SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Undaunted by the deluge of a particularly heavy afternoon thunderstorm, runners in Sunday’s Team Fox one-mile fun run never missed a step.

Jayne Godfrey, who organized the event at Bruno’s in Spanish Fort to benefit Parkinson’s Research, said spirits soared throughout the day, and both the turnout and funds raised exceeded her expectations.

“We had a lot of unknowns, including the weather, and even though the run was nearly a wash-out, we raised more than $4,000,” Godfrey said. “It was just a super day.”

In addition to the 110 registered runners, Godfrey said hundreds of area residents participated in the silent auction, free health screenings and enjoy the live entertainment provided by Spanish Fort United Methodist Church; Anna and Brooke Kirkam; and line dancers organized by Susie Glickman of Fairhope.

Godfrey said the local effort operates as a limited liability company called “Always Looking Up” and was created solely for the purpose of raising funds for the national Michael J. Fox  Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Sitcom and movie actor Michael J. Fox has been an outspoken advocate for increased research into the motor system disorder.

To date, the actor’s foundation has raised $196 million toward answering such questions and pursuing a cure.

Upcoming activities

For those who missed Sunday’s festivities, Godfrey said two more opportunities are coming up quickly, including an Oct. 23 Barn Sale in conjunction with Homestead Village’s annual yard sale in Fairhope. The groups will partner again on Dec. 2, with “Christmas in the Village,” featuring local artists and a program Godfrey calls “Angels for Parkinson’s Disease.”

In addition, Parkinson’s support groups meet from noon until 1 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne and from 10 until 11 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Carroll Place in Fairhope.