FoxFeed Blog: The 2016 Nike Mag Raises $6.75M in Support of Parkinson's Research

Posted by  Allison Boiles
October 20, 2016

On October 4, Nike brought a piece of pop culture history to life. The 2016 Nike Mag, complete with revolutionary self-lacing technology, was officially unveiled to the world through an online draw.

Today, The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) announced that the Draw for the Nike Mag raised $6.75 million, 100 percent of which will go straight to speeding a cure for Parkinson's disease. Even more incredible, through two events generating worldwide interest in 2011 and 2016, Nike has now generously raised a total of more than $16 million for the Foundation's mission.

First appearing on the silver screen three decades ago, sneakerheads and movie buffs have long-awaited the opportunity to own the iconic shoe. Through the Nike Draw, that future was closer than ever before. The eight-day online draw and auctions in Hong Kong and London featured a limited-edition release of 88 pairs of the Mag shoe. The 89th pair will be auctioned to the highest bidder at the Foundation's benefit gala on November 12 in New York City.

Through the Draw, Nike set out to raise millions for research, galvanizing new audiences worldwide to support the estimated five million people who live with Parkinson's. Nike and MJFF made the Nike Mag available to everyone through the online draw from October 4 to 11, with each entry a $10 donation to MJFF. Thanks to an anonymous donor, donations in the last 12 hours of the Draw were doubled and matched dollar for dollar. The lucky winners were announced on October 17.

Michael J. Fox, owner of the first pair of self-lacing Nike Mag shoes, made several media appearances throughout the Draw to shine a spotlight on the Foundation's work. He recently commented on what this Draw and collaborating with Nike has meant for the Foundation:

Thanks to Nike, we've raised a boatload of money for research and we've had tons of fun while doing it. We're grateful to everyone who's engaged in our work and we welcome those who have come to learn more about us through this amazing partnership.

Chairman, President and CEO of Nike, Inc. Mark Parker reflected on Nike's longstanding history with the Mag and what it means for them to be involved in helping speed a cure for Parkinson's:

It's been an honor to work with Michael and his Foundation over the years on such an important mission. We could never have imagined when we started this journey 30 years ago it would have such a wide-reaching effect — and we can't wait for what's next.