A TOAST TO BOB HOPE & DICK CLARK!

Bob Hope
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Good Morning, Everyone! It's nice to be back in Arizona after an absolutely fascinating evening in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where I served as Master of Ceremonies for the 51st Annual National Parkinson Foundation Gala, "Hope Swings Eternal".

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Saturday night was one of the most important evenings in my life, as I honored the memory of my Dad and managed to follow a path blazed for my predecessors and myself by two real-life "Legends": Bob Hope and Dick Clark.

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For over 45 years, Bob Hope and his wife Dolores gave generously of their time, their talents and their resources. Because of their generosity, we established "The Bob Hope Parkinson Research Institute". And of course, the street on which NPF is headquartered on the University of Miami Medical School campus is appropriately named "Bob Hope Road". Bob's remarkable legacy is carried on by his daughter, Linda Hope who serves as our Vice Chair of the NPF Honorary Board of Governors. Then for many years the familiar, good looking guy you see pictured below continued Bob's tradition as our Master of Ceremonies.

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Dick Clark
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Dick Clark is beloved by millions worldwide and is forever identified with producing and hosting one of televisions most enduring programs, "American Bandstand". He is for me the finest example of what the term "broadcasting excellence" really means, both behind and in front of the camera. Dick lost his own father to Parkinson's disease. And today he is our Chair of the NPF Honorary Board of Governors! Dick has given generously of his time, talent and resources with such a big heart, and as one of his admirers, I am proud to be associated with an organization in which Dick plays such a vital role.

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You had to be in my shoes as I waited at the back of the St. Regis Hotel Ballroom and wondered in awe at how I came to be there in that moment. On a large screen, slides of Bob Hope and Dick Clark flashed from our past Galas. And as my assistant who stood with me gave me my countdown, the band struck up my Cue as two beautiful young ladies escorted me arm in arm to the stage and I delivered my opening remarks. I spoke about the irony that the first Gala I co-hosted was with Hollywood movie critic Rex Reed on behalf of Parkinson awareness in 1989. And I described entering a hotel ballroom very similar to ours, with our Honored Guest, the late actress Greer Garson on my left arm! Greer's late husband E.E. "Buddy" Fogelson was a Parkinson's patient. And yet, if anyone would have told me that a mere four years later, my own Dad would be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease I would have never believed it could happen. The National Parkinson Foundation really helped me understand the disease my Dad faced and they were invaluable to me and to my family. So, being in Florida this past Saturday night with NPF was wonderful!

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It was an evening of magic, meeting courageous people, and prestigious Guests who brought so much Hope and Generosity to those coping with Parkinson's disease. Allow me to share two wonderful developments:

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We welcomed our new President Joyce Oberdorf, who served previously with The Michael J. Fox Foundation as Director of Communications. Joyce has 20 years of experience in corporate communications, media relations, public affairs and advertising. She was head of corporate public relations for Aetna, a leader in health insurance. Before that, she was senior vice president and deputy director of corporate communications for Lehman Brothers Inc., and prior to that, vice president, corporate communications for Chemical Bank (now J. P. Morgan Chase). We are exceptionally fortunate to have Joyce leading NPF to greater heights! Also...

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Michael S. Okun, M.D. is our new National Medical Director of NPF! Dr. Okun will represent NPF in the medical and scientific communities, provide guidance for current or changing medical issues and scientific advances relating to Parkinson disease, assist NPF in carrying out its educational function, and ultimately support NPF in raising funds for the fulfillment of its mission.

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Dr. Okun is co-director of the Movement Disorders Center at the University of Florida (UF), one of NPF's Centers of Excellence. He is also an assistant professor at the University's Department of Neurology and the Department of Neurosurgery, Psychiatry, and History, as well as an active staff member of UF-affiliated Shands Healthcare.

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As photos of the event become available, I'll be sure and post them. All in all, it was a wonderful evening and and I had the honor of walking along a path as Master of Ceremonies forged by two remarkable men who are true role models! I raise a glass and toast Bob Hope and Dick Clark along with all of you for your many comments of love and supportiveness to me in the weeks leading up to Saturday night. If you know anyone with Parkinson's disease, contact us Toll Free at 1-800-327-4545. To quote Dick Clark, "It's good to know you're not alone."

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See You Tuesday!