Rockland County Business Leaders Being Sent to Jail for a Good Cause

ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y., July 26, 2010 – Over 100 local business leaders will be heading to “jail” on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 from 11 a.m. until 3p.m. at Black Bear Nyack in order to raise their “bail” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Community business leaders will be arrested at their place of business and transported to Black Bear Nyack, located at 82 Main Street, to serve their time at the local MDA Lock-Up. At Black Bear Nyack, the “jailbirds” will be served complimentary “jail” food while they each attempt to raise at least $2,400 in bail money.

Leros Point to Point, Mex Limo & Car Service, Majesty Limo & Car Service, On Time Transport Inc., and Twin’s Mobility Limo Service will be kindly volunteering their time and services to transport participants to and from the event. Last year local “jailbirds” raised $50,000 in bail money, all of which went towards the fight against neuromuscular disease. This year the local MDA has set a goal to raise $75,000 at the event.

Several repeat offenders will be returning to “jail” to serve more time this year, including last year’s top “jailbird,” Joseph Sarvis, who raised $3,000. Lifetime Offender Awards will be given to Philip Roventini, PC, who has raised close to $10,000 over the last 10 years, and Gina Pieroni, who has raised over $4,000 for MDA. We are excited to also have the Mayor of Spring Valley, Mayor Jasmine Norami support our efforts and be locked up for a good cause!

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. The majority of contributions to MDA come from individual donors.

For more information on this event please contact Amanda Cann at acann@mdausa.org or (914) 345-5062 or Brooke Eder at beder@mdausa.org or (203) 288-3500.

West Point Local F-7 To Hold First Ever Golf Tournament for MDA

West Point, N.Y., June 29, 2010 – The West Point Fire Department Local F-7 will be holding their first ever golf tournament to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) on Monday, July 19, 2010.

The tournament will take place at West Point Golf Club, located on Route 9 West in West Point, N.Y. The event will tee off at 9 a.m. and run until 7 p.m. The tournament will be followed by dinner and an award ceremony.

Registration for one golfer costs $110 and registration for a foursome costs $440. Proceeds benefit numerous local families in the tri-state area who are served by MDA. The West Point Local F-7 has set a goal to raise $5,000 at this event.

The West Point Fire Department Local F-7 is part of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). This is the IAFF’s 56th year dedicating their time and efforts to MDA. Since 1954 they have raised nearly $275 million for the organization. They are the largest national sponsor of MDA and pride themselves on their devotion to the cause.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and support services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.

For more information on this event or to register please contact Brooke Eder at (203) 288-3500 or beder@mdausa.org or Amanda Cann at (914) 345-5062 or acann@mdausa.org.

Ridgefield Fire Department Local 1739 to Hold Fill the Boot for MDA

RIDGEFIELD, Conn., June 11, 2010 – The Ridgefield Fire Department, Local 1739 will be filling-the-boot for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) for the second year in a row this summer on Saturday, June 19, 2010.

Ridgefield firefighters will be collecting donations for the fight against neuromuscular disease from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the intersection of Catoonah Street and Main Street. All of the proceeds will go towards MDA’s services, research programs, and support groups that benefit individuals and families in the local area. This year they have set a goal of $5,000.

The Ridgefield Fire Department Local 1739 is a part of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). This is the IAFF’s 56th year dedicating their time and efforts to the MDA. Since 1954 they have raised nearly $275 million dollars for the organization. They are the largest national sponsor of the MDA and pride themselves on their devotion to the cause.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. MDA also supports nearly 330 research projects around the world and sponsors 200 hospital-affiliated clinics.

For more information about this event please contact Amanda Cann at (914) 345-5062 or acann@mdausa.org or Brooke Eder at (203) 288-3500 or beder@mdausa.org.

MDA Seeks Volunteers for 2010 Summer Camp

WESTCHESTER, N.Y. - The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is searching for people who are looking for a rewarding and memorable experience this summer to join their summer camp. Volunteer counselors are needed to assist young people with neuromuscular diseases and help them enjoy a fun-filled week at MDA summer camp, which will take place from Aug. 21, 2010 to Aug. 28, 2010 at Visions Camp in Spring Valley, N.Y. With less than 100 days until camp begins we need volunteers to sign up now!

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to lift and care for a young person between the ages of six and 17. As a volunteer counselor, one will have the opportunity to become a close companion to a camper affected by neuromuscular disease and help them with daily activities such at eating, bathing and dressing. Counselors will also assist campers with recreational activities such as arts and crafts, swimming, and adapted sports.

“MDA summer camp is a special week of the year when children with neuromuscular disease can enjoy themselves in true peer group and can participate in full range outdoor activities adapted to their abilities,” MDA Camp Director, Gloria English said. “Besides being great fun, camp helps youngsters grow and develop emotionally and socially— it’s truly the highlight of the year, for both campers and volunteers.”

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and far-reaching professional and public health education.

Volunteering as a counselor at MDA summer camp is a rewarding and life-changing experience. The friendships formed and the memories created will last forever. To obtain a volunteer application or learn about other ways to support MDA’s summer camp program, call your local MDA office at (800) 572-1717. Additional information about volunteering at MDA summer camp is available online at www.mda.org/clinics/camp. For more information, contact Gloria English at (914) 345-5062 or genglish@mdausa.org.