinson’s Half Marathon and 5K Run, and 1-Mile Walk

Saturday, April 6
218 S Main Street #100, Cottage Grove, WI 53527
In 2018 the 1,200+ participants in the Half Marathon and 5K event raised more than $55,000 to further APDA Wisconsin’s mission. The event is more than a fundraiser. It was built on a foundation of family and friends’ love and fellowship, all coming together to make a difference. This events proceeds are exclusively used for Wisconsin education and patient services.

In 2019 we’re hoping to expand the “virtual race” options.  The Participant Letter provides detail on packets, parking and a HUGE thank you to volunteers and sponsors. This event would not happen without our wonderful volunteers; please email us at Parkinsonsvolunteers@gmail.com if you are interested in helping. Registration is open and the first 250 to sign-up get an APDA fleece blanket.

Perfect Pairings: An evening of wine & food

Saturday, April 13th from 5:30-8:30pm
Blackhawk Country Club, 3606 Blackhawk Drive, Madison, WI 53705

Join us for an intimate evening of wine tasting and delectable food pairings with live classical music and a silent auction. Dutcher Crossing Winery  in Healdsburg, California, will share some of its finest varietals and vintages. Each will be paired with one of four courses by Blackhawk Country Club’s chef. Meet the winemaker – Dutcher Crossing Winery proprietor and Wisconsin-native, Debra Mathy,  who will share insights on each of the wines, their wine making process and answer questions. Guests can also order their favorite wines from Dutcher Crossing Winery.

During the silent auction you can bid on an extensive selection of quality items that range from original art, to vacation get-aways and cases of wine. Andrea Hillsey from Square Wine Co. will be pouring wine during the auction. Bring your competitive spirit and sense of adventure for the new-this-year wine pull. Purchase your tickets online.

This sell-out event raised more than $25,000 in 2018, and we hope to beat that amount this year – all in the name of supporting the Parkinson’s community. View photos of the 2018 event.

Optimism Walk

Sunday, August 25
Warner Park,  1625 Northport Drive, Madison, WI 53704
Walk with us! Strength in optimism. Hope in progress. The Optimism Walk is part of a nationwide movement to mobilize and inspire people to step up and help put an end to Parkinson’s disease. This family-friendly event is a fun short walk, demonstrations, vendor booths, picnic lunch, and time visiting and meeting others who have Parkinson disease.

Parkinson’s Symposium

Friday, November 1, full day event
Marriott West,  1313 John Q Hammons Drive, Middleton, WI 53562
Details and plans are still being worked out, but we’re excited to bring back this much appreciated education and support program to the Madison area.

The 2019 event will feature informational sessions for people living with PD and their families, caregivers and health professionals. In addition to
uplifting keynote speaker there will be at least two session tracks and interactive presentations offering options for everyone including veterans, early onset and women. There will be more than 20 vendor booths showcasing a variety of products and services.

Interested in becoming a sponsor or want to reserve a booth? Contact Rachel Wilberding via email or at 608-345-7938

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.

Recap and outcomes

s of events that are still in the planning stages. Check back often or follow us on Facebook for the latest-and-greatest announcements.

25th Annual Fall 15K and 3x5K Relay 2018
The Annual Fall Individual and Relay Race with the UW Madison Running Club on Sunday, October 14 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 Walk 2018

The 2018 Wisconsin Optimism Walk held August 26th was a huge success, far surpassing last year’s totals. The final numbers are still being tallied but we know there were more than 200 participants, who raised more than $33,000.

The weather was a extremely warm at about 88 degrees, but the breeze and the ice cream kept us from roasting in the heat too much. And, there was concern that heavy rainfall and area flooding would negatively impact attendance. But, no! It was a great turnout.

Feedback from participants was exuberant. Everyone loved the cookout, chance to talk with sponsors and warm-up exercises by the Art Cart team. The photo ops with DC Eagle (Madison Capitols mascot) and live music were also a hit.

We appreciate everyone who turned out to be part of the 2018 Wisconsin Optimism Walk, to mobilize and inspire people to step up and help put an end to Parkinson’s disease.

Thank you to our sponsors: Impax, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Senior Helpers, and Midwest Family Care.

Special thanks to:

• Phil Schleicher for being the mastermind and driving force behind the walk, especially the food and the raffle.
• Courtney Broadfoot, who was a rockstar at organizing our great volunteers.
• Charlene Allo, from APDA national, for flying into Wisconsin to provide an extra set of hands.

View Facebook photo album!

To learn more about the event, here is an ABC TV27 newsclip interview of Rachel Wilberding and Phil Schleicher.