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.

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!

Tub Run Rolls Through Janesville

JANESVILLE, Wis., May 27, 2011— Over 1500 motorcyclists are expected to join together June 18 at Kutter Harley-Davidson, 3223 N. Pontiac Drive, for the 90-mile Tub Run ride benefiting local Muscular Dystrophy Association clients. 

For 17 years, the South Central Wisconsin Janesville Harley Owners Group and Muscular Dystrophy Association have teamed up to create a memorable experience for both the participants and clients fighting neuromuscular disease.

“The best part of the whole weekend is seeing the smiles on the faces of the individuals and families affected by these terrible diseases.” Dave Alwin, South Central Wisconsin Janesville Harley Owners Group member said. “Because of those smiles, we do what we do.”

Festivities begin Friday, June 17 at Kutter Harley-Davidson with a $15 Poker Run at 3 p.m., and continue at Thresherman’s Park, Hwy 51 North, with a pork barbeque, live music by the Back Alley Band and free overnight camping. The last bikes are allowed in at 9 p.m..

The Tub Run departs from Kutter Harley-Davidson at 12 p.m. sharp Saturday, June 18. Post-ride entertainment includes live music, bike games, silent auction and a steak dinner at Thresherman’s Park.

Registration is $25 per rider Friday, June 17 from 1-7 p.m. and Saturday, June 18 from 9-11 a.m.. All proceeds benefit local MDA clients. However, riders can waive the registration fee and become “Pledge Riders.” Riders who raise more than $100 receive a 2011 MDA Tub Run Pin, T-shirt and Steak Dinner at Thresherman’s Park. For every $100 raised, riders will be entered into a raffle to win a 2011 Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster. 

Pledge Riders who raise over $1000 have the unique opportunity to support local ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) patient, Cal Niemeier. Niemeier, who was diagnosed with ALS last year, is a longtime supporter of the Tub Run. Since its inception, he lead the Tub Run, carrying the American flag on his motorcycle. “Cal’s Pals,” Pledge Riders who raise more than $1000, will receive a commemorative red hat similar Niemeier’s and lead the race with Niemeier.

The top overall pledge rider will win a four-day trip for two to Las Vegas to see the MDA Telethon.

Participants can sign up to become a pledge rider at http://www.joinmda.org/tubrun2011. 

                                                                                                               

The MDA Tub Run is the second largest MDA motorcycle ride in the country. With the help of dedicated volunteers and participants, the ride has raised over $1.6 million for local MDA clients.

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 (608) 222-3269. For more information about the Tub Run, visit  http://mdatubrun.jvlnet.com/.