LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwired - Sep 9, 2015) - Today marks the launch of HR Gives Back to a Future Without Parkinson's, a new fundraising effort in support of The Michael J. Fox Foundation and its mission of supporting scientific research to find a cure for Parkinson's disease. With approximately 5 million people around the world afflicted by Parkinson's disease, HR Gives Back is committed to ensuring a future without this devastating illness.
HR Gives Back was founded by Mollie Lombardi, a leading analyst in the human capital management space, and Mike Pauletich, senior vice president of Alliances & Business Development for Jibe, both of whom were diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease. Along with Teresa Thieme, partner ecosystem director at hiQ Labs, and Jeanne Achille, CEO of The Devon Group, the four HR industry veterans sought to establish a fundraiser to connect the larger HR community with The Michael J. Fox Foundation to raise awareness of this worthy cause, and HR Gives Back was born.
"I fully believe that in my lifetime we'll see advanced treatments that not only impact the symptoms of Parkinson's but stop or even reverse the course of this disease," said Lombardi. "The HR Gives Back effort is crucial to getting to this stage, and the funds earned through this program will be essential to making that happen. The support we have received so far is truly humbling, and we are eager to continue raising awareness of this important event throughout the HR community."
Recognizing that the 2015 HR Technology Conference & Exposition concludes on October 21, 2015, the same day that Fox's character Marty McFly lands his time-traveling DeLorean in "Back to the Future II," HR Gives Back had the idea to involve the thousands of HR professionals who will be in attendance at the event. The highlight of the fundraiser is the "We Don't Need Roads" virtual marathon that will take place from October 1 - 21, 2015, with the goal of raising $88,000 for The Michael J. Fox Foundation, which will receive 100 percent of the proceeds. The grand total raised by HR Gives Back will be announced live from the HR Technology Conference on the final day of the event.
Through this virtual marathon, participants are asked to run or walk 26.2 miles over the course of three weeks. Supporters can join as an individual or as a company by going to the HR Gives Back Team Fox site and setting up a personal or team fundraising page. Participants are encouraged to download the free Charity Miles app to track their progress and raise additional funds through its innovative fundraising model. Through Charity Miles, bikers earn up to 10¢ per mile, and walkers and runners earn up to 25¢ per mile, all courtesy of corporate sponsors. Supporters can also donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation directly.
In addition to the virtual marathon, HR Gives Back sponsor Fitbit Wellness will hold an onsite challenge during the HR Technology Conference. The company will be giving away wearable fitness trackers and will donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for every step participants take throughout the conference.
"With so many of our friends and colleagues gathered in one place, we realized there was no better opportunity than the HR Technology Conference to leverage the power of crowdsourcing and get more people involved with this cause," said Pauletich. "Through HR Gives Back, anyone can do their part to help us find a cure for Parkinson's, whether by donating or taking part in the virtual marathon. We are incredibly overwhelmed by the response this campaign has already received, and by the generosity of both Fitbit Wellness and the HR Technology Conference leadership. We are confident that this program will bring us one step closer to a future without Parkinson's."
The HR Gives Back initiative is made possible by the generous support of its sponsors, including the HR Technology Conference & Exposition, The Devon Group, Fitbit Wellness and Ceridian. Additional information about HR Gives Back can be found at: http://www.hrgivesback.net.
About HR Gives Back
Our mission is simple. To raise funds to help speed a cure for Parkinson's.
Approximately 5 million people across the globe deal with Parkinson's disease every day, and about a million of those are under 60. Our goal is to connect the HR technology world to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, and together raise $88,000 to help fund scientific research that will lead to a cure.