Manager turns adversity into gift for others

Paul Ruby, general manager of Geneva's Herrington Inn and Spa, was diagnosed with early onset of Parkinson's Disease a year ago.

But the 43-year-old didn't crawl into a hole; he decided to do something about it, forming the nonprofit Paul Ruby Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

"It's great to be able to focus energy and effort into something that will make a difference, for me personally, and others affected," said Ruby, who lives with his wife, Linda, and two sons in the Mill Creek subdivision.

"It's very therapeutic and encouraging and keeps me optimistic."

The foundation will host a golf outing and benefit concert Aug. 17.

Proceeds will go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, through Ruby's foundation, for research.

The disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder characterized by symptoms that usually progress from mild tremors to total incapacitation.

The 18-hole golf outing, in which participants can win a car or cruise if they get a hole-in-1 on one of the five par-3s, sold out long ago.

Tickets are available for the barbecue dinner, silent and live auction and "Concert for a Cure" beginning at 6 p.m. at the Mill Creek Golf Course, 39W525 Herrington Drive, Geneva.

Live bands scheduled to appear are: The Ides of March, Hoss, Greg Boerner and the Mark Ruby Jazz Quartet.

The cost is $50, a portion of which is tax deductible. There also will be a cash bar.

For more information, call (630) 208-7433. To buy tickets, visit paulrubyfoundation.com or stop by Kiss The Sky, 301 W. State St., Geneva.

Ruby originally hoped to raise about $50,000. Organizers now expect to surpass that amount as auction and in-kind donations roll in almost by the hour.

Thursday, a Matteson jeweler donated $10,000 worth of diamond rings and earrings for the silent auction.

Dawn Vogelsberg, a Geneva alderman who helped plan the event, said sponsorships have been coming in on a daily basis and a huge list of volunteers have signed up to help at the event.

"I think most volunteers in Geneva know how generous Paul Ruby is to the community," Vogelsberg said. "This event is about coming together as a community to support Paul Ruby, raise awareness about Parkinson's and hopefully make a sizable contribution toward research to find a cure for Parkinson's Disease. Who wouldn't want to get involved?"

Dozens of businesses and groups have signed on as sponsors, two of the largest being MidAmerica Bank and the Sho-Deen Family Foundation.

Anna Harmon, Sho-Deen foundation director, said it was natural to help a friend, resident and Sho-deen employee.

"The (Shodeen) Family Foundation feels very strongly about contributing to charities and organizations that benefit the people and community of the Tri-Cities in general," she said. "We try to stay local."

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns will host the live auction. Among the larger items: a 40th anniversary Ides of March guitar, sports tickets, jewelry, hotel getaways and an original National Geographic photo donated by one of Ruby's friends.

"Paul Ruby has always personified graciousness and hospitality," Burns said. "When a friend needs help, Geneva's reputation is we embrace that friend and provide what assistance we can. Paul Ruby is no different. He's been a friend of Geneva and the business community for years."

Auction items can be dropped off at the Herrington Inn, 15 S. River Lane, Geneva, or the Sho-Deen main office, 17 N. First St., Geneva.

Ruby experienced two years of chronic stiffness in his left arm and right leg before becoming one of 60,000 new patients diagnosed each year.

He hopes a cure for Parkinson's will lead to cures of other neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Overall, Ruby is heartened by the strong support so far.

"It's just amazing not having to ask for help (for the event). People have offered. There are people coming out of the woodwork," he said. "It's a great community. That's why this event is so successful."