Houston Area  Parkinson Society began as an all volunteer organization in 1974, and as such special events were the only way funds were raised for the programs HAPS supported. HAPS continues the long tradition of premier special events in Houston to support its services and programs.

Unique luncheons and galas have been a long-standing tradition - from Knock-Out Parkinson's with special guest Muhammad Ali in 1997 to Polo for Parkinson's beginning in 2004, HAPS and its volunteers have produced special events that keep Houston talking for years!

And last year was no exception! HAPS hosted Party for Parkinson's which took place Sunday, October 4, 2009. The Quality of Life Awards were presented during a lively dinner reception at the Bayou Club.

At the inaugural Polo for Parkinson's event in 2004, Houston Area Parkinson Society presented the first Quality-of-Life Awards to Mr. Roy H. Cullen and his late daughter Lillie. These two awards, now named in honor of Mr. Cullen and his late daughter Lillie, were established to recognize and honor those who are not only impacted by Parkinson's disease, but work to improve the quality-of-life of those affected by Parkinson's disease.

This year the theme is different, but the spirit is the same. The 2011 Changing the Face of Parkinson's took place Sunday, October 16, 2011, at the Bayou Club. The 2011 Roy H. Cullen Quality of Life Award was presented to George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation and the Lillie Cullen Quality of Life Award honoree is Michael "Rich" Clifford. 
 
HAPS is also a designated charity for the 2012 Chevron Houston Marathon. Since its first year as a designated charity in the Houston Marathon, volunteers and runners together have raised more than $250,000! If you would like to participate in the Chevron Houston Marathon, check out the Marathon web page and find out how.