The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s in Grosse Pointe Woods has announced that tickets are on sale for the Everybody vs. Parkinson’s Gala, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan in Detroit. The gala, which benefits the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s and Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation, will be held on Oct. 19 at the Sound Board in the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit.
The evening will include a VIP cocktail reception with a strolling dinner, live entertainment, dancing, silent and live auctions, a presentation, and complimentary valet parking.
Former Detroit Tiger Kirk Gibson, who was on the 1984 World series team, was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s Disease nearly three years ago and began dedicating his energy to the cause. Since that time, Gibson joined forces with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation.
The goal of both foundations and the gala is to increase awareness of Parkinson’s. The partnership encompasses a year-long campaign and series of events that bring awareness and support to the Parkinson’s Disease community.
Serving as executive chairs for this fall’s fundraiser are Daniel J. Loepp, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and his wife Amy Loepp.
“It’s like a hand in a glove, the way the foundations fit together,” says Gibson, referring to the alliance between The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s and the Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation. “It’s my dream team. Together we can defeat Parkinson’s.”
The Kirk Gibson Foundation was created in 1996 to provide college scholarships to students at Waterford Kettering and Clarkston High Schools. Gibson’s parents, Robert and Barbara, taught at the schools for many years.
After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2015, Gibson expanded the mission of the foundation to raise awareness and funding for Parkinson’s research. Additional goals of the foundation are to create awareness and understanding about the disease.
Tickets for the gala are $300 per person and can be purchased on the Everybody vs. Parkinson’s website. Donations will also be accepted and can be made online or mailed to Everybody vs. Parkinson’s at 19798 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236.
