Deadliest Catch Captains Fundraise for a Cure
APDA’s Northwest Chapter held a unique “Captains for a CURE” fundraiser and auction in September, 2019, hosted by Fremont Mischief Distillery, Trident Seafoods, Cameron Catering, and four of the captains from the Discovery Channel’s popular Deadliest Catch* TV show. The goal was to raise $250,000.
They surpassed that goal by $130,000, raising an astonishing $380,000 to provide support, education and research to help people impacted by PD in the Northwest.
The motivation behind the event came from the four captains who came together to honor their friend and hero, Trident Seafoods founder and chairman Chuck Bundrant, who was instrumental in helping them (and many others) get started in the fishing industry. Chuck lives an active life full of hope and optimism despite struggling with an atypical form of Parkinson’s disease, progressive supranuclear palsy with parkinsonism (PSP).
As a result of the funds raised at this event, APDA is funding a research grant in honor of Chuck that has been awarded to Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids, MI, to study a mutation in a protein called VPS35 that is known to cause Parkinson’s in some families. APDA believes that further studying this protein can have implications for PSP, and funding this research is a wonderful way to honor Mr. Bundrant.
“The Bundrant family are longtime supporters of APDA since 1999, when a fellow fisherman was first diagnosed with PD. Seven years later in 2006, Chuck received his own diagnosis and their support has never wavered,” states Jean Allenbach, Executive Director, APDA Northwest Chapter. “The “Captains for a CURE” event was a special way to bring together a very passionate group of people who wanted to make a real difference for the local Parkinson’s community.”
APDA is thankful to Fremont Mischief Distillery, Trident Seafoods, Cameron Catering, and the four captains for their generous support and partnership that helped make this event such a success.
*”Deadliest Catch” is a registered trademark of DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS, LLC LIMITED and is not affiliated with Storm Tossed Rye Whiskey, Fremont Mischief Distillery or the fundraiser for APDA.