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.

Sunday, October 14 at 9AM
25th Annual Fall 15K and 3x5K Relay
Warner Park, 2930 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704
Come run the Annual Fall Individual and Relay Race with the UW Madison Running Club. This is a moderately challenging course right when the leaves are changing color. Run the full 15k, or form a relay team of three people to share the distance. Walkers, baby strollers and baby joggers are welcome. A majority of the race proceeds will benefit APDA Wisconsin.

Friday, March 1 at 7PM
Pucks for Parkinson’s
Bob Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena, 2616 N. Pleasant View Rd., Middleton, WI  53562
Join us for a night of family-friendly fun as the Madison Capitols Hockey take on Team USA. Buy your tickets online with the code APDACAPS. 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.

Saturday, March 2 from 2-4PM
Smile Through Art Workshop
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.

Saturday, April 6
Parkinson’s Half Marathon and 5K Run, and 1-Mile Walk
218 S Main St #100, Cottage Grove, WI 53527
In 2018 the 1,200+ participants in the Half Marathon, who 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. Registration is open and the first 250 to sign-up get a fleece blanket.

Saturday, April 13
Wine and Food Tasting
This sell-out event is an intimate evening of wine tasting and delectable food pairings with live music and a silent auction. The 2017 event raised more than $25,000.

November 2019
Parkinson’s Symposium
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.

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.

Optimism Events

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.

Optimism Walk 2018 Recap

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 Capitol mascot) and live music were also a hit.

View Facebook photo album!

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

Giving thanks

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.