Category: News

On Monday, July 25^th, Los Angeles artist Corie Mattie (known as L.A. Hope Dealer) revealed the mural, “The Impossible CAN Happen” in partnership with the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease. The mural is located at 3150 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, the site of Bill’s Liquor in Atwater Village.

Attending the mural unveiling as a representative of the Gibson Family was Kirk’s son Cam Gibson, the Foundation’s COO Michelle Newman, LA Hope Dealer’s creative producer Jay Jones, and artist Corie Mattie. Mike Khalil, the owner of Bill’s Liquor, generously donated the wall space, and he and his daughter, Crystal, were also on hand.

“We are thrilled to support KGF on this impactful project,” said Corie Mattie. “All of my murals have a QR code that creates direct access to donate. With this intersecting Kirk’s Foundation and baseball in the city I love, it’s just too perfect.“

“I am determined to bring awareness to the Parkinson’s community and hope this mural encourages everyone to keep up the momentum in this fight,” said Kirk Gibson, President of the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s and former LA Dodger.

Michelle Newman, added, “As we reach the 35^th anniversary of this iconic moment in baseball, all of us here at the Foundation are excited to share Kirk’s vision in such a creative way.” 

With vibrant shades of Dodger’s red, white, and blue, Corie’s artistic vision captures the essence of Gibson’s triumphant homerun hit and his enduring baseball legacy. Gibson wore jersey #23, which is the inspiration for the formation of “Team23” within KGF. Team23 is the grassroots fundraising and volunteer team for the Foundation, which will be highlighted within the mural. 

The mission of the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s is to improve the quality of life of those living with Parkinson’s through the development and delivery of activity-based programs. This is all made possible through donations, fundraising, and awareness efforts like this mural collaboration with the LA Hope Dealer.

On October 15th and 16th over 80 runners took to the streets of Detroit as part of Team 23 to fund raise for the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s. Runners competed in the 1 mile, 5k, International Half Marathon, U.S.-Only Half Marathon and International Full marathon raising over $100,000 so far!

Fundraising is open through October 31, 2022 and you can still support our runners! Here are a few highlights from race weekend!:

Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s Board Member and Managing Director Steve Annear completed his first marathon in 8 hours and 43 minutes, and is just shy of his $100,000 fundraising goal.

Jamen S., Team 23 captain completed the Detroit Free Press Marathon for the Foundation for the third year in a row, and runs in honor of his dad Ben, who is battling Parkinson’s.

Mike S. traveled from California to run the International Half Marathon and ran in honor of family members battling Parkinson’s. Mike ran this race as part of his goal to run a half marathon in all 50 states.

Steve N. completed his very first marathon! Steve joined Team 23 after his Parkinson’s diagnosis earlier this year.

Tim & Debra G. were back again this year running in the 1M and 5K. Debra already plans on coming back for the International Half Marathon next year! Tim is living with Parkinson’s and Debra is a speech therapist working with the Parkinson’s community.

Rebecca & Steve Z. are a father-daughter duo who did the 5K together! They are almost at their fundraising goal!

Chris R. and his daughter ran to fund raise to honor Chris’s grandmother who is battling Parkinson’s.

Ray & Riley D. ran to honor Raymond who they lost to Parkinson’s 7 years ago.

Mother-daughter duo Mary & Lauren S. return once again to honor family members with Parkinson’s by running with Team 23!

Thank you to all of our Team 23 runners and volunteers for making the weekend so successful!

On August 22, 2022 the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s hosted the Sixth Annual Kirk Gibson Golf Classic. Nearly $300,000.00 was raised to fund programs for the Parkinson’s Community.

More than 200 golfers joined together at the Wyndgate Country Club to enjoy a full day of golf, a live auction, great food and a live performance from Larry the Cable Guy. Golfers were sent off by Coach Tom Izzo, and heard stories of living with Parkinson’s Disease from Parkinson’s advocates Bill Bucklew and Jimmy Choi. Alan Trammell and Kirk Gibson were teammates once again for 18 holes. Brad Galli from WXYZ-TV Detroit was the afternoon host.

A special thank you to all of our sponsors who make this great day possible!

Please save the date for the Seventh Annual Kirk Gibson Golf Classic scheduled for August 21, 2023.

Our Generous Sponsors:

Corporate Sponsors:

Special Thanks

Thank you to the Kirk Gibson Golf Classic committee, who make this great event possible each year – Pam Yanis, Matt Yanis, Kim Doverspike, Jon Angell, Carol Ventimiglia, Kirk Gibson, Steve Annear & Michelle Newman. Thank you to all of the volunteers who make this event run smoothly!