Blazers Legend Brian Grant and friends come together to raise funds for programs to empower people with Parkinson's disease to lead active and fulfilling lives

Portland, Ore. (April 6, 2023) – On April 20, 2023, the Brian Grant Foundation (BGF) will host its twelfth annual “Shake It Till We Make It” gala at Castaway Portland. The gala, presented by Dick's Auto Group and Pivot, will bring together 250 guests to raise essential support for BGF’s programs to help improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease. This year the event is being held in April for Parkinson's Awareness Month.

“We're grateful for the incredible support of the Portland community in our efforts to empower people with Parkinson's to lead active and fulfilling lives,” says Katrina Kahl, executive director of the Brian Grant Foundation. “We're excited to share the achievements that we've made together at the gala on April 20 in celebration of Parkinson's Awareness Month.”

“Shake It Till We Make It” launched in 2010, four years after former Portland Trail Blazer Brian Grant was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's disease. Today the event includes a four-course dinner, live and silent auction, as well as a program celebrating the people that have made BGF's achievements possible. The silent auction is available online and opens to the public on Monday, April 17, 2023 at briangrant.org/gala. 

“The commitment of the Portland community to improving the well-being of people with Parkinson's never wavers,” says Brian Grant. “Through recessions, pandemics, and other events, this community keeps coming through for us and I can't thank you enough.”

Thanks to the support of local organizations, including presenting sponsors Dick's Auto Group and Pivot, 100 percent of the proceeds from the gala will benefit BGF's programs and operations. Gold sponsors include Jamba Juice, Jordan Brand, Maker's Mark, Moda Health, 'Ohana Ventures, Pearl Catering, Portland Trail Blazers, Sapphire Health Services, and Urban Restaurant Group. A full list of sponsors can be found at briangrant.org/gala.

For more information about the gala and to purchase tickets, visit briangrant.org/gala.

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Founded in 2010, the Brian Grant Foundation (BGF) empowers people impacted by Parkinson's disease to lead active and fulfilling lives. BGF provides resources to support well-being, connects people with Parkinson's to a supportive community, and shares the stories of people affected by the disease. BGF was established in 2010, following Brian's diagnosis in 2008 at the age of 36. For more information, visit briangrant.org.