OI fundraiser attracts petroleum donors(1)

By Alfredo Santana

Rob Parke wheeled his day at the Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) fundraiser golf course with players from the Southern California Petroleum Industry Association (SCPICA), teed several holes on  his electric chair, and helped to raise $52,000.

He raffled the night's silent auction winning numbers for the OI Foundation.

“I am very happy about the event and feel grateful to be a part of it. We average more than 300 golfers every year and many more participants for dinner and tennis,” Parke said.

Parke was born with OI. He handled a laptop to draw the lucky numbers, and displayed them on a wall screen before a crowd of about 1,500 people.

The OI fundraiser, celebrated once a year, took place Nov. 12. The event, titled the 36th Annual 2010 Southern California Petroleum Industry, Golf and Tennis Tournament to Benefit Osteogenesis Imperfecta, was held at the Pacific Palm Resort in City of Industry.

Since its inception in 1975, the foundation has collected $1.4 million in fundraisers and contributions.

OI is a genetic disorder that creates weak brittle bones, and causes innumerable fractures in the life of humans. It also affects bone and tissue development, and in many cases prevents full growth of arms and legs. Respiratory diseases, hearing loss and partial blindness are common among adult OI patients.

Parke, who has a master’s degree in education from the University of Southern California, said his work clinches funds for a good cause. Organizers said the event's goal is to find a cure.

“There is a a committee of about 20 people who work throughout the year to organize the event, plus the couple dozen volunteers who help staff the actual event day," he said.

The OI Foundation conducts research with medical professionals at universities and hospitals to advance treatments. The foundation offers research scholarships to doctors who study the disorder, and for those engaged in orthopedic treatments for adults and children.

Auctioned items included power tools, family card games and ESPN trivia cards. About 10 wine bottles auctioned raked in almost $3,500.