Category: News

The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s has issued grants in 2022 to the following organizations and programs:

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!

Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s Managing Director and Board Member Steve Annear is currently training for his first marathon to raise awareness and funds for the Foundation. Steve’s goal is to raise $100,000.00 at the Detroit Free Press Marathon on Sunday, October 16th. All funds raised will be used to support activity-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s Disease and their families. You can support Steve’s marathon fundraising efforts here

Steve joined the Board of the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s in January of 2022 after befriending Gibby at a local golf course a couple of years back. Steve generously offered his time and skills to help the Foundation grow.

Steve was born and raised in the Australian outback and had his leg amputated at the age of 11. After overcoming several obstacles related to his condition, Steve represented Australia as a coxswain for three years. Professionally, Steve has been the CEO of several different businesses including a software startup, 2 large steel companies and a technology development company. He, his wife and 3 children relocated to the United States in 2014, with his children attending high school and college in Michigan.

In addition to training for the marathon, in his free time Steve enjoys his family, friends, golfing, and hiking.

In discussing his marathon efforts, Steve says “I have been privileged to join the team at the Foundation to help drive Kirk’s vision to provide hope, help and inspiration to those with Parkinson’s Disease. To this end along with Team 23, I aim to raise $100,000 by completing the marathon, no matter how long it takes me!”

Foundation COO Michelle Newman says “It has been such a great experience having Steve join the Board and working with him this year. His kindness and compassion towards the Parkinson’s Community truly embody our commitment to collaboration, cooperation and teamwork. I have no doubt his first marathon will be a success!”