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.

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 Jerry’s kids.  

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 (920) 499-4571.

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.

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. 

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 Jerry’s kids.  

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 (920) 499-4571.

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.

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.

  

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’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 Jerry’s kids.  

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