“Pennies for Parkinson’s” is the catchy phrase that the Fountain Hills Parkinson Support Group has developed as a fund-raiser.  The tag line that goes with it is, “Until there’s a cure!”  Local businesses, shops and offices are helping to promote the drive by displaying collection containers on their counters.  To make sure there is instant recognition and uniformity, the local PD group is replacing older containers with new cylinders supplied by the Muhammad Ali Center in Phoenix.

     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 more than $4,200.”  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.

      PD support group member Bruce Florence said, “One man stopped me in a parking lot in town recently to give me a handful of pennies.  Another time, a man gave me a Planter's nut can filled with pennies.  A woman walked up to me and gave me two small prescription bottles filled with pennies.  We are grateful to everyone who contributes.  We want knowledge and support of our pennies effort to expand.”

    There are 16 locations in Fountain Hills where people may contribute their pennies, other coins and paper currency.  The list includes:

Crazy Coyote

16605 E. Palisades

Octagon Café

12645 N. Saguaro Blvd

Phil's Filling Station Grill

16852 E. Parkview Street                                                                       

Cardsmart

12645 N. Saguaro Blvd

The Times office Fountain Hills                                   

16508 E. Laser Drive

Community Center Fountain Hills

13001 N. La Montana Blvd

FH Boomers and Seniors Activity Center

13001 N. La Montana Blvd

A Cut Above

16715 E. Palisades Blvd

CSI Printing                                                           

16650 E.Palisades Blvd

Peak Fitness

12545 N. Saguaro

Hair Razor II

11811 N. Saguaro

Fountain Hills Express

11829 N. Saguaro

Cigars and Such

16605 E. Palisades

Tartine French Bakery

10650 E. Palisades

The Barbershoppe

11827 N. Saguaro Blvd.

Red Mountain Chiropractic

17100 E. Shea

Put A Handle on Your Candle

12005 N Saguaro