Pro's Players FORE Parkinson's sets fundraising record in 14th year, donates $50,000 to Rock Steady Boxing

Oct. 9, 2024 -- The 14th annual Pro's Players FORE Parkinson's golf tournament set a record raising $100,000 in its mission to support those affected by the disease.

Reid Health's Rock Steady Program in the Reid Fitness department will receive $50,000. The Kentucky Neuroscience Institute at UK HealthCare will receive an equal amount from the event.

The tournament supports efforts in rehabilitation, research, and raising awareness of Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the nervous system and movement.

Doug Kuntz, the former golf pro at the Elks Country Club, founded the two-day golf scramble in 2011. Elks members and community players continue to support Kuntz's efforts in his battle with Parkinson's. The tournament attracts 36 teams with 180 golfers and more than 130 sponsors.

Zack Palmer, Director of Golf for Elks Country Club in Richmond, said Kuntz attended this year's tournament despite facing physical challenges. He continues to be inspired by Kuntz and the motto he's carried since his diagnosis: No matter what adversity you go through in life, be optimistic.

"Adversity leads to opportunity, be optimistic," Palmer said. "Instead of sitting around and letting Parkinson's defeat him, Doug started Pro's Players FORE Parkinson's. Through this event, he's touched so many lives that have been affected by Parkinson's disease."

More than 1 million people in the United States live with the disease, according to the Parkinson's Foundation. Each year, nearly 90,000 people receive a diagnosis.

Jesse Tittle, Manager for Sports Medicine & Reid Fitness at Reid Health, said the generosity of donors supports two great causes.

"Rock Steady Boxing is a great program for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's to help fight back," Tittle said. "It's a self-paced, non-contact, boxing-themed exercise class led by our certified coaches. Participants get more than a workout. They get to have a support group in their corner as well."

The Reid Health Rock Steady Boxing program helps to slow the progression of Parkinson's through exercise. Boxing moves the body in all planes of motion with each workout continuously changing the routine. Classes are designed for individuals of all fitness levels, and no prior boxing experience is needed.

Tittle said the proceeds will go further the Rock Steady Boxing program. In many cases, funds are used to purchase needed items that greatly affect each participant in their fight against Parkinson's. Items could include medicine balls, kettle bells, stationary bikes, boxing bags, dexterity items, and most recently, non-slick tiles for a new gym floor.

"We are constantly looking for new items to help our boxers with their fight," Tittle said.

Pro's Players FORE Parkinson's has raised $900,000 since its inception in 2011. Palmer said next year's goal is to reach the $1 million milestone. For more information on the Pro's Players FORE Parkinson's golf tournament, call Zack Palmer at the Richmond Elks Country Club at (765) 966-0952.

Reid's Rock Steady Program has classes available in Richmond and Connersville. For more information, call (765) 935-8570 or visit reidhealth.org/rock.