The Fountain Hills Parkinson’s Support Group started the pennies drive a little over two years ago. Since then, the group has collected over $6,600. We forward what we collect for Parkinson's disease research the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in Phoenix. The full name of the group's drive is, ‘Pennies for Parkinson's - until there is a cure!’
The Fountain Hills Parkinson’s Support group is clear about its determination to see that every penny goes for research. There are no administrative costs in any part of the campaign.
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The first location to receive the new pennies container is Phil’s Filling Station Grill at 16852 E. Parkview Street. Restaurant owner Phil Rodakis said, “Let’s get the word out about these containers so people will bring lots of pennies.” Tom Mazzotta and Vern Tatham, the PD group’s co-chair of the pennies campaign, began distributing the new containers on the second of July to 16 locations in Fountain Hills.
Mazzotta said his group came up with the idea just two years ago. “Since then, we have collected just over $6,600.” He said people donate more than pennies. “We see paper money and silver coins every time we have a round-up. We hope this continues.” The local PD group forwards what they collect for Parkinson's disease research to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in Phoenix. The Fountain Hills Parkinson Support group is clear about its determination to see that every penny goes for research. There are no administrative costs in any part of the campaign.
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There are 14 locations in Fountain Hills where people may contribute their pennies, other coins and paper currency. The list includes:
A Cut Above – 16719 E. Palisades Blvd., # 107
Cardsmart – 12645 N. Saguaro Blvd.
Cigars and Such – 16605 E. Palisades Blvd.
Crazy Coyote Gifts & Cards – 16605 E. Palisades Blvd.
CSI Printing – 16605 E. Palisades Blvd.
Details Hair Salon – 16743 E. Palisades
Fountain Hills Community Center – 13001 N. La Montana Dr.
John O’Flynn Senior Activity Center – 13001 N. La Montana Dr.
Gridley’s of Fountain Hills – 16830 E. Ave of the Fountains
Phil’s Filling Station Grill – 16852 Parkview Ave
Señor Taco – 16948 E. Shea Blvd.
Tartine French Bakery – 10650 E. Palisades Blvd.
The Times Office – 16508 Laser Dr.
Francis & Sons Car Wash - 17115 E. Shea Blvd.
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For more information about the pennies drive, contact the Fountain Hills Parkinson Support Group at 480-837-2710. This is the group that initiated the pennies drive and forwards all proceeds it collects to the Muhammad Ali Center.
According to a group member, “People of all ages brought pennies to us. Pennies came in plastic bags, shoe boxes, jugs, and all manner of containers.” She said there will be specific dates throughout the year when people will be asked to bring their pennies to a designated Fountain Hills location. Pennies for Parkinson’s canisters for are located throughout Fountain Hills. The member added, “So, save your pennies. This campaign isn’t over yet – not until we find a cure.” The pennies were taken to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson's Center in Phoenix where they were sorted and counted. The dollars collected were deposited in a special account to be used for PD research.
At the Fountain Hills Fifth Annual Support Group Luncheon, held on April 6, 2011, we presented noted neurologist Dr. Abraham N. Lieberman a $2,000 check to assist with research at the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in Phoenix. Thanks to the generous support of so many contributors we have donated $6,602.88 since beginning the project.
Pictured (l to r): Vern Tatham, Tom Mazzotta, Dr. Lieberman and Elaine Metzger