Fundraising is one of the most important responsibilities that an organization undertakes to raise capital to meet yearly budget goals. Whether it’s to support research, help the community, keep programs running, pay operating costs, or grow for the future, fundraising is often what allows organizations to continue their mission and serve the people who depend on them.
For medical research groups, fundraising can play a critical role in helping organizations continue to operate and expand their work. While there are grants and other types of federal funding available, these are often determined by the budgets passed by lawmakers, eligibility requirements set forth by federal agencies, competition from other organizations, and the ever-changing priorities set forth by the White House and the majority party at the time.
In the case of medical research, federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health create rules and define the goals of these grant programs, review applications, and set reporting requirements that have to be followed. Projects that regulators feel meet the best criteria go through a peer-review process based on scientific quality, public impact, feasibility, and how well they fit the agency’s mission by panels of scientists, researchers, and subject matter experts.
When it comes to Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease research, these diseases receive a great deal more attention and funding priority compared to many other neurological conditions because of their growing impact on populations, healthcare systems, caregiving demands, and long-term economic costs. At the same time, medical care and research costs continue to rise while government funding becomes increasingly competitive, making fundraising efforts even more important for organizations trying to continue research, outreach, patient support, and educational programs. It’s precisely that kind of uncertainty in federal funding that makes community-driven fundraising efforts not just helpful, but essential to organizations like NPI’s work, and that is part of what made the recent fundraising gala hosted by the National Parkinson’s Institute (NPI) in Louisville, Kentucky, so important. Events like these not only help raise financial support for programs and future initiatives but also bring together patients, caregivers, advocates, healthcare professionals, and community supporters around a shared mission of continuing the fight against Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders.
This year’s event was held at the Louisville Mega Cavern, a former 100-acre limestone mine that, according to its website, boasts the title of “the largest man-made cave system in North America.”
The National Parkinson’s Institute serves Parkinson’s patients across the Louisville, Kentucky, and Southern Indiana region, offering a range of care and support services that have expanded steadily since the organization was formally established in 2020, building on a legacy of Parkinson’s care that predates its founding. Under the leadership of CEO and President Eric Richardson and Vice President Erika Ganong, NPI has grown in both reach and capacity. Central to that growth is its partnership with the University of Louisville Health, the organization’s largest sponsor. UofL Health is a not-for-profit academic health system anchoring the region, with nine hospitals, four medical centers, the Brown Cancer Center, the Eye Institute, more than 250 physician practice locations, and upward of 1,200 providers.
It’s precisely that kind of uncertainty in federal funding that makes community-driven fundraising efforts not just helpful, but essential to organizations like NPI’s work. According to NPI’s CEO Eric Richardson, speaking at the event’s keynote address about the gala and those in attendance: “Your presence is not just appreciated, but it’s meaningful, it represents a belief in our mission, support in our community, and hope for the future of Parkinson’s care, research, and innovation.”
Announcements made during the keynote included a Parkinson’s Awareness License plate, a first in the nation, for cars and trucks in the state of Kentucky. Richardson also announced a significant milestone in NPI’s growth: on March 30th, the office of Senator Mitch McConnell, with support from Congressman Morgan McGarvey, submitted a $75 million grant request to fund the construction of NPI’s permanent headquarters and integrated health and research campus. The Commonwealth of Kentucky has since committed $40 million in matching funds, bringing the project closer to reality than ever before.
“If realized, the campus would be the first facility of its kind in the world, a dedicated space designed to unite Parkinson’s care, research, and innovation under one roof.” According to Richardson, describing the facility as a place that would expand access to treatment, accelerate scientific discovery, and serve as a beacon of hope for patients and families affected by Parkinson’s disease locally, regionally, and nationally. The facility will be a whopping 125,000 sq ft, made up of physical and occupational therapy areas, advanced research facilities, yoga studios, recreational areas, a massive 12,000 sq ft exercise facility, and more. Over the last 6 years, Richardson estimates NPI has helped close to 10,000 Parkinson’s patients, and with the new facility, NPI will be able to help thousands more who come in from all points of North America. Read more about their new campus vision here
Richardson told those in attendance, “Tonight, we celebrate what we built together and what lies ahead.”
Last night’s Red Tulip Gala: Underground Experience was truly something special. What began as a vision became a beautiful, unforgettable evening filled with community, creativity, and connection. From healthcare professionals and community leaders to local supporters, friends, families, and the individuals in our community who are at the heart of everything we do — the evening brought together an incredible group of people united by the compassion and purpose for Parkinson’s.
For organizations like NPI, it goes beyond just simple fundraising. These programs do so much for so many; the money raised helps expand future resources in research and helps to improve the quality of life for many with Parkinson’s and neurodegenerative diseases. The latest numbers on the rate of Parkinson’s disease expansion globally are alarming, with 25.2 million people expected to have Parkinson’s by the year 2050. In large part due to an aging population, but also with the use of pesticides like Paraquat, which are linked to Parkinson’s, that, while banned in many countries, still continue to be used on America’s farms.
In many ways, events like NPI’s gala are about more than just fundraising alone. These events represent community investment in the future of Parkinson’s care, bringing together supporters, caregivers, healthcare professionals, advocates, and families around a shared belief that more can and should be done for those living with neurological disease. The success of these events can directly influence how quickly organizations are able to grow, expand access to care, and pursue larger goals that may have once seemed out of reach. People who attend events like these represent a growing group of Americans who recognize the health threat neurological disease poses and the social and economic impact it will have on our nation’s finances, communities, healthcare systems, caregivers, and families as the population continues to age and diagnosis rates steadily rise.
Photo by Chris Denny
According to VP Erika Ganong, speaking about the Gala itself: “The event itself was unlike anything else. Every year, we strive to create more than just a traditional sit-down fundraiser — we want to create an experience. From the breathtaking atmosphere inside the Louisville Mega Caverns to the thoughtful details, entertainment, and immersive elements throughout the night, this year’s gala felt one-of-a-kind in every sense of the word. That creativity and vision are something Eric pours into every event, and this year, it truly came to life in a remarkable way.”
She goes on to say, “At the National Parkinson’s Institute, we believe our organization is unique not only because of what we do, but because of how we do it. Every program and service we offer is completely free of charge because we understand firsthand that neurological conditions like Parkinson’s are expensive in ways many people never fully see. Beyond doctor appointments and medications, there are therapies, lifestyle changes, support systems, transportation, exercise programs, emotional care, and countless other daily challenges that come with living with a neurological condition. Our mission has always been to remove barriers and create a community where individuals and families feel supported, connected, and cared for. We want people to not only have access to vital services but also opportunities to experience joy, celebration, and meaningful moments together. That is exactly what last night represented. The gala was the culmination of months of hard work, passion, and vision, and we could not be more proud of what it became. Most importantly, it reminded us why we do this work in the first place — for the people, the community, and the hope of building something truly special together.”
Video by Chris Denny
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