Flagler Parkinson's nonprofit hosts first fundraiser, raises $2,000

The Parkinson’s of Flagler Palm Coast Support Group held its first-ever fundraiser to help locals with Parkinson's.

By Observer Staff
| 9:00 a.m. October 27, 2023

The Parkinson’s of Flagler Palm Coast Support Group raised $2,000 at its first fundraiser. Picture: volunteer Kathleen Rivera with a raffle winner. Photo courtesy of Parkinson’s of Flagler Palm Coast Support Group

Palm Coast Observer
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The Parkinson’s of Flagler Palm Coast Support Group held its first-ever fundraiser on Oct. 4 and raised $2,000 to help local residents who have Parkinson's.

The fundraiser was a bingo competition at the Elks Club, where participants won prizes, according to a press release from the Support Group. Group volunteer Kathleen Rivera said 120 came to the fundraiser.

"There were so many people there," she said. "It was insane."

Parkinson’s of Flagler Palm Coast Support group is a non-profit that seeks to bring educational speakers as well as exercise and fun events to group members.

Rivera's work, Home Instead, an at-home senior care business, and Lohman's Funeral Home sponsored the fundraiser. Other local businesses helped by giving gift cards or gift baskets for the bingo prize winners, Rivera said.

Rivera said she works in home health care, and several of her clients have Parkinson's but did not know this support group existed.

"We wanted to spread the word about [us]," Rivera said.

Rivera said since the first fundraiser went so well, the group may end up holding quarterly events similar to it. The funds raised will help pay for educational speakers and exercise classes.