Racine Local #321 Fires Up the Oven for MDA Client Family

Racine Local #321 welcomed MDA Local Goodwill Ambassador Jacob Smith and his family to the firehouse for a home cooked meal and tour of the station Monday, June 5. According to Jacob’s mom, Bobbi, the Smith family enjoyed lasagna dinner with the entire department, including the battalion and station chiefs.

“As always with the fire fighters, the hospitality was second to none!” Bobbi said.

After the lasagna dinner, Jacob and his family rode around downtown Racine in the fire truck, slid down the fire poles and received t-shirts from the firehouse.

MDA would like to thank Racine Local #321 for their continual dedication and hospitality to MDA clients.

Greenfield Fire Department Postpones Fill The Boot Due to Heat, Rain

GREENFIELD, Wis., June 7, 2011 –The Greenfield fire fighters will postpone their collection for MDA’s Fill the Boot fundraiser due to a heat advisory and predicted rainfall. Greenfield Fire Department Local #1963 will now collect donations from motorists and pedestrians June 20-22 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the intersection of 76^th Street and Layton Ave. MDA apologizes for any inconvenience.

Brookfield Business Leaders Head to Jail

 Reagan Imhoff, 6, is Wisconsin's MDA Goodwill Ambassador. She will be allowed visitation rights from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Mitchell's Fish Market at Brookfield Square. 

BROOKFIELD, Wis., June 3, 2011 –75 local business leaders will head

to “jail” at Mitchell’s Fish Market, 275 N. Moorland Rd., on Thursday, June 9 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 Kenosha County.

Reagan Imhoff, the 2011 Wisconsin Goodwill Ambassador will visit the Lock-Up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Reagan, 6, has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and will be attending Summer Camp for the first time June 12-17 at Camp Lake this year.     

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 (262) 432-7992.

Greenfield Fire Fighters Give Neuromuscular Disease the Boot

MDA Goodwill Ambassador Jacob Smith, 10, helped the Greenfield Fire Fighters collect over $30,000 last year and will be visiting the intersection of 76th and Layton during the June 9 collection to help the department meet their goal of $35,000.

GREENFIELD, Wis., June 2, 2011—Greenfield Fire Fighters Local #1963 hope to raise over $35,000 during their annual street side collection for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

                        

The fire fighters will remove their boots to collect money from motorists and pedestrians June 8-10 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the intersection of Layton Ave. and 76^th St.

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.

The department raised over $30,000 last year and hopes to surpass that during this year’s collection. Jacob Smith, the 2011 Southeastern Wisconsin Goodwill Ambassador will visit the fire fighters during the June 9 collection. Smith, 10, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, will be attending Summer Camp in Camp Lake this year.     

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 (262) 432-7992.                 

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.

Nearly 40 Campers Head To MDA Summer Camp in Green Lake, Wisconsin

GREEN LAKE, Wis., May 31, 2011—It’s that time of the year again! The Muscular Dystrophy Association welcomes 38 campers from northern Wisconsin and over 70 volunteers to the annual MDA Summer Camp at The Pilgrim Center Camp in Green Lake, June 12-17.

MDA Summer Camp is a memorable, weeklong experience at Green Lake for children affected by neuromuscular disease. Camp activities include arts and crafts projects, sports and fishing, which are adapted for youths between the ages of six and 17 with neuromuscular disease. Each camper is accompanied by a volunteer counselor to ensure that exceptional needs are met at all times.

The theme of this year’s Summer Camp is “Roadtrip Wisconsin”. Each day of camp features a different activity, including an Oneida Indian Ceremonial dance presentation, a picnic with local fire fighters, a Wisconsin sports themed dance, and visits from a scientist and the FBI. Harley Day, one of the most popular Summer Camp events, is Wednesday, June 15. Area motorcyclists will visit camp and offer sidecar rides to the campers.

Summer Camp is one of MDA’s many programs made possible through generous corporate and public donations. It costs $800 to send one child to camp for one week. The generosity of local communities enables these children and young adults to experience a wide range of activities specially designed for those with limited mobility at no cost to their families. For more information or to donate to MDA Summer Camp, contact Carolynne Younk at (920) 499-4571.

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 Summer Camp and other local MDA activities, please contact MDA at (800) 572-1717.

Milwaukee Fire Fighters Remove Boots For MDA

MILWAUKEE, Wis., June 1, 2011—Milwaukee County and South Milwaukee fire fighters will go beyond the call of duty this week when they join the battle against neuromuscular disease.

The fire fighters will use their boots to collect money from motorists and pedestrians for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s annual Fill the Boot fundraiser. Milwaukee County Local #1072 will be on the streets June 3 and June 10 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Layton Ave. and Howard Ave.. South Milwaukee Local #1633 will collect June 3 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the intersection of Rawson Ave. and Nicholson Ave.

The Milwaukee County and South Milwaukee fire departments hope to raise $7,500 and $5,000, respectively. 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 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 (262) 432-7992.