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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

To volunteer or for more information about MDA’s programs and services, please call Molly at (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!

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.

Local Harley riders to hit streets again for muscular-dystrophy benefit -- GazetteXtra

Check out the Janesville Gazette's coverage of the 2011 MDA Tub Run! Thanks for covering this, Janesville Gazette. Looks like it will be a beautiful weekend for the Tub Run. Many thanks to the South Central Wisconsin Janesville Harley Owners Group, Kutter Harley-Davidson and Dean for sponsoring the event!

Local Harley riders to hit streets again for muscular-dystrophy benefit -- GazetteXtra

MDA Summer Camp 2011: Your Chance to Experience "The Best Week of the Year"

 

WHAT:           An opportunity to visit MDA Summer Camp and see what it has to has to offer. MDA Summer Camp offers local children affected by neuromuscular diseases the opportunity to participate in typical camp activities such as fishing, sports, and arts and crafts in a completely accessible environment.

                        Come by to experience all that MDA Summer Camp yourself!

WHO:             The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)

WHEN:           Pilgrim Center Camp (serving children from Green Bay, N. Wisconsin, UP of Michigan): Wednesday, June 15, at 3 p.m.

                        

                        Salvation Army Wonderland Camp (serving children from Southern Wisconsin) Wednesday, June 15, 2011 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

WHERE:        Pilgrim Center Camp

                        W1010 Spring Grove Rd.

                        Ripon, WI, 54971

                        (920) 748-6750

                        Salvation Army Wonderland Camp 

                        9241 Camp Lake Road

                        Camp Lake, WI 53109

                        (262) 889-4305

 WHY:              MDA Summer Camp is funded by generous local community support, allowing these campers with muscle-wasting diseases to experience many activities they otherwise could not at no cost to their families.

Thousands Expected to Ride Throughout Wisconsin for MDA

GREEN BAY and JANESVILLE, Wis., June 1, 2011— Thousands of Wisconsin motorcyclists are expected to rally together at two rides this month to benefit local Muscular Dystrophy Association clients.

The Packerland Ride departs at 12 p.m. Saturday, June 4 from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC), 2740 West Mason St., Green Bay. Festivities include a 60-mile scenic ride ending at Doc’s Harley-Davidson in Shawano County, W2709 State Highway 29, Bonduel, raffle, auctions, food and entertainment.

The ride, which was organized by the Wolf River Harley Owners Group Chapter, is expected to attract hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts. Registration is $20 and runs 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, June 3 at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and at Doc’s Harley Davidson of Shawano County. Registration continues Saturday, June 4 at NWTC from 9-11:30 a.m..

All proceeds of the Packerland Ride benefit local clients of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and help finance clinic visits at Prevea Clinic in Green Bay, support groups, and a weeklong stay at MDA Summer Camp in Green Lake, Wisconsin. 

The 17^th Annual Tub Run departs from Kutter Harley-Davidson, 3223 N. Pontiac Drive, Janesville, 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 Hwy 51 North, Edgerton.

Festivities begin Friday, June 17 at Kutter Harley-Davidson with a $15 Poker Run at 3 p.m., and continue at Thresherman’s Park 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..

Registration is $25 per rider Friday, June 17 from 1-7 p.m. and Saturday, June 18 from 9-11 a.m.. 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. 

All proceeds of the Tub Run benefit local clients of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and help finance clinic visits at UW Health, support groups, and a weeklong stay at MDA Summer Camp in Camp Lake, Wisconsin. 

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.

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/.

Waunakee Business Leaders Sent To Jail To Benefit MDA

WAUNAKEE, Wis., May 26, 2011 –Nearly 50 local business leaders will head

to “jail” at Rex’s Innkeeper, 301 N. Century Ave., on Thursday, June 2 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 $1,600 for MDA, the cost of sending two children to MDA Summer Camp in Camp Lake, Wisconsin.

Several of the jailbirds have gotten a head start on their bail and contributed to the fight against neuromuscular disease. So far, the top fundraisers are Micha Petersen of Monona State Bank, Jim Long of Badger Utility, and George Huntley of Walgreens.  

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