“To give Parkinson patients hope, to know that they are not alone and that we are bringing them together for exercise, companionship and to find ways to improve their quality of life.”

This, according to NWI Parkinson’s Founder and CEO Elizabeth Woodbury, is the group’s mission.

Help build that hope from Monday, July 27, through Sunday, August 2, when NWI Parkinson’s will be the beneficiary of Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up. Customers across the Region can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar when shopping in all Strack & Van Til stores with those extra donated to the organization.

NWI Parkinson’s is the largest independently operated, nonaffiliated Parkinson’s organization in the U.S., serving 500 patients and families in Northwest Indiana and nearby Illinois counties. The organization provides its services free, which is why NWI Parkinson’s depends on fundraising and donations.

Woodbury says the Round Up proceeds will help fund its annual educational Symposiums, monthly Pearls of Wisdom seminars and weekly exercise programs at its Highland headquarters, as well as replacing a ramp in the rear of their building to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

Woodbury says NWI Parkinson’s benefits from the Strack & VanTil Checkout Challenge monetarily and through the community’s caring that they are being recognized for meeting Parkinson’s patients’ needs for 22 years. “We are extremely grateful for this opportunity to generate funds to support our free programs,” Woodbury says. 

Strack & Van Til continues its more than 96-year tradition of philanthropy by raising funds through the Checkout Challenge Round Up program to help organizations in the communities it serves throughout Northwest Indiana.

Strack & Van Til President Jeff Strack credits customer generosity and employee commitment for the success of the Checkout Challenge Round Ups.

“Giving back to the communities we serve is just naturally a part of Strack & Van Til’s culture,” Strack says. “We are incredibly grateful to our customers who contribute to these Round Up campaigns and make a difference in the lives of so many people. They are the ones who give back to the community. Our stores, with the help of our employees, simply provide our customers with an outlet to donate to some of their favorite local organizations.”

Show your support for NWI Parkinson’s by participating in Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up.

For information on programs, to volunteer or to donate, visit nwiparkinson.org. To learn more about Strack & Van Til’s community involvement, visit strackandvantil.com/community.

By Karyn G. Zafran