The Parkinson Association of Alabama is preparing for an evening that will blend philanthropy, personal testimony and public awareness as it hosts its second annual Tulip Gala this September.
On September 24, the black-tie event will bring together supporters from across Alabama to raise money for individuals and families living with Parkinson’s disease. The evening will include a cocktail reception, seated dinner, live and silent auctions, a wine pull and a raffle, with all proceeds benefiting the Parkinson Association of Alabama’s programs and services.
This year’s gala will feature former NFL quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and philanthropist Tim Tebow as keynote speaker. Tebow’s appearance carries a deeply personal connection to the cause. His father, Robert Tebow, lived with Parkinson’s disease for years before his death earlier this year. Tebow is expected to speak about the toll Parkinson’s takes not only on those diagnosed, but also on the families and care partners who walk through the disease alongside them.
That family-centered perspective reflects the reality of Parkinson’s, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can also impact speech, sleep, mood, cognition and daily independence. While the condition is often associated with tremors, its effects are much broader and can place emotional, physical and financial strain on entire households. Organizations such as the Parkinson Association of Alabama aim to fill critical gaps by offering support, education and community resources for patients and caregivers.
The gala will also honor Jane Stephens Comer, an Alabama philanthropist and entrepreneur whose advocacy has had a lasting impact on Parkinson’s research and care in the state. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011, Comer has become an important voice in efforts to improve treatment and expand scientific understanding of the disease. Her early support of UAB’s Parkinson’s initiatives helped strengthen one of Alabama’s leading centers for research and patient care.
In honoring Comer while also welcoming Tebow to the stage, the Tulip Gala is designed to do more than raise money. It also puts a public spotlight on a disease that affects thousands of families, many of whom face its challenges quietly and over many years. By pairing a high-profile speaker with a respected local honoree, the event underscores both the personal and community-wide dimensions of Parkinson’s.
The Parkinson Association of Alabama’s mission is to improve quality of life for people with Parkinson’s, their care partners and their families throughout the state. Through support services, community-building and backing for research, the organization works to ensure that no one in Alabama faces Parkinson’s alone.
The Tulip Gala offers one visible way to advance that mission—not only by raising funds but by expanding awareness and reminding families affected by Parkinson’s that their experiences are seen and shared.
More information about the event is available at TulipGala.org.
