Local Parkinson's network raises $44K

FINDLAY — The Hancock County Parkinson's Network hosted its 3rd annual Empower Walk & Resource Fair Saturday at 50 North in Findlay. The community event brought together individuals living with Parkinson's disease, caregivers, families, healthcare professionals and local businesses in support of Parkinson's education and resources in Northwest Ohio. The event raised over $30,000 in sponsorship support and over $9,000 through team fundraising efforts. A total of 14 teams participated in the walk, with 30 community vendors providing educational resources and services. Approximately 350 individuals attended the event. In addition to sponsorships and team fundraising, every basket and silent auction item donated contributed to the overall success of the event. These donated items played an important role in increasing community engagement and advancing fundraising efforts, a release from the Parkinson's Network states. Funds raised from the Empower Walk support local Parkinson's exercise programming, caregiver support initiatives, educational events and community awareness efforts throughout Hancock County and the region. "The Empower Walk continues to show what is possible when a community comes together," said Barb Matheny, founder of the Hancock County Parkinson's Network. "Every team that walked, every sponsor who gave, every vendor who participated, and every basket and silent auction item donated made a meaningful impact for individuals and families living with Parkinson's. The support we see here stays local and continues throughout the year." The Empower Walk & Resource Fair serves as one of HCPN's primary annual fundraising and awareness events, meant to connect families to critical resources while building a stronger Parkinson's support network in Northwest Ohio. For more information about the Hancock County Parkinson's Network and its programs, visit hcparkinsonsnetwork.org.