Hi, I am Chris Sparks, co-owner of Sparking Design who built a branded identity for Richard Thompson and Cul de Sac. During this project, Richard, who had been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, became a personal friend of mine. I became interested in learning more about Parkinson’s and read one of the Michael J. Fox memoirs. His story inspired me to think of a way I could help make a difference in this cause. That’s why I formed Team Cul De Sac through TEAMFOX. The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today. I’m asking for your support in the race to put an end to PD. You can visit my Team Fox fund raising page at TEAM CUL DE SAC. Richard has agreed to be the poster boy for Team Cul de Sac. Here is what he had to say: “This idea of yours for a book is very cool, and of course you have my blessing! If I can help in any way, contacts, front man, falling down for cheap comedy, anything, lemme know. From what I’ve seen of you, once you’ve got an idea you’ll pursue it till it happens. ”
I did pursue and I am very happy by the results of what Team Cul de Sac has accomplished.
With that being said, if you have a dream or goal, reach out to us and see how our experience can benefit you.
Timeline for Team Cul de Sac
2008: I met Richard Thompson at Heroescon in Charlotte NC.
2009: Richard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
2010: I formed Team Cul de Sac through Team Fox, the fundraising arm of the Michael J Fox Foundation. I also started the process of creating the book Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson’s
2011: We have the very first Team Cul de Sac Drink and Draw at HeroesCon.
2012: The book Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson’s was released June 5th.
2013: The Team Cul de Sac book is nominated for an Eisner award and four Harvey awards. Chris graciously looses all five awards but he does win the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award at Comic-Con International: San Diego
2014: Team Cul de Sac makes the world news due to Bill Watterson contributes art to 3 Pearls Before Swine comic strips. (And if you haven’t yet seen those three strips, they can be found HERE, HERE, and HERE.) Those strips were auctioned and raised $74,090.
2015: 5th annual Drink and Draw is held at Heroescon.
2016: July 27th, Richard passes from the effects of Parkinson’s. We continue to fight and raise money and awareness for The Michael J Fox Foundation.
2017: We continue The Drink and Draw and as always, we have fun.
2018: Team Cul de Sac passes its goal of $250,000. We continue to fight and raise money and awareness for The Michael J Fox Foundation. Also the Ten year anniversary when Chris and Richard met.
2019 and beyond. We continue until there is a cure.