Long Islanders dance at LIU Post to raise money for Parkinson's Disease
Beth Hochstein, who was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease when she was in her mid-30s, founded the Dance Party for Parkinson's Foundation.
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Some Long Islanders spent their Wednesday dancing for people living with Parkinson's disease.
The fundraiser called "Rock Your Body for Parkinson's" took place at the Tilles Center at Long Island University.
Money raised at the event will go to help people who are living with Parkinson's take free dances, with the hope of slowing the progression of the disease.
Beth Hochstein, who was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease when she was in her mid-30s, founded the Dance Party for Parkinson's Foundation.
"I feel like dance is like very vital exercise," Hochstein says. "I encourage people to keep moving because it's so important."
The organization provides free dance classes at the Tilles Center for people with Parkinson's disease.
Wednesday was their biggest fundraising event of the year to continue keeping classes free and raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
"Once the money is donated, within six months, it's in the hands of researchers," says Austyn Marks, of the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
The event featured dancing, music from an off-Broadway group, food, auction items and a community effort to spread awareness about the disease.
Those who take part in the free dance classes say it makes a difference.
"I enjoy it, I like to get together with people I know, and I try these steps out at home and it's kind of fun," says Elizabeth Haller, of Bayville.
Hochstein says she hopes more money was raised then in years past.
She says they had businesses donate their time to make it a true community event.
