Michael J. Fox to speak at the George L. Ruder Forum, April 17, 2023

The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin is pleased to welcome Michael J. Fox as the 2023 speaker for the George L. Ruder Forum on Monday, April 17, 2023, at the Grand Theater in Wausau, WI.

The entire world knows Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, the teenage sidekick of Doc Brown in Back to the Future; as Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties; as Mike Flaherty in Spin City; and through numerous other movie roles and guest appearances. Diagnosed at age 29, Michael is equally engaged in Parkinson’s advocacy work, raising global awareness of the disease and helping find a cure through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the world’s leading nonprofit funder of PD science.

“The Community Foundation is incredibly proud to bring such an inspirational figure to our area for the George L. Ruder Forum,” said Tim Parker, President & CEO of the Community Foundation. “Michael’s philanthropic work, his award-winning acting career, and his advocacy for Parkinson’s research are remarkable, and we look forward to celebrating his story as it will most certainly leave a mark on all who attend this special event. After needing to postpone this special event, previously planned for 2022, we are excited to be about a week away from his visit.”

The Community Foundation last held the George L. Ruder Forum in 2014 and is excited to host this event again in 2023. The George L. Ruder Forum was established in 1990 to bring nationally known speakers to the Wausau area to address issues of current interest and importance. The George L. Ruder Fund of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, established and supported by family, friends, and business associates of Mr. Ruder, is proud to sponsor this event. Additional sponsors for the 2023 event include Ruder Ware Law Firm, John and Nancy Skoug, Evolutions in Design, HOM Furniture, CoVantage Credit Union, Janke Book Store, and Sun Printing.