We held our first fundraiser on November 3rd at the lovely Hotel Hawthorne in Salem, MA. Surrounded by family, as well as long-time and new friends, who came in support of our programs, we found ourselves incredibly happy and deeply humbled.

Popular local artist Anthony Padula, who created and donated an original painting for the event that he titled “First Light”, made a personal appearance and was introduced to an appreciative audience.  We were grateful to another renown artist for his donated painting…Charlie Allen. We’re sorry he wasn’t able to attend, as many people familiar with his work would have loved to meet him.

Linda’s brother, Bob, and sister-in-law, Joanne, and Linda’s mother traveled north to attend. Bob was one energetic auctioneer! Linda’s friends – Mary, Lori, Sandy and Allison – have unofficially earned the unsung heroine awards for all their help! Three of our exercise instructors, Dianna Daly, Linda Greenwald, and Sue Riordan, attended and had opportunities to answer questions about their classes. Cathi Thomas, coordinator of the American Parkinson’s Association Mass Chapter Information & Referral Center, attended with her husband. Cathi is an important source of encouragement and resource information for not only us, but for people with Parkinson’s throughout the entire state. She is tireless in her support efforts and we’re grateful to be able to call her our friend!

This posting runs the obvious risk of unintentionally omitting people, but it cannot be finished without thanking Danvers exercise class members Gayle Fletcher and Laurie Grieves for attending with their husbands, Tom and Bob. You’re just the best!

We’re grateful for all the support and friendship that combined to make our fundraiser a success! We look forward to starting another new class in Hamilton in early January. To everyone who attended, who participated in the silent and live auctions, who made donations, who wrote such lovely notes of support…thank you!