About the 50/50 Fundraiser, Essex, MD
On August 29, 2019, a “50/50 Dinner” was held at an exclusive facility in Essex, MA for the John Paul Jr. Huntington’s Disease Foundation. The purpose of this event was to raise much needed funds to further research towards the cure for Huntington’s Disease (HD).
It was an unforgettable evening of celebrity racers, rare automobiles, generous and exclusive items for silent auction, heart-warming videos and priceless conversation / stories.
This exclusive fund-raising dinner was by invitation, and thanks to the generosity of those who became a part of this evening, we are happy to announce that John Paul Jr. Huntington’s Disease Foundation was able to present a check in the amount of $16,200 to the UCLA Department of Neurology, to further Dr. Susan Perlman’s research towards the cure to end this disease along with the related diseases Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Dr. Susan Perlman is the Director of the UCLA Ataxia Center and HD Center of Excellence. John would not have maintained the extended “holding pattern” (as he referred to it), if it were not for Dr. Perlman’s relentless dedication and determination to end this disease. Her efforts gave John hope that he may indeed live to see the cure. He came so very close but the checkered flag waived too soon.
Words cannot express our gratitude and appreciation to the legends of motorsports who came together for this cause. Lyn St James, Tommy Kendall, Justin Bell, Derek Bell, Bob Varsha, Judy Stropus, David Hobbs, Derek Daly, Sylvia Wilkinson, Kevin Buckler (AdobeRoadWines.com the wine was awesome) Boris Said, Paul Russell, Burt Levy, Darlene Gray, Ardy Arani, Paul Chenard are just some of the people that attended to support the event and make it an unforgettable night. The evening was filled with laughter (and some tears) as notables shared their stories about John.
“I’m blown away by what incredible friends I have and what they did to help Dr. Perlman find a cure for Huntington’s, Parkinson’s and Alzheimers. You guys all give me (and the others) hope. The cure can happen. I believe it. I could never say thank you enough. Love John”.
The event, the donations - monetary and in the form of auction items, raised much needed research dollars. These efforts also spread awareness of Huntington’s Disease, and gives John Paul Jr., and others afflicted with these horrific neurological diseases, the love and encouragement to keep fighting.