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Parkinson’s Disease Fundraiser: ‘Precious Stones, Pearls and Platinum for Parkinson’s’ August 09, 2024 (1 comment)
St. Louis, MO--“Precious Stones, Pearls and Platinum for Parkinson’s” is the newest campaign by Bob Schneider, a jewelry industry veteran, whose wife, JoAnn, has had the disease for the past eight years. The following is an open letter from Schneider to the industry:
[JoAnn and Robert Schneider (right) during a "Pipes for Parkinson's fundraiser in March 2024]
Many of you know me as a sales rep. What you may not know is that that my beautiful wife JoAnn was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease 8 years ago, and I’ve been her caregiver for the last two. The idea of ‘Precious Stones, Pearls and Platinum for Parkinson’s’ was inspired by my wife’s daily battle with her disease. According to her, it’s only taken me 40 years to finally come up with a good idea. In my travels, I’ve discovered, regrettably, that many in our business know a family that’s been touched by Parkinson’s. When a loved one is diagnosed with PD, it undeniably changes their life and the lives of all their family members forever!
After numerous conversations, I’m convinced that this initiative I’m proposing is worthwhile, with an unlimited potential to do good. I’m reaching out to retailers, manufacturers, and anyone in the industry who can hear my message. We’re only here for a short time, and it’s never too early to do something good. This is an opportunity for some of you to share your passion for jewelry with others, while at the same time helping those who will likely never again be able to enjoy the little things we all take for granted, to have life-affirming hope and a better quality of life.
The goal is to raise awareness (and donations) for the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (apdaparkinson.org).
The plan of action is for you to pick the time and place. There is no deadline to meet. Use your imagination. Retailers and vendors can independently plan and conduct their own events and campaigns.
Use social media and local press to promote raffles or other sources of sales within a predetermined time frame; a percentage of gift certificates purchased or encourage donations. Engage members of local Parkinson’s community to help promote APDA fundraisers in honor or memory of a customer with the disease. Feature one item or collection in collaboration with one of your vendor partners.
Please take a minute to consider how blessed and fortunate you are to work in such an exciting and rewarding industry. Always be grateful for what you have. I know some of you will be inspired enough to join the millions of people who are living with PD in their fight to find a cure for this cruel disease. There is hope.
I thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Bob Schneider
Contact: pipesforparkinsonsstl@gmail.com