Past Events
2025 Lasting Legacy Gala
Last year, the University of Minnesota MD Center was named the Greg Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Center. This new name honors the enduring support of the Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation and its donors, and recognizes the lasting legacy of Greg Marzolf Jr., who lived courageously with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Join us as we continue our mission to fund the imperative research happening at the University of Minnesota.
A new stem cell trial from Dr. Rita Perlingeiro’s Lab at the Greg Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Center is the first ever translational study from the University of Minnesota MD Center. Dr. Perlingeiro’s Lab is the first in the world to develop a skeletal muscle cell therapy derived from induced pluripotent stem cells to be tested in a clinical trial. This ground-breaking stem cell trial was funded in part by the Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation.
Join us to learn more about how your support today funds a tomorrow free of muscular dystrophy.
The next 5 years will mark a pivotal time in progress and treatments. Your support will directly fund the crucial research happening at the Greg Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Center. The time is now to change the future for those living with MD.
2026 Lasting Legacy Gala
We are thrilled to announce the GMJF’s Lasting Legacy Gala is returning in 2026!
Thanks to your generosity, excitement, and support, the Lasting Legacy Gala continues to be a success and well-received by our GMJF community. This year we will be returning to the McNamara Alumni Center at the University of Minnesota on Friday, May 8, 2026!
Thank you to our generous 2025 Sponsors!
PLATINUM SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
Many thanks to the 2025 GMJF Board Members & Lasting Legacy Committee Members:
Nick Flood, Katie Howe, Patrick Marzolf, Patricia Marzolf, Bill Marzolf, Marybeth Misgen, James Moeller, Jennifer Myhre, Grace Richie, Sue Self, Mary Rose Short, Charlie Stewart Jr., Jackie Stutzman, Derek Thurmes, Kate Townley, Frank Villaume, Heidi Whiting
Cause to Cook for a Cure
Through the years we have brought friends and family together each winter to honor Gregory Marzolf Jr. and advance his dream: a future free of Muscular Dystrophy. Even when we could not gather in person, we continued this work in spirit and in action.
Since 2001, the Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation (GMJF) has funded research dedicated to curing Muscular Dystrophy. What began as a grassroots effort—golf tournaments, silent auctions, and gatherings in family homes—quickly became a meaningful force for progress. Powered by a close-knit community of friends and family, the foundation proved that small organizations can drive significant impact.
As support grew, so did our ambition. Annual fundraising expanded to include:
A signature gala
A community block party
A run/walk race
A commemorative cookbook
Together, these efforts now generate approximately $100,000 each year.
GMJF has contributed millions of dollars to leading scientists working to develop a cure for Muscular Dystrophy—turning remembrance into sustained momentum toward a better tomorrow. Thank you for your generous support
Rock the Pavement
Rock the Pavement was an annual 5K and 10K event hosted by the Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation, bringing the community together for a day of purpose and energy along the scenic paths of Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. Participants chose to run or walk either distance, creating an inclusive event for athletes, families, and supporters alike.
The race combined a spirited atmosphere with a meaningful mission. All proceeds supported the Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation’s efforts to fund research aimed at curing Muscular Dystrophy—a group of diseases that progressively weaken muscles and diminish independence and quality of life.
Through the collective efforts of runners, walkers, and supporters, Rock the Pavement advanced critical research and honored a shared commitment to ending Muscular Dystrophy.