The Pumpkins for Parkinson’s fund raiser started in 2016 as a giant pumpkin growing contest to raise money for the YMCA Parkinson Wellness program. The first few years of the project featured “celebrity growers” who either grew their own pumpkin or found someone to do it for them. During the pandemic, we managed find growers and eliminated the celebrity teams. Currently our growers are still trying to grow the largest pumpkin while we focus on our program and our participants. Over the years we have been able to purchase a wide variety of equipment, send our trainers to professional training (Rock Steady Boxing, Delay the Disease, Parkinson Wellness Recovery), provide unlimited Dial-a-ride passes to our participants who are no longer able to drive, and make many other improvements to the facility and our program in order to provide top quality service to our participants.  2026 is our eleventh season and we are grateful for all of our supporters.

Pumpkins For Parkinson’s Fund Raiser Letter: 2026 P4P letter

Pumpkins For Parkinson’s Day – Wednesday, October 7

Join us for Pumpkins for Parkinson’s Day on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, as we celebrate another year of supporting individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease. The celebration will begin with a short program at 12:00 noon, followed by our Fifth Annual Al’s Pumpkin Dessert Contest, held in honor of our dear friend, Al Pearson. This year we are serving a pumpkin stew lunch, compliments of Chef Adam Sorum, for attendees to enjoy as part of the celebration (goodwill offering accepted). Throughout most of the day, our giant pumpkins will be on display in front of the YMCA, providing a festive centerpiece for the event. Donors will be invited to pick a pumpkin off of the display. All young children are welcome to pick a small pumpkin of their own! We may even have a few surprises this year. We hope you will join us as we honor Al’s memory and continue raising awareness and support for our Parkinson’s community.