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Foundation Updates

Signature Series Sponsor Spotlight: Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.

Staff members from Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. at the New York City Fox Trot.

For years, Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. and The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) have collaborated on several initiatives to address the unmet needs of people with Parkinson’s. Since the establishment of MJFF’s Fox Trot 5K Run/Walk Series, that partnership has extended to Parkinson’s communities across the country.

In 2017, Acorda signed on as a sponsor of MJFF’s inaugural Boston Fox Trot 5K Run/Walk. In addition, the Acorda team had a strong showing at the event, with 55 runners and walkers who raised additional funds for the program. Since then, they’ve served as a National Fox Trot Sponsor, with their support spanning all Fox Trot 5K Run/Walk Series events across the country (which grew to seven events in 2019!).

Acorda continues to have a presence at the Boston Fox Trot and the New York City Fox Trot, with a growing team of participants, fundraisers, volunteers and supporters. To date, the team has contributed over $45,000 through MJFF’s Fox Trot 5K Run/Walk Series — 100 percent of which goes directly to MJFF’s high-impact research programs.

The Acorda team captain, Laura Finley DiBenedetto, works with the Parkinson’s community and is an integral force behind the company’s ongoing commitment to the Series. We asked Laura about Acorda’s involvement in our community events and how others can get involved too. Read the Q and A:

MJFF: How did Acorda’s involvement with MJFF’s Fox Trot 5K Series develop?

Laura: We have been supporting The Michael J. Fox Foundation since we entered the Parkinson’s community and are regularly looking for ways our employees can get involved at a community level. We like that the Fox Trots focus on movement and exercise, which we know is important in Parkinson’s. We also like that there are a variety of ways to participate.

MJFF: How has Acorda’s sponsorship of the Series and employee engagement in the Series evolved since 2017?

Laura: Since a number of the Fox Trots occur in locations where we have offices, such as New York and Boston, they provide an opportunity to bring our employees from those offices together to fundraise and engage with the local Parkinson’s community. Getting to know the communities where we serve is important at Acorda, and the Fox Trots have created a chance for our employees to get involved. We’ve been participating in these events now for the past couple of years, and it’s exciting to see an increase in employee participation year over year -- and this year is no exception.

MJFF: In what ways are Acorda employees engaging with the Series?

Laura: Our employees participate in a number of ways, including fundraising, volunteering, running or walking and bringing their families and friends along to learn more about Parkinson’s.

MJFF: Any insight or advice for other companies or corporate teams considering getting involved?

Laura: Fox Trots are a fun and memorable team building experience that blends together fundraising and community service in the best possible way allowing employees to give back and be inspired.   

Looking for ways your company can get involved? Check out our Corporate Partner one-pager for available opportunities.

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