45 YEARS KEEPING HOPE ALIVE

The MDA Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon is one of the nation’s most watched entertainment programs seen annually by tens of millions of viewers in the US and it ranks in viewership with the World Series and Academy Awards. This year the Telethon will be held on September 3rd and 4^th, and it is broadcast locally on WRIC TV8.

45 YEARS KEEPING HOPE ALIVE

At the International Convention in 1953, the International Association of Fire Fighters officially committed itself, by proclamation, to supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association until, together, our two organizations succeed in eliminating neuromuscular diseases. Fire fighters, on that day, "Committed themselves to the cure" and added another page to a legacy of service dedicated to the preservation of life and property. The International Association of Fire Fighters is MDA’s single greatest contributor to the fight against muscle diseases raising over $12 million in 1998 alone. This year, we are celebrating the 45^th anniversary of the partnership between the IAFF and MDA.

Money raised stays in the local community to assist children and adults with neuromuscular diseases in your area. Locally, MDA clients can receive medical care at the University of Virginia and Kluge Children’s Rehabilitation Center in Charlottesville. Four scientists at UVA receive MDA grant funding and there is a local support group for clients. Children from the area attend summer camp in Wakefield, VA and enjoy activities like sports, swimming, canoeing, and arts and crafts. Each camper has his or her own volunteer counselor, and many children declare camp as "the best week of the year."

HELPING A GREAT CAUSE

You can be associated with an organization that is consistently ranked as one of the leaders among nonprofit organizations in name recognition as well as total dollars devoted to program services. The Muscular Dystrophy Association fights 40 neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans, including nine forms of muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), spinal muscular atrophy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. MDA relies solely on private and corporate contributions to provide local program services as well as fund some 400 research projects worldwide aimed at finding treatments and cures. MDA also provides a wide range of services to clients including diagnostic and follow-up medical care at local MDA clinics, assistance with the purchase and repair of wheelchairs and leg braces, support groups and a week of summer camp for kids ages 6-21.

SUMMER EVENTS

Charlottesville Professional Firefighters Association Local 2363 will do three events to benefit the local chapter of MDA this summer.

The "End of Summer/Welcome Back Students" Bash to benefit MDA will be held at bw-3 on Friday 1st. The event is sponsored by Local 2363 and bw-3. Z95 will be hosting a radio remote, and there will be food and drink specials, music, dancing and fun.

We are also going to organize several "Fill the Boot" events in August. This program is easy to implement, and it is a proven way to raise a significant amount of money for MDA in a short period of time. The concept of a boot drive is very simple: firefighters ask local citizens at high traffic locations to donate money to MDA and they put the donations in their boots. MDA provides free "Fill the Boot" supplies including truck banners, boot stickers, large posters, and small "thank you" lapel stickers for donors. We are asking for volunteers to help "Fill the Boot" each Saturday in August at the Barracks Road Shopping Center. With multiple locations and days, fundraising totals are greatly increased! MDA will be doing station visits in late July to give you more details, but please let us know which dates you are available to help out.

Grill & Pub
Charlottesville

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We are hoping through these three events to raise at least $10,000, but we will need your help to make it happen! Thanks for your support of MDA!