Team Fox supporters tee off at Targeting a Cure events across the country.
In 2021, six teams took their swings for something bigger than a spot on the leaderboard: a future without Parkinson’s disease (PD). That first Targeting a Cure fundraiser has since grown into a nationwide Topgolf event where supporters of all ages and abilities gather in cities across the country for friendly competition and a shared mission to fund PD research.
The event idea came from longtime Team Fox supporters Kathy and Joe Holden, whose commitment to the Parkinson’s community began nearly a decade earlier. After hosting their first Team Fox fundraiser in 2012, they continued organizing in-person events through 2019 — until the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to rethink how they could safely bring people together.
In 2020, Kathy adapted by hosting an online basket raffle, selecting one winner each day for a month. The fundraiser was successful, but she missed the energy and connection of in-person events. After some research, she stumbled upon Topgolf and was immediately intrigued. Kathy and Joe met with the Germantown Topgolf team, the closest location to their home in Elicott City, Maryland, and were immediately sold.
They soon learned about Topgolf’s ability to create tournament style events with different teams at different locations across the country, all competing against each other. That sparked a bigger idea: What if it wasn’t just one event in one city?
“Originally, we had in mind to just do one event in Germantown,” said Kathy. “But after we visited Topgolf in person, we knew the event could be bigger.”
As more Team Fox members heard about the event, more wanted to participate. At its largest, Targeting a Cure has brought together 15 teams nationwide. No matter what city you’re in, every location provides a welcoming atmosphere, friendly competition and a commitment to funding research to end Parkinson’s.
Each location has a Team Captain — a local leader in the community responsible for recruiting golfers to the event and organizing logistics with Topgolf. Their biggest responsibility is being present at the event and getting everyone excited. Without them, the event would not be possible.
Since 2021, Targeting a Cure has grown to be much more than just one family’s fundraiser. It’s become a platform that empowers supporters across the country. As it expands to new cities, new leaders in the community continue to rise.
Sam Bettis, a Team Captain in Chicago, Illinois, is a prime example.
Sam first got involved with Targeting a Cure through the vast Team Fox network and a little nudge from MJFF Patient Council member Jimmy Choi. Though new to Targeting a Cure, Sam was no stranger to MJFF. Sam served as the chair of the Team Fox Young Professionals Group in Chicago for many years and even ran the Chicago Marathon with Team Fox in 2013. Sam’s father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1986 but strives to live his life to the fullest each day. They grew up golfing together, so the event provides an extra special moment for the two of them.
“Targeting a Cure with my dad and extended family and friends has been a highlight of every calendar year,” said Sam. “My dad might not be able to get a full round of golf in, but every year he manages to get a few swings in.”
Additionally, Sam shares the clear enthusiasm that radiates from the Holdens. “Their passion for this event inspires me to do more everyday,” he said.
No matter the city or the year, Targeting a Cure continuously provides an uplifting and inspiring environment to all those who attend. What started as an idea from an ambitious couple has blossomed into a successful event that brings the community together year after year to continue the mission to end Parkinson’s.
Join Kathy and Joe for Targeting a Cure at a Topgolf near you this October.