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! The fifth annual Polo for Parkinson's took place Sunday, November 9, 2009. The Quality of Life Awards were presented during a dinner reception at the Bayou Club following a polo match which took place next door at The Houston Polo 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 2009 Party for Parkinson's will take place at 6:00 pm,  Sunday, October 4, 2009, at the Bayou Club. The 2009 Roy H. Cullen Quality of Life Award will be presented to Houston Ballet and the Lillie Cullen Quality of Life Award honoree is Baine Kerr, Sr. in memoriam. 
 
HAPS is also a designated charity for the 2010 Chevron Houston Marathon. Since its first year as a designated charity in the Houston Marathon, volunteers and runners alike have raised more than $100,000! If you would like to participate in the Chevron Houston Marathon, check out the Marathon web page and find out how.