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From Politics to Parkinson’s Awareness

From Politics to Parkinson’s Awareness

Participants from the 2013 Stone Creek Twilight Run

The Annual Stone Creek Twilight Run in Covington, Louisiana, is a unique family event. It kicks off at dusk and comprises a one-mile fun run, 5K race and celebratory post-race pool party with dinner, music and entertainment. Founded in 2010 by Team Fox member Quentin Dastugue and his wife, Penny, following Quentin’s diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease, the event is only the latest chapter in his longstanding commitment to community engagement. A New Orleans native, Quentin was first elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives at age 23 and went on to serve four terms. In his subsequent career in real estate, Quentin was known in the community for his active involvement in local charitable causes.

“One of the unanticipated surprises of having PD and hosting this event,” says Quentin, “has been the unique friendships that Penny and I have been able to create with others directly touched by Parkinson’s.” Such was the case with Steve and Cynthia Kragthorpe, who joined the Twilight Run Committee in 2011 after Steve’s PD diagnosis was made public. An assistant coach for the Louisiana State University (LSU) football team, Steve recalls how “after meeting a Parkinson’s friend in Quentin, I was inspired to join the effort to find a cure. Over the past two years, we have become great friends who have also enjoyed becoming MJFF supporters.”

With a larger event committee on board, the Twilight Run expanded in 2011 with the addition of a formal Poolside Patron Party, held a few days before the race and featuring dinner, live music and a silent auction. Sponsored by corporations and local businesses, the Patron Party was a creative and successful way for the committee to broaden the donor pool while increasing the awareness around Parkinson’s.

In April, Stone Creek 2013 brought together 250 runners and walkers who took part in the family-friendly events and festivities. More than 1,000 tickets to the Patron Party also were sold, with silent auction items ranging from golf outings and vacation home rentals to autographed sports memorabilia from LSU. “We have a great turnout year after year,” Quentin says. “We’re so grateful for the community’s ongoing support of our efforts.”

While event proceeds were initially split across a few organizations, this year the event committee selected The Michael J. Fox Foundation as sole beneficiary. Proceeds totaled $54,100, an all-time high for the event, earning a spot on the list of Team Fox’s top 2013 fundraisers.

So what’s next for the Stone Creek crew? “We’ll continue expanding and improving our Annual Twilight Run events,” says Quentin. “But we’ve also started exploring the possibility of adding a new fall event. We don’t know what 2014 will bring, but we’re ready to make it the best year yet.”

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