Suamico Fire Fighters Give Neuromuscular Disease the Boot

SUAMICO, Wis., May 27, 2011–The Suamico Fire Department will go beyond the call of duty June 10th, when they join in the battle against neuromuscular disease.

The fire fighters will remove their boots to collect money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Fill-the-Boot program June 10th. The fire fighters will stand at the Hwy 41/Lineville exit and at the intersection of Velp Ave. and County Rd. B to take donations from motorists and pedestrians from 3-7 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 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.

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/.

Neenah-Menasha Fire Fighters Remove Boots for MDA

Neenah-Menasha fire fighters collected donations in their boots during the 2010 MDA Fill-the-Boot fundraiser and are excited for the 2011 collection. For more photos, click here. 

NEENAH, Wis., May 27, 2011—Neenah-Menasha Fire Fighters Local #275 will go beyond the call of duty next week 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 June 3 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the intersections of S. Commercial St. and W. Wisconsin Ave. in Neenah and Appleton Rd. and W. Airport Rd. in Menasha.

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 Marshfield Clinic and Prevea 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.                 

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.

Motorcyclists Rally To Benefit MDA At Packerland Ride

GREEN BAY, Wis., May 26, 2011 --- Motorcyclists from across the state will ride to benefit local families fighting neuromuscular diseases during the 18th Annual Packerland Ride Saturday, June 4.

The event, which was organized by the Wolf River Harley Owners Group Chapter to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, is expected to attract hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts. Festivities include a 60-mile scenic ride ending at Doc’s Harley-Davidson in Shawano County, raffle, auctions, food and entertainment.

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

Registration is $20 and begins 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, June 3 at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC), 2740 West Mason Street, Green Bay, and at Doc’s Harley Davidson of Shawano County, W2709 State Highway 29, Bonduel. Registration continue Saturday, June 4 at NWTC from 9-11:30 a.m..

Riders will depart from NWTC at noon and enjoy a scenic ride to Doc’s Harley Davidson in Shawano County. Post-ride entertainment includes live and silent auctions, prize raffles, food and entertainment.

All motorcycle makes and models are welcome, and non-bikers are welcome to attend the party in Bonduel. For route details and more information, go to the Packerland Ride website.

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.