Bridgeport Local 834 to Fill-the-Boot for MDA Four Times This Summer

Bridgeport, Conn., July 15, 2010 – The Bridgeport Fire Department Local 843 will be filling-the-boot for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) this summer for the first time since 2008. The first of Bridgeport’s four fill-the-boot drives will be held this Saturday, July 17, 2010.

Bridgeport firefighters will be collecting donations for the fight against neuromuscular disease throughout the city at intersections near each of the eight Bridgeport Fire Houses on Saturday, July 17, Saturday, July 24, Saturday, July 31, and Saturday, August 14, 2010. All of the proceeds will go towards MDA’s services, research programs, and support groups that benefit individuals and families in the local area. The Bridgeport Fire Department is also hosting their Annual Walter Flyntz Golf Tournament to benefit MDA on Thursday, September 9, 2010. Please call Mike Kamszik at (203) 767-3331 for more information. In 2009, Bridgeport Local 834 raised $16,180 from their 2008 Fill-the-Boot program and 2009 Golf Tournament. Since 1981, Bridgeport Local 834 has raised over $345,810. This year, Bridgeport firefighters have set at goal to raise $16,000 for MDA.

The Bridgeport Fire Department Local 834 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.