Drive Toward a Cure Group Effort Benefits Parkinson’s Community

Drive Toward a Cure, a national nonprofit foundation uniting the automotive community in the race to end Parkinson’s disease, recently presented a $10,000 donation to the Barrow Neurological Institute for the facility’s Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center. The contribution stems from a special charity auction that raised a total of $21,000 earlier this year through a collaboration with Pennzoil, McLaren Automotive, Radford Racing School and online auction platform Bring a Trailer.

The exclusive performance-themed auction package featured:

• Two days of high-performance driving instruction at Radford Racing School
• Four days behind the wheel of a McLaren Artura luxury sports car
• A complete McLaren x TUMI luggage set
• Professional photo sessions on-track at Radford and with the McLaren
• Artura
• Round-trip airfare and accommodations at the Scottsdale Marriott

A couple from Portland, Oregon, won the auction, joining Drive Toward a Cure and partners in Arizona to participate in the on-track driving sessions, photo shoots and check presentation at Radford Racing School.

Of the $21,000 raised, $10,000 will benefit the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center, while the remaining $11,000 will support Drive Toward a Cure’s Special Assistance Fund—a dedicated grant program aiding individuals and families living with Parkinson’s who face extenuating circumstances. The fund helps recipients following natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes or tornadoes, as well as with ongoing clinical care needs and individual patient support.

“We’re proud to continue building momentum within the automotive community to support those affected by Parkinson’s,” said Deb Pollack, founder of Drive Toward a Cure. “The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center’s work mirrors our mission of combining passion with purpose—driving not just cars, but meaningful impact.”

Blending Cars & Camaraderie for a Cause

Funds slated for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center serve patients by offering in-person and virtual support groups, art classes and music and movement therapy for patients in both English and Spanish. Drive Toward a Cure also donated to the center during the COVID pandemic, according to Pollack, raising funds and awareness for a musical choir program to support the facility’s Hispanic patient community.

The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center, part of Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, is a world leader in Parkinson’s research, treatment and patient care. Named in honor of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who battled Parkinson’s for more than three decades, the center provides comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals and families facing the disease.

Drive Toward a Cure is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that blends cars and camaraderie to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s disease. Founded in 2016, the foundation has raised nearly $1.3 million to support Parkinson’s research, patient care and outreach programs through unique automotive and lifestyle events throughout the country.