Entry #9

April 2, 2004

Letter from the National Parkinson Foundation

Mr. Robert Cochrane recently contacted the National Parkinson Foundation regarding The Boys of Summer, a journey he is taking with his father, Dan Cochrane, and the documentary film about their visit to all the Major League ballparks in America. As his father was diagnosed with Parkinson disease in 2001, Mr. Cochrane is using this venture to raise awareness about Parkinson disease and to most generously donate the funds to the National Parkinson Foundation.

The National Parkinson Foundation, Inc. is a tax-exempt, 501 (c)(3) organization. We are the largest Parkinson organization in the world. Our mission is to advance research leading to the cause and the cure of Parkinson disease. It is because of people like the Cochranes and their supporters, that we are able to make a difference in the lives of those who are afflicted with Parkinson disease and their caregivers. Each gift collected will be a full charitable gift contribution to the National Parkinson Foundation. We are more than happy to provide you with the necessary tax-exempt forms.

We thank you for your support of The Boys of Summer and the National Parkinson Foundation. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions. 

Most sincerely yours,

Pamela Palma

Assistant to the Director of Development, Mary Ann Sprinkle

April 8, 2004 - Bob

Las Vegas, NV

Along with the letter from the National Parkinson Foundation (according to Pamela Palma, the "'s" at the end of Parkinson is improper, just as one wouldn't say "Cancer's"), we have clearance from the front office of Major League Baseball to shoot in the parks (pending each of the individual team’s okay) and a tentative interview with an executive from the Michael J. Fox foundation. 

I've been faxing out updated info to all the clubs. I think they'll all feel more confident in helping out where they can now that they see the official backing of the NPF and MLB.

I have a meeting tomorrow slated with the officials here in Las Vegas for our tailgate/fundraiser at the Fremont St. Experience. 

I have contacted several vendors and will continue to be on them diligently as I know these things can slip through the cracks otherwise. 

I'm also beginning to read former New York Yankee Paul O'Neil's "Me and My Dad". From the outset, it looks like a great and very emotional read. Hopefully I'll get to watch "Boys of Summer" (the original documentary about the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1950’s) tonight. 

No A’s game today. They’re 2-1 after their series with the Rangers.