Fundraising & Events

Fundraisers are one way community members can contribute to FA research. Each gathering fuels critical research and paves the way to bring treatments and cures to the FA community. FARA hosts fundraisers all over the United States, such as the glamorous Energy Ball in Tampa, FL and the nationwide cycling series rideATAXIA.  Dedicated volunteers also host local events as part of FARA’s grassroots program.

Can’t find an event near you? FARA’s fundraising team empowers individuals and groups to plan community events—from dinner parties to 5k walks to drive-in movies.

Learn About FARA Fundraising & Events
lots of hands with cure FA message

Upcoming Events

EVENT | Sep 27 2025

USF Research Reception Brunch

The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) is pleased to present this free, in-person educational event for the FA community. FA Research Receptions provide individuals and families affected by FA with up-to-date information about Friedreich’s ataxia research and an opportunity to meet others in the community.

Education
USF Health Morsani College of Medicine & Heart Institute, Tampa
EVENT | Sep 27 2025

The FARA Energy Ball

The FARA Energy Ball is a high-energy gala that brings together hundreds of supporters to raise funds for critical research into Friedreich's ataxia (FA).

FARA Energy Ball
Tampa Marriott Water Street, Tampa, Florida
EVENT | Sep 28 2025

Fuzzy Buzzy Charity Golf Tournament 2025

The Fuzzy Buzzy Charity Golf Tournament is an annual event held every year since 1986.

Grassroots
Windham Country Club, Windham, New Hampshire
EVENT | Oct 4 2025

Epic Game Day

The most epic of game days - to benefit FARA. The event will feature food, free-play games, and tournaments.

Grassroots
Natural Twenty Games, Henderson
EVENT | Oct 4 2025

World Renowned Magician Chris Dugdale Benefit Performance

Magic show to benefit FARA with Chris Dugdale, world renown magician/mentalist, featured on Penn and Teller, Las Vegas shows, and many worldwide television shows.

Grassroots
Calvary United Methodist Church, Annapolis, Maryland
EVENT | Oct 12 2025

rideATAXIA Philly 2025

Join us at Montgomery County Community College for an amazing day with our FAmily. Choose between a 4-, 8-, 26-, or 46-mile ride, or a 1.5-mile walk/ride on campus – there's something for everyone!

rideATAXIA
Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
EVENT | Oct 13 2025

FARA & CHOP FA Symposium

This is a free day-long event filled with presentations for people living with FA and their families, with the option to participate in-person or virtually. The Symposium agenda includes information on clinical management, current research in FA, and other valuable insights for participants.

Education
Crowne Plaza – King of Prussia, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
EVENT | Oct 25 2025

Mattoberfest

Enjoy an Octoberfest event for FARA in Matt DiIorio's memory.

Grassroots
Narragansett Brewery, Providence
EVENT | Nov 2 2025

Team FARA: TCS New York City Marathon

FARA is an Official Charity Partner for the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. Six members of Team FARA will run the marathon to redefine what is possible when we work together towards a common goal- treatments and a cure for Friedreich's ataxia (FA).

Grassroots
new york, New York
EVENT | Nov 8 2025

rideATAXIA Dallas 2025

Get ready for an amazing day at Lewisville Railroad Park! Whether you're up for a 15, 10, or 4.5-mile ride, or a 1.5-mile walk/ride, there's something for everyone.

rideATAXIA
Lewisville Railroad Park, Lewisville, Texas
EVENT | Feb 28 2026

Rare Disease Day

Rare Disease Day is a global movement to raise awareness of rare diseases and work towards equity in health care, particularly access to diagnosis and approved treatments for people living with a rare disease. Since its inception, thousands of Rare Disease Day events have taken place across the world, reaching millions of people and fostering a growing public understanding of rare diseases and the high unmet medical need of this community.

Advocacy
Global

Connect

FARA fosters a vibrant community, offering both in-person and virtual ways to connect so you can find support and strength on your journey. Connect in-person or virtually with families and individuals with FA or learn more directly from the professionals at one of FARA’s educational events.

Make a Connection
3 female and 1 male with lovely smiles image

FARA Ambassador Program

The FARA Ambassador Program is a united volunteer team of individuals living with FA. FARA Ambassadors are positive, supportive, peer representatives for the FA community who actively raise awareness and funds for FARA. Their dedicated support of FARA is key to continued success toward FARA’s ultimate goal of treatments and cures for FA.

Team of pople at event

Ways to Give

FARA is committed to advancing research towards meaningful therapeutics for Friedreich’s ataxia. Because FARA focuses its funding solely on carefully vetted research, each donation fuels the very engine driving progress in the search for treatments and cures – a testament to the collective power of compassion and action.

From small monthly donations through the Pathway program to employer-matched donations, there are many ways to give that suit any budget or financial situation.

Group of children in fancy dress

Participate in Research

Individuals with FA can be powerful partners in research. Sharing your experiences and data through research studies helps scientists learn more about FA and moves us closer to new treatments and cures.

Studies come in different forms, some simply observing the progression of the disease (natural history studies), while others test new treatment options (interventional clinical trials). Regardless of the type, participation is crucial to advancing research.

Participate in Research
young girl in hospital

Advocate

The most effective voice in making change is yours. Public policy and legislation can impact research, drug development, drug approvals, patient access to approved medications and health care, and more. By using your voice to advocate for the FA community, you are advancing FARA’s mission to expedite treatments for FA.

Learn About FA Advocacy
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Join FARA’s Community Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest updates at FARA and in the whole FA community. FARA offers monthly newsletters for community members, researchers, FA advocates, and more. Sign up today and you’ll be on your way to staying connected and informed.

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