A Ruby in the Rough
September 1, 2008 by Kimberly Kozar
Filed under Community Events
| September 6, 2008 |
He’s a man not unlike many men in Geneva. He is a father, husband and hard-working employee of a family-run business in town.
Meet Paul Ruby, who believes “once you figure out what your priorities are, you go in that direction, enjoy what you have along the way and don’t worry about what you can’t control.”
What makes Ruby stand out is the way he lives out the last part of his philosophy: “…unless, of course, you can effect change with a positive impact.” That’s exactly what he did when he set out to form the Paul Ruby Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
The man behind the foundation has a better understanding than most of this progressive disease that affects more than 1 million people in the U.S. alone. Ruby was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in July 2006. Not long after he formed the foundation; and his family, friends and acquaintances whose lives he didn’t even realize he’d touched helped sustain it.
The foundation has raised more than $100,000. Two events that have been successful are the Concert for a Cure held in the fall and the Paul Ruby golf outing, recently held August 7 which raised over $30,000. Ruby was amazed as more than 120 golfers, 56 caddies and 45 volunteers stepped up to put together a fantastic event.
“It is still just as touching having been witness to another great show of support from the community.”
“I know there are many hands that work together to pull this off,” Ruby said, holding back emotion. “It is still just as touching having been witness to another great show of support from the community.”
Ruby should know how to throw a good party, having 22 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. These events are well-run and provide a great way for friends to come together and have fun for a good cause. This year’s Concert for a Cure and auction will be held Saturday, September 6 at Tanna Farms Golf Club in Geneva.
Way to go, Paul! We are proud to share a community with the likes of you. To learn more, visit the Paul Ruby Foundation Web site at www.paulrubyfoundation.org.
This article first appeared in the September 2008 issue of eGeneva Magazine.
