CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Friday night marks the inaugural Poker 4 Parkinson’s charity event at The Fillmore, Charlotte. The professionally run Texas Hold ‘Em tournament is suited for players of any skill level, including beginners, raising money for the Joan Elizabeth Foundation. The event will also feature live music from Dave Matthews Band collaborator, Tim Reynolds and his trio, TR3; as well as blues guitar sensation, Matthew Curry.
Tickets are still available to enter the poker tournament or to just attend as a spectator (and watch TR3 and Matthew Curry!) – doors open at 6pm, Friday, 14th October.
The Joan Elizabeth Foundation
The Joan Elizabeth Foundation is a Charlotte-based charity that raises money for Parkinson’s Research organized by Brian Dugan and his wife, Irina. The story began when Brian’s mother, Joan Dugan, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at age 50. After more than 11 years of painful struggle, on January 5th, 2009, she lost her battle with Parkinson’s.
Once a public speaker, victims’ rights advocate, and counselor to domestic abuse victims, Joan was stripped of her ability to walk, speak, or perform any of the essential acts of daily living. She endured multiple brain surgeries, years of physical therapy, dozens of medications and treatments, and more. Eventually, the complications stemming from Dystonia/Parkinson’s ended her life at the young age of 61. She was the mother of two, grandmother of one, counselor to hundreds, and a living example of strength, courage, compassion, and humanity seldom seen. Throughout the duration of her illness, Joan never complained, never asked ‘why me?’ And she never stopped fighting. In her honor and in an effort to help more than one million Americans like her, we continue to fight.
The Dugan family formed the Joan Elizabeth Foundation to raise funds that are donated directly to the world’s leading physicians and researchers, specializing in the treatments for Parkinson’s and Dystonia. The research being done is aimed at developing more effective treatments for the debilitating symptoms of both disorders, and ultimately, an outright cure. Read more here.
For more information on Poker 4 Parkinson’s and future Joan Elizabeth Foundation events, visit poker4parkinsons.com.
Tim Reynolds & TR3
With a musical career spanning more than thirty-five years, guitarist, sonic innovator, and two time Grammy nominee Tim Reynolds is known for his masterful command of melody and timing and for his uncanny ability to improvise on any instrument he touches. Having explored most musical styles, from rock, jazz and blues to classical and reggae, Reynolds’ wide-ranging musical versatility is evident each time he picks up his electric or acoustic guitar. Technically brilliant, yet emotionally honest, Reynolds’ music is inspired and authentic.
Reynolds founded his breakthrough electric power trio, TR3 (Tim Reynolds Trio) in the mid 1980’s, known for their fusion of funk, rock, and jazz. He toured with TR3 during the 1980s and 1990s, using a rotating cast of musicians. It was at this time he befriended Dave Matthews and their ongoing musical collaboration began.
