By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

The goal was clear: Help people with Parkinson’s disease live more robustly. The solution was simple: Give them access to projects and people in the art community. Recent research has shown a connection between managing the disease and participation in creative projects.

The Emerald Ball was a bridge between the two. Held last November and led by J. Basil Dannebohm, the Ball was a big step in helping the Emerald Foundation spread its mission, bringing over 300 guests together to help raise funds and learn more about the debilitating disease. The video above is a short film about the event and the Foundation.

Since the Ball, the Foundation is working to become more streamlined.

“We’re coming out with an easier brand,” Dannebohm said.

The Foundation’s website is being rebuilt to make it easier to find desired activities and services, according to Dannebohm, and the young nonprofit is evaluating operations and preparing projects.

As the evaluation continues, the Foundation is setting up a network to help allow patients access to creative projects.

While Dannebohm said awareness is important, the goal of the organization is to give Parkinson’s patients access to art therapy.

“We’re working with the Parkinson’s support groups around the state,” Dannebohm said. “It’s interesting, we know this is healing. … The nice part of it is that we are able to do that now, and really try to get our footprint out.”

Planning is also underway for the next Emerald Ball.

“We’re going to keep plugging along. We have to, because we know it is so valuable to so many people,” Dannebohm said.