2019 was a huge year for our Shake It Up fundraisers who collectively raised over $423,538 for Parkinson’s research by hosting their own DIY events, or participating in an athletic event. We are so grateful to have such an active, engaged and generous group of supporters willing to commit their time and energy to raise awareness and funds for this important cause. For our hero post this week, we thought we’d look back on our top 10 fundraisers that hosted events in 2019 and highlight their achievements.
TOP FUNDRAISER – Monkey Mia Boys take on the Canning Stock Route
In mid-2019, Urq, Pas, Chis, Salty, Lachie and Wetty took on the Canning Stock Route and the Anne Beadell Highway through five deserts – Tanami, Great Sandy, Little Sandy, Gibson and Great Victoria. to raise funds for Parkinson’s. They safely completed the adventure, after 3 weeks away from home. They had a great group of supporters and raised over $36,000 for research.
2. Larapinta: Trek for Parkinson’s
The breath-taking Central Australian desert was the feature of our Inspired Adventures trek to Larapinta. The team of 18 battled the steep, uneven ground in soaring temperatures, bunkering down in swags overnight under a sea of stars. A huge team effort helped them to raise $88,000 for research.
Read the inspiring stories behind our trekkers
3. Coxy’s Long Walk
David Cox had the ambitious idea last year to walk with his friends from Sydney to Dubbo. The walk was challenging but worthwhile, with the team meeting many wonderful supporters along the way and were treated to some iconic Australian outback hospitality. They spread awareness about Parkinson’s as they walked and raised over $33,000.
4. Dungog Bowtie Luncheon
As part of Pause 4 Parkinson’s 2019, the local Dungog community hosted their annual Bowtie Luncheon, raising funds for Shake It Up. The fundraiser is a historic event for the community and Professor Dominic Rowe attended to speak about Parkinson’s Research. Their hard work and generosity raised $25,000 for Shake It Up.
5. Robin Hawthorn and ‘Imagination’ race in the Sydney to Hobart
Dr Robin Hawthorn, inspired to find a solution to Parkinson’s by his patients, orchestrated a huge fundraiser through the Sydney to Hobart race and his entry ‘Inspiration’. Although the team didn’t have favourable winds for the race, they raised much needed awareness about Parkinson’s in the yachting community and over $21,000 for Shake It Up.
6. Phil Hesketh – Psychology of Pre-suasion
On Feb 2019, over 140 people gathered at Manly Golf Club to hear Phil Hesketh talk on the Psychology of Pre – Suasion. Over three and a half hours Phil kept the crowd engaged and entertained on topics such as how to handle objections, the real meaning of ‘WIN-WIN’ and ‘Emotional Negotiation’.
Shake It Up Board Member Graeme Fear and his wife Ingrid hosted the event which was a huge success, raising $20,828 to help find improved treatments to slow or stop the progression of Parkinson’s.
7. Christy Glenn Rides from Melbourne to Sydney
Motivated by her father’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, Christy embarked on a huge 1,300km bike ride along the East Coast of Australia, all the way from Melbourne to Sydney. The challenge was tough, both physically and mentally, and Christy raised over $18,500.
8. Shane Hill’s ‘Halfway to 120’ Birthday Bash
Shane Hill has been a strong supporter of Shake It Up, sponsoring our Hot August Night concert in 2018. In 2019, Shane hosted a ‘Halfway to 120’ birthday bash, with his friends, family and special guest musicians. By asking for donations instead of presents, Shane raised over $14,000.
9. Balmain Shakes It Up for Parkinson’s Research
In March of 2019, two friends – Lorraine and Giovina – hosted a huge fundraising event in Balmain, bringing the community together to show their support for Giovina’s dad who had Parkinson’s. They hosted a live auction on the night and sought donations. Everyone had a really enjoyable time and together they raised $11,509 for Parkinson’s research.
10. The Moltoni Family
Last year, the Moltoni family banded together to fundraise for Pause 4 Parkinson’s. Their fundraising was a real grassroots effort, with so many family, friends and local businesses getting involved. They managed to raise over $10,000 making them the highest community fundraisers of Pause 4 Parkinson’s 2019.
If you’re interested in making a difference in 2020 find out more by visiting our ‘Getting Involved’ section on our website.
