Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation

Funding a Tomorrow Free of Muscular Dystrophy

About Us

Established in 2002 in memory of Greg Marzolf Jr., the Foundation raises awareness of Muscular Dystrophy and funds local research, education, and patient care programs for families affected by neurological diseases. 

All contributions support the Gregory Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Center at the University of Minnesota. The Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3), and all donations are tax-deductible.

Our Mission

To Fund a Tomorrow Free of Muscular Dystrophy 

Since its inception, The Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation has helped to raise millions of dollars for Muscular Dystrophy research in Minnesota. We are dedicated to funding education and research programs benefiting children and families suffering from Muscular Dystrophy and to providing support for patient service care. 

Our Initiatives

Our initiatives and fundraising activities include: 

  • Establishment of the Gregory Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Center at the University of Minnesota. Through the annual Marzolf Symposium, we award grants to post–doctoral students in the field of neuromuscular disease.

  • Cause to Cook for a Cure annual gala

  • The Dark Socks Classic and the Stride & Ride Event for MD

  • The Diamond Awards with the MN Twins

  • GiveMN and United Way campaigns

Contributions to the Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation are given to the Gregory Marzolf Jr. Training Program at the University of Minnesota MD Center to support research for a cure to neurological diseases. All funds are used locally. 

Our History

Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation: A Legacy of Hope 

The Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation began in the early 1980s, inspired by Greg’s diagnosis with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Friends rallied around the Marzolf family, raising funds through grassroots events like garage sales and golf tournaments. In 1989, they published Cause to Cook, donating all proceeds to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). 

In 2001, the first Greg Marzolf Jr. Golf Classic launched, later evolving into the Dark Socks Classic, with continued support from sponsors like R.F. Moeller Jewelers and KSTP AM 1500. All proceeds benefit MDA in Greg’s memory. 

To further support local research, the Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation was officially established in 2002. Events like Cause to Cook for a Cure brought together friends, food, and fun—just as Greg loved. 

Foundation efforts helped launch the Gregory Marzolf Jr. Training Program at the University of Minnesota’s MD Center, funding postdoctoral research and attracting top neuromuscular disease investigators. This work has significantly advanced treatment and patient care. 

Driven by Greg’s spirit and a shared mission, the Foundation continues to fight for a future free of muscular dystrophy. 

We are committed to inclusivity and do not discriminate based on race, gender, age, disability, or background in any aspect of our work. 

Make a difference.

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Make a difference. ☆

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