Donate

Joe & Patty Schlicher presented with Tulip Award

Four years ago, Joe & Patty Schlicher took over a community golf outing that had been held for many years to support WPA. Together with their friends and family, they have held the “Movers & Shakers Classic” golf outing in Elkhorn as a way to raise awareness and money for WPA.

Joe & Patty’s support is evident through their work year-round, not just at the golf outing. They were instrumental in starting a Rock Steady Boxing class at the Geneva Lakes Family YMCA, and they started a support group for people with PD and caregivers in conjunction with the Boxing class. Patty also joined WPA’s newly formed Caregiver Committee to help us expand our programming.

Joe & Patty were surprised with the Tulip Award at the Movers & Shakers Classic on June 2. The award recognizes a worthy individual, couple, or family who have shown dedication and a commitment toward helping people with PD and educating the public about PD.

We are so grateful to Joe & Patty for the work they have done to promote hope, community, support, and resources for people with PD and their loved ones!

Read more

Former LPGA Golfer Cherie Zaun to Participate in Parkinson’s Fundraiser

In the 1970s, Golfer Cherie Zaun was on her way toward a promising career, and put her career on hold to raise two children. In the 1990s, with her children grown, Cherie decided to follow her dream: to compete at the highest level in golf. With a lot of hard work and dedication Cherie earned her way to the LPGA tour. She competed in over 30 tournaments and practiced week after week to improve her play. Struggling with her game, she began to realize that something was not quite right with her body. She tried to remain strong and work through it, only to have her symptoms get worse.

In 2003, determined to figure out what was going on with her body, Cherie left the tour, and was diagnosed with Parkinson disease. Symptoms of Parkinson disease can include tremor, slowness of movement, rigidity, problems with balance, and more. While Parkinson’s can be managed with exercise and medication, it is chronic and progressive and has no cure.

Cherie chose to get involved with many organizations and events that promote living well with Parkinson disease. The LPGA tour lost a very talented player, but the Parkinson world gained a great spokesperson. Cherie wants to be a part of the journey to find a cure for Parkinson’s in her lifetime. She now travels around the country speaking and appearing at charity golf outings — including the Movers & Shakers Classic on Saturday, June 2 at Evergreen Golf Course in Elkhorn, Wisconsin.

Coordinated by Joe & Patti Schlicher, the Movers & Shakers Golf Classic includes a golf outing, live and silent auctions, raffle, and a dinner for golfers, family members, and the community. Cherie will be a part of the day, and will be sharing her story at dinner. All proceeds from the event benefit Wisconsin Parkinson Association, which provides hope, community, support and resources for people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones.

“We are so honored the Movers & Shakers Classic has again chosen to support WPA,” said Gary Garland, executive director of Wisconsin Parkinson Association. “This annual event has raised over $35,000 that assists support and exercise groups and educational programs around the state. Cherie’s presence will be a great addition this year!”

Cost to participate in the golf outing (including dinner) is $96/golfer. The dinner only option is available for $24 (for a hamburger or brat) or $32 (for steak or chicken). To participate or to donate money or an item for the auction, contact Joe Schlicher at 262-949-8011.

Read more

WPA Open – Thank you!

WPA hosted our 6th Annual WPA Open Against Parkinson Disease on September 12, 2017 at The Legend of Merrill Hills in Waukesha, WI. This golf outing and dinner are the only fundraiser WPA coordinates, and the money raised supports outreach, education and services to people with Parkinson disease, their caregivers, family members, and health professionals.

Thank you to Financial Strategies, Inc., and HeatTek, Inc., our presenting sponsors, as well as all of the sponsors who made this event a success. To see photos from the day, click here.

One of the highlights of the outing this year was having Patrick Pelkey with us. Patrick is a Parkinson’s Support Group leader, and he is a woodcarver. He spent the day carving these beautiful “comfort birds” that we auctioned off. Patrick has Parkinson’s, and he has found that when he starts carving, his tremors subside.

The smooth texture and beautiful wood have a calming effect, and Patrick is proud to share his talents with children and adults who need comforting.

Thanks to all who supported the WPA Open!

Read more