Muscular Dystrophy Association-Wisconsin

Friday, August 12, 2011

So Close to Their Goal! Fitchburg Fire Fighters Determined to Raise $18,000 for MDA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contacts: Chelsey Emmett Betsy Berens

Fundraising Coordinator Regional Public Affairs Coordinator

(608) 222-3269 (608) 222-3269

cemmett@mdausa.org eberens@mdausa.org

FITCHBURG FIRE FIGHTERS REMOVE BOOTS TO BENEFIT MDA

WHO: The Fitchburg Fire Department and the Muscular Dystrophy Association

WHAT: The Watertown fire fighters are closing in on their $18,000 goal. The fire fighters have participated in MDA’s annual Fill-the-Boot campaign for the past two days. In just six hours, the department raised $13,890, but they hope to raise $18,000 by 6 p.m. TONIGHT! The fire fighters will take off their boots and collect money from passing motorists and pedestrians.

WHERE: McKee and Seminole Highway intersection

WHEN: TODAY! Friday, August 12, 3-6 p.m.

WHY: The annual Fill-the-Boot campaign is a national program to support MDA. All donations will benefit local MDA clients and finance services like sending children and young adults to MDA Summer Camp in Kenosha County, support groups, clinic visits at UW Hospital, and wheelchair purchases and repairs.

Monday, August 8, 2011

MARQUETTE FIRE FIGHTERS RAISE OVER $9,500 FOR MDA

MARQUETTE FIRE FIGHTERS RAISE OVER $9,500 FOR MDA

MARQUETTE, Mich., August 8, 2011— The Marquette Fire Department fought more than fire last month, when they joined in the battle against neuromuscular disease.

The fire fighters removed their boots at intersection of 3^rd and Hewitt, McClellen and Cleveland, Front and Washington, and Lakeshore and E. Baraga and collected money from motorists and pedestrians for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s annual Fill-the Boot fundraiser. During the July 29-30 collection, the department raised $9,586.

All donations will benefit local MDA clients and finance services like sending children and young adults to MDA Summer Camp in Green Lake, Wisconsin, support groups, clinic visits at Prevea and Marshfield Clinics, and wheelchair purchases and repairs

MDA and Marquette Local #643 would like to thank the local motorists and Marquette residents for their generous support and donations.

The annual Fill the Boot campaign is a national program supported by fire departments across North America.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 43 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. For more information about MDA’s programs and services, call (920) 499-4571.

MDA and Marquette Local #643 would like to thank the local motorists and Marquette residents for their generous support and donations.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Janesville Fire Fighters Go Bootless for MDA

Janesville fire fighters will collect donations from motorists, customers and pedestrians in front of Shopko, Sunnyside Shopping Center and Big Lots. Come on out and help the fire fighters support MDA!

JANESVILLE, Wis., July 25, 2011–The Janesville Fire Department will go beyond the call of duty this month when they join in the battle against neuromuscular disease.

Janesville Local #580 will use their boots to collect money from motorists and pedestrians August 5, 6 and 12 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Fill-the-Boot program. The firefighters will be in front of Big Lots, 1714 Milton Avenue, Shopko, 2500 US Highway 14, and Sunnyside Shopping Center, 1902 West Court Street, from 3-6 p.m. August 5 and 12, and 9 a..m.-12 p.m. August 6.

All donations will benefit local MDA clients and services by financing MDA Summer Camp in Kenosha County, clinic visits at UW Hopsital, and wheelchair and leg brace repairs.

MDA’s Fill-the-Boot program is supported by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and non-union fire departments across North America. Last year, Wisconsin fire fighters raised $600,000 for MDA.

The tradition began in 1952, when a father in desperate need ran to IAFF member George Graney’s Fire Engine Company 1 in South Boston. IAFF Local 718 immediately rounded up 20 fire fighters and set in motion a door-to-door canister drive that raised $5,000.

Realizing the potential that fire fighters had to offer the cause and their excellent image in the community, Graney approached and persuaded other IAFF members to support MDA. In August 1954, IAFF named MDA as their “charity of choice” and their signature fundraising activity has been the MDA Fill-the-Boot drive. The IAFF has emerged as the single-largest sponsor of MDA, contributing nearly $300 million since 1954 – all to benefit MDA clients.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat 43 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. For more information about MDA’s programs and services, call (608) 222-3269.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Grand Chute Department Beats 2010 Collection by $5,000

GRAND CHUTE, Wis., July 18, 2011— The Grand Chute Fire Department fought more than fire last week, when they joined in the battle against neuromuscular disease.

The fire fighters removed their boots at intersection of Wisconsin Ave. and Bluemound Dr. and collected money from motorists and pedestrians for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s annual Fill-the Boot fundraiser. During the July 13-15 collection, the Department raised $8,803, surpassing their 2010 total by $5,000.

All donations will benefit local MDA clients and finance services like sending children and young adults to MDA Summer Camp in Green Lake, support groups, clinic visits at Prevea Health and Marshfield Clinic, and wheelchair purchases and repairs

MDA and Grand Chute Local #3655 would like to thank the Grand Chute residents for their generous support and donations.

The annual Fill the Boot campaign is a national program supported by fire departments across North America. Last year, Wisconsin fire fighters raised $600,000 for MDA.

Greendale Fire Fighters Fit $9,000 into Their Fire Boots


Greendale Local #1777 and MDA would like to thank Greendale residents, motorists and pedestrians for their generous donations

GREENDALE, Wis., July 18, 2011— The Greendale Fire Department fought more than fire last week when they joined in the battle against neuromuscular disease.

The fire fighters removed their boots at the intersection of 76^th St. and Grange Ave. and collected money from motorists and pedestrians for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s annual Fill-the Boot fundraiser. During the July 15-16 collection, the Fire Department raised $8,906.

All donations will benefit local MDA clients and finance services like sending children and young adults to MDA Summer Camp in Kenosha County, support groups, clinic visits at Children’s and Froedtert Hospitals, and wheelchair purchases and repairs.

MDA and Greendale Local #1777 would like to thank the local motorists and Greendale residents for their generous support and donations.

The annual Fill the Boot campaign is a national program supported by fire departments across North America. Last year, Wisconsin fire fighters raised $600,000 for MDA.

Kewaunee Fire Department Raises Over $1,700 for MDA

KEWAUNEE, Wis., July 18, 2011 —The Kewaunee Fire Department raised over $1,700 during the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s annual Fill-the-Boot fundraiser July 16-17.

The fire fighters removed their boots to collect donations at Trout Fest and on the intersection of Ellis St. and Milwaukee St.. In just two days, the department raised $1,745.96

All donations will benefit local MDA clients and services like sending children and young adults to MDA Summer Camp in Green Lake, WI, funding clinic visits at Prevea Clinic, and financing wheelchair repairs.

MDA’s Fill-the-Boot program is supported by fire departments across North America. Last year, Wisconsin fire fighters raised $600,000 for MDA.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. For more information about MDA’s programs and services, call (920) 499-4571.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Why are 50 Madison Business Leaders Heading to Jail?

Andella Armaza will visit the MDA Lock-Up jailbirds between 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. With the help of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Andella recently received her first power wheelchai. It's her favorite color, pink.

MADISON, Wis., July 11, 2011 –Nearly 50 Madison business leaders will head to “jail” at Brickhouse BBQ, 214 W. Gorham St., Thursday, July 14 to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

These jailbirds will be arrested at their places of business and transported to the restaurant from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in order to raise “bail” for the MDA Lock-Up fundraiser. They will enjoy a complimentary lunch while attempting to raise at least $2,400 for MDA, the cost of sending three children to MDA Summer Camp in Kenosha County.

Madison resident and MDA client, Andella Armaza, 2, will visit the Lock-Up between 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Andella, 2, has Spinal Muscular Atrophy. With the help of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Andella recently received her first power wheelchair in her favorite color, pink.

For more information about our Lock-Up, donations and other MDA activities in Wisconsin, please contact MDA at (608) 222-3269.

Over $1,500 Over Their Goal! Rhinelander Fire Fighters Raise Over $12,000 for MDA

RHINELANDER, Wis., July 12, 2011— While most Rhinelander residents were putting on their dancing shoes for the Hodag Country Festival last weekend, the Rhinelander fire fighters were taking theirs off to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The fire fighters removed their boots and at intersection of North Stevens Street and County HWY W and collected money from motorists and festival-goers July 7-9. In the three day collection, the Department raised $12,159 for MDA’s annual Fill-the-Boot fundraiser, surpassing their goal by over $1,500.

MDA and the Rhinelander Fire Department would like to thank the Rhinelander residents for their generous support and donations.

The annual Fill the Boot campaign is a national program supported by fire departments across North America. Last year, Wisconsin fire fighters raised $600,000 for MDA.

Marquette Fire Fighters Will Remove Their Boots To Benefit MDA

MARQUETTE, Mich., July 12, 2011–The Marquette Fire Department will go beyond the call of duty this week when they join in the battle against neuromuscular disease.

Marquette Local #643 will use their boots to collect money from motorists and pedestrians for the Muscular Dystrophy Association Friday, July 29 from 3-6 p.m. at the intersections of 3^rd and Hewitt and McClellen and Cleveland, and Saturday, July 30 from 12-6 p.m. at the intersections of Front and Washington, Lakeshore and E. Baraga, and 3^rd and Hewitt.

Last year, the department raised $8,945, but they hope to raise $10,000 during the 2011 collection. All donations will benefit local MDA clients and services like sending children and young adults to MDA Summer Camp in Green Lake, funding clinic visits at Prevea and Marshfield Clinic, and financing wheelchair repairs.

Motorcyclists Ride for a Reason in Sauk City, Wisconsin

SAUK CITY, Wis., July 12, 2011—More than 2,000 motorcyclists are expected to gather for the 26^th Annual Freedom Ride to Benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association July 15-16 in Sauk City.

The Freedom Ride is the longest single dealer Harley-Davidson fundraising event to benefit MDA in Wisconsin. Consistently ranked as one of the top 10 Harley-Davidson MDA events in the nation, the ride has raised over $1.7 million net since its inception in 1985.

Registration for the 26^th Annual Freedom Ride is Friday, July 15, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday, July 16, from 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Sauk Prairie Harley-Davidson.

Registration is $25 per rider. All proceeds benefit local MDA clients. However, riders can also become “pledge riders” and receive different prizes:

Pledge Amount – Prizes

$100- Pin or patch and a Pork Chop Dinner

$150- Pin or patch, Pork Chop Dinner, T-shirt and waived registration fee

$800 “Summer Camp Club” Member- Pin or patch, Pork Chop Dinner, T-shirt, $75 Sauk Prairie Harley-Davidson gift card, invitation to the Summer Camp Reception following the ride

$1000- Pin or patch, Pork Chop Dinner, T-shirt, $100 Sauk Prairie Harley-Davidson gift card

$2000- Pin or patch, Pork Chop Dinner, T-shirt, $100 Sauk Prairie Harley-Davidson gift card

Additionally, For ever $100 raised, Pledge Riders will be entered into a raffle to win a 4-day trip to Las Vegas to attend the 2011 Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon.

Friday night’s pre-ride festivities include a bike show, poker run, and family activities and live music by Boys Night Out.

The ride leaves Sauk Prairie Harley-Davidson, 836 Phillips Boulevard, Sauk City, Saturday at 12 p.m. sharp and travels through the rolling hills of scenic Southwestern Wisconsin. The ride will stop in Loganville before returning to the VFW Park on the Wisconsin River. Post-ride festivities include a raffle, bike games, Pork Chop dinner, live music by Lube and a drawing.

All of the money raised will help benefit local MDA clients and services. MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat 43 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. For more information about MDA’s programs and services, call (608) 222-3269.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Volunteers Needed! 26th Annual Freedom Ride!

SAUK CITY, Wis., July 7, 2011—Planning for the Freedom Ride to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association is well on its way. With over 1500 motorcycle enthusiasts expected to come out, volunteers are needed to guarantee a smooth ride.

Festivities begin Friday, July 15 at Sauk Prairie Harley-Davidson, 836 Phillips Boulevard, Sauk City. Volunteers are needed to register the riders inside the dealership. Two shifts are available, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and from 3:30-7 p.m.

Individuals are also needed Saturday, July 16 to help with registration, distribute incentives, or work as “runners.” These volunteers will work inside from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m..

Volunteers are wanted to help canvass the parking lots to registered riders Saturday. These volunteers will be working outside from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.. Individuals willing to help sell raffle tickets either inside or outside are also needed from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m..

The Freedom Ride to Benefit MDA is the longest single dealer Harley-Davidson fund-raising event to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the state of Wisconsin. With the help of dedicated volunteers and participants, the ride has raised over $1.7 million.

To volunteer or for more information about MDA’s programs and services, please call Molly at (608) 222-3269.

Grand Chute Fire Fighters Take their Boots off for MDA

GRAND CHUTE, Wis., June 30, 2011—Grand Chute Fire Fighters Local #3655 will go beyond the call of duty this month when they join in the battle against neuromuscular disease.

The fire fighters will use their boots to collect money from motorists and pedestrians for the Muscular Dystrophy Association July 13-15 from 2-6 p.m. at the intersection of Wisconsin Ave. and Bluemound Dr.

In 2010, the Department raised $3812 for the MDA Fill the Boot fundraiser. They hope to raise $5,500 this year. All donations benefit local clients of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and help finance clinic visits at Prevea and Marshfield Clinic, support groups, and a weeklong stay at MDA Summer Camp in Green Lake.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Tub Run and Packerland Ride Feature in This Month's Long Riders Magazine!

Check this out! Two MDA benefit rides are featured in this month's issue of Long Riders Magazine!

Almost There! Sturgeon Bay Fire Fighters Inch Closer to $12,000 Goal

STURGEON BAY, Wis., July 5, 2011—The Sturgeon Bay Local #2682 teamed up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association this month in the battle against neuromuscular disease.

The fire fighters removed their boots on 3^rd and Louisiana June 25-26 and July 2-3 to collect money from motorists and pedestrians for MDA’s annual Fill-the-Boot program. In just four days, the Department raised $11,437.42, beating their 2010 collection by over $2,300.

"After two great weekends of Fill the Boot in Sturgeon Bay, we have come very close to our $12,000 goal.” Tim Dietman, Union President and Fill-the-Boot Coordinator, said. “We would like to thank everyone who donated. Without you, we would not be able to fight the neuromuscular diseases that affect our friends, family members and neighbors."

The fire fighters are still determined to raise $12,000 to cover the costs of sending every child in Door County affected by neuromuscular disease to MDA Summer Camp in Green Lake. They have set another collection date for August 20.

In addition to funding MDA Summer Camp, the money raised will benefit local MDA clients and services like funding clinic visits at Prevea and Marshfield Clinics and financing wheelchair repairs.

MDA’s Fill-the-Boot program is supported by fire departments across North America. Last year, Wisconsin fire fighters raised $600,000 for MDA.

Rhinelander Fire Fighters Kick Off Hodag Country Festival by Kicking Off Their Boots

RHINELANDER, Wis., July 5, 2011–The Rhinelander Fire Department will help kick off the Hodag Country Festival this week by kicking off their boots for a good cause.

Rhinelander Local #1028 will use their boots to collect money at the intersection of North Stevens Street and County HWY W, July 7-9 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Fill-the-Boot program.

All donations will benefit local MDA clients and services like sending children and young adults to MDA Summer Camp in Green Lake, funding clinic visits at Prevea and Marshfield Clinic, and financing wheelchair repairs.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat 43 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public h

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Who Knew $32,000 Could Fit in a Boot?

GREENFIELD, Wis., June 29, 2011—The Greenfield Fire Department Local #1963 teamed up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association this last week in the battle against neuromuscular disease.

The fire fighters removed their boots on the corner of 76th Street and Layton Avenue to collect money from motorists and pedestrians as a part of MDA’s annual Fill-the-Boot program. In just three days, the Fire Department raised $32,762.

MDA and the Greenfield Fire Department would like to thank TGI Fridays, Pizza Hut and Applebee’s for providing lunch, Sendik’s for offering water, North Shore Bank for counting donations, Greenfield Patch for covering the event, and M&I Bank for supplying parking spots

All donations will benefit local MDA clients and services like sending children and young adults to MDA Summer Camp in Camp Lake, funding clinic visits at Froedtert Memorial Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and financing wheelchair repairs.

MDA’s Fill-the-Boot program is supported by fire departments across North America. Last year, Wisconsin fire fighters raised $600,000 for MDA.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 43 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. For more information about MDA’s programs and services, call (262) 432-3269.

Wisconsin Benefit Rides Attract Over 2,000 Motorcyclists and Raise $200,000 for MDA

Cal and Laura Niemeier flex their muscles before they kick off the Tub Run for the 17th consecutive year. Cal was diagnosed with ALS in April 2010.

GREEN BAY and JANESVILLE, Wis., June 28, 2011— Thousands of motorcyclists rallied in Wisconsin this month to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

With the help of local HOG chapters and motorcycle dealerships, MDA hosted two benefit rides, raising over $200,000 for the Association.

The Packerland Ride attracted over 700 motorcyclists to Green Bay on June 4 with festivities including a 60-mile scenic ride ending at Doc’s Harley-Davidson in Shawano County, raffle, auctions, food and entertainment.

The ride, which was organized by the Wolf River Harley Owners Group Chapter, raised over $48,000 for MDA.

Nearly 1,600 motorcyclists kicked off the 17th Annual Tub Run on June 18 in Janesville, Wisconsin. Tub Run events ran throughout the weekend and raised over $149,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Pledge riders alone raised over $23,000, nearly doubling the 2010 contributions.

Five pledge riders raised over $1,000 and had the opportunity to lead the ride with longtime Tub Run supporter, Cal Niemeier. Niemeier lead the Tub Run for 17 years, carrying the American flag on his motorcycle. However, in April 2010, doctors diagnosed Niemeier with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). This year, he and his wife, Laura, lead the ride together with the five pledge riders.

The top overall pledge rider, Dave Alwin, won a four-day trip for two to Las Vegas to see the MDA Telethon. He gave the trip to Cal and Laura. All proceeds from the Tub Run will benefit local clients of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and help finance clinic visits, support groups, and a weeklong stay at MDA Summer Camp.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 43 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. To volunteer or for more information about MDA’s programs and services, call (800) 572-1717.

Gresham Fire Fighters Give Neuromuscular Disease the Boot

GRESHAM, Wis., June 28, 2011–The Gresham Fire Department will go beyond the call of duty July 2, when they join in the battle against neuromuscular disease.

The fire fighters will remove their boots to collect donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association at the July 4th Parade. The Gresham Fire Department will participate in the Fill the Boot fundraiser from 12-2 p.m.

All donations will benefit local MDA clients and services like sending children and young adults to MDA Summer Camp in Green Lake, WI, funding clinic visits at Prevea and Marshfield Clinics, and financing wheelchair repairs.

MDA’s Fill-the-Boot program is supported by fire departments across North America. Last year, Wisconsin fire fighters raised $600,000 for MDA.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. For more information about MDA’s programs and services, call 920-499-4571.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

MDA Summer Camp 2011: Camp Lake, Wisconsin

This year, 41 campers and over 80 volunteers came together at the Salvation Army Wonderland Camp in Kenosha County for MDA Summer Camp. For five days, the kids enjoyed arts and crafts projects, played adaptive sports and fished. Each camper is accompanied by a volunteer counselor to ensure that exceptional needs are met at all times. Take a look at these some of these amazing experiences:

Looks like one of the counselors took their eyes off of the golf cart...

Waitin for those fish!

Franklin Fire Fighters Kick Off Their Boots

WHO: The Franklin Fire Department and the Muscular Dystrophy Association

WHAT: Franklin Local #2760 will participate in MDA’s annual Fill-the-Boot campaign. The fire fighters will take off their boots and collect money from passing motorists and pedestrians.

WHERE: The intersection of 76^th St. and Rawson Ave.

WHEN: June 8-10, 2011 from 2-6 p.m.

WHY: The annual Fill-the-Boot campaign is a national program to support MDA. All donations will benefit local MDA clients and finance services like sending children and young adults to MDA Summer Camp in Camp Lake, support groups, clinic visits at Children’s Hospital and Froedtert Memorial Hospital, and wheelchair purchases and repairs.