Since its inception, The Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation has helped to raise millions of dollars for Muscular Dystrophy research in Minnesota.
Founded in 2002 to commemorate the life of Greg Marzolf Jr., the Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness of Muscular Dystrophy through philanthropic activities and to support research for a cure to Muscular Dystrophy.
The Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation is 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 and fundraising activities include:
- Establishment of the Gregory Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Training Program at the University of Minnesota MD Center. 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 and home parties
- 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.
Learn more about our mission, history of giving and plans for the future in this 2013 Report to our Donors:
History of the Foundation
The roots of the foundation date back to the early 1980s, when Greg was a small child and was diagnosed with Duchene’s Muscular Dystrophy. Profoundly affected by Greg’s journey, a large group of friends began fundraising efforts by hosting garage sales, golf tournaments and garden parties. In 1989, they published a successful cookbook, Cause to Cook. All funds were donated directly to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
In 2001, sponsored by R. F. Moeller Jewelers, the first Greg Marzolf Jr. Golf Classic was held. In the years that followed, additional events (a walk and party) and sponsors KSTP am 1500 were added. The event was renamed The Dark Socks Classic. All funds raised at this event were (and still are) donated directly to MDA in memory of Greg Jr.
During this time, the original group of friends continued to raise money and wanted to keep Greg’s spirit and sense of hope alive by assisting local research for a cure. To that end, the Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation was formed in May of 2002. Getting back to doing what Greg enjoyed so much, gathering with of friends, family, food and fun, Cause to Cook for a Cure parties were born.
Funds from these and other Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation events set the stage for the Gregory Marzolf Jr. Training Program at the University of Minnesota’s MD Center. As a result of awarding post–doctoral students in the field of neuromuscular disease with research grants, the research program at the University of Minnesota has grown significantly and has attracted prominent investigators.
The work of the Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation has had a profound effect on the many successes of the University of Minnesota’s MD Center by enhancing treatment of this disease and patient care. With continued tenacity, the Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation will fulfill our common goal – to conquer muscular dystrophy for the current generation of patients.
The Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
The Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation has been approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c) 3 organization, as prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code. Gifts to the GMJF are tax-deductible.
