Rhode Island Firefighters to Announce Statewide Fundraising Goal for MDA

Providence, R.I., June 30, 2009 – The Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters will be holding a press conference on Friday, July 30, 2010 at 11 a.m. on the Lawn of the State House in Providence to announce their fundraising goal for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

The press conference will not only be held to announce the fire fighters fundraising goal, but also to show their commitment to the fight against neuromuscular disease. Joseph Andriole, Vice President of the Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters, will be running the press conference.

Fire Departments across the state, as well as the nation, raise money for MDA mainly by taking part in the fill-the-boot campaign, where fire fighters volunteer their time to collect money at local intersections. All of the proceeds raised go towards MDA’s research programs, services, Summer Camp, and support groups which benefit local Rhode Island individuals and families affected by neuromuscular disease. Last year, the state of Rhode Island rose over $221,000 for MDA.

This is the International Association of Fire Fighter’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 a national voluntary health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy and related diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. MDA also sponsors 220 hospital-affiliated clinics, one of which is at Rhode Island Hospital, and supports nearly 400 research projects around the world.

For more information on this event please contact Jeremy Nappi at (401) 732-1910 or jnappi@mdausa.org or contact Brooke Eder at (203) 288-3500 or at beder@mdausa.org.

ERA Castelo Real Estate Group to Hold Annual Picnic Fundraiser for MDA

SOUTH DARTMOUTH, Mass., June 30, 2010– The ERA Castelo Real Estate Group will be holding its annual Picnic Fundraiser to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) on Sunday, July 18, 2010 from noon to 6 p.m.

For a $20 donation each, attendees (children are free) will enjoy a fun day filled with food, raffles, prizes, auctions, and entertainment, all while benefiting a great cause. The event will be held at Holy Ghost Grounds, located on Allens Neck Road in South Dartmouth, M.A. Guests will enjoy entertainment from a variety of performances including Bobby Justin, Luis Neves Centerfold, Arlindo Andrade, Faith, Mia, Sandro G and more!!!

Last year, the Castelo picnic raised $33,400 for the fight against neuromuscular disease. Joe Castelo also represented the ERA Castelo Group at the Telethon in Las Vegas last year as the group was recognized as being one of the highest-raising ERA Real Estate groups in the country. This year, the group hopes to raise even more money for the local community affected by neuromuscular disease.

For over 30 years, ERA Real Estate has been a proud and dedicated sponsor of MDA. ERA has raised over $30 million dollars for the fight against neuromuscular disease since its partnership with MDA began in 1977.

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 the event or to purchase tickets, please call (508) 995-6291. Those interested can also contact the local MDA office at (401) 732-1910.

New Bedford Fire Department Local 841 to Fill-the-Boot for MDA During the Annual Whaling City Festival

NEW BEDFORD, Mass., June 30, 2010 – The New Bedford Fire Department Local 841 will be filling-the-boot for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) as part of the annual Whaling City Festival, which will take place at Veterans’ Memorial Buttonwood Park in New Bedford, Mass. from Friday, July 9 until Sunday, July 11, 2010 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.

New Bedford firefighters will be collecting donations for the fight against neuromuscular disease at various times throughout the day during the three-day festival. All of the proceeds will go towards MDA’s services, research programs, and support groups that benefit individuals and families in the local area. In 2009, New Bedford firefighters raised $10,800 for MDA. This year they have set a goal of $15,000.

The New Bedford Fire Department Local 841 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 Jim Kummer at (508) 951-9411 or Jeremy Nappi at (401) 732-1910 or jnappi@mdausa.org.

For information concerning the City Whaling Festival, visit http://www.whalingcityfestival.com/

Local Support Sends Youth to MDA Summer Camp

NEW HAVEN, Conn., June 30, 2010- Over 30 youth from cities throughout Conn. will be attending the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s (MDA) annual summer camp for kids at Camp Hemlocks in Hebron, Conn from July 11 until July 16.

MDA's camp programs offer the unique experience for young people with neuromuscular diseases to participate in a variety of events created to develop friendships, share interests and build self confidence. The camp consists of a week long session featuring typical camp activities adapted for youths between the ages of six and 17 with one of the over 40 neuromuscular diseases. The camper fee is covered entirely by generous support from local corporations, groups and individuals who raise funds to support MDA no cost is incurred by the family.

This year, campers will enjoy a myriad of activities throughout the week including archery, swimming, fishing, a climbing wall, and arts and crafts. Highlights of the week include a Magic Show, donated by a R.I. MDA family, a Harley Bike Show, sponsored by Harley Davidson’s New London HOG chapter, a scavenger hunt, movie night, carnival games and motorcycle rides.

The annual VIP Day will take place on Wednesday, July 14. On VIP Day, parents, prospective campers, media and sponsors can visit the camp. There is also a camp-wide carnival with special activities and a number of booths run by sponsors. Michael John of Long Island Sound will host a DJ booth where campers can learn how to DJ. There will also be a photography booth, hosted by Robert Jones of Robert Jones LLC, and a Nintendo Wii booth, hosted by the Hospital for Special Care. Campers will have the opportunity to explore an antique fire truck, provided by Bob Carlson and the Wallingford Fire Department. Campers can also participate in a team Wheelchair Derby Relay Race, sponsored by Joseph Michalak of Genzyme Therapeutics and Elizabeth Vernon of Athena Diagnostics. VIP Day will conclude with a Silent Auction event where campers use their “MDA Dollars” to bid on auction items. Campers can collect “MDA Dollars” from sponsors during VIP day festivities.

“MDA summer camp is a special week of the year when children with muscular dystrophy can enjoy themselves in true peer group and can participate in full range outdoor activities adapted to their abilities,” MDA Camp Director Jennifer Dain 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.”

Camp Hemlocks has been a longtime host of the MDA summer camp. Camp Hemlocks is located on 160 acres in Hebron, Conn. (just 25 minutes from Hartford). The camp overlooks Jones Pond and borders the Salmon River Forest.
MDA is a voluntary health agency dedicated to helping more than one million Americans affected by neuromuscular disorders through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far reaching professional and public health education.

For more information about this event please contact Jennifer Dain at (203) 248-6500 or jdain@mdausa.org.

Bristol Fire Department Local 773 to Fill-the-Boot for MDA

Bristol, Conn., June 29, 2010 – The Bristol Fire Department Local 773 will be filling-the-boot for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) for the second time this summer on Saturday, July 24, 2010.

Bristol firefighters will be collecting donations for the fight against neuromuscular disease at five different locations from 9 a.m. until noon. The locations include Memorial Boulevard at Mellen Street, Perkins Street at James P. Casey Road, Washington Street at Camp Street, Birch Street at Redstone Hill Road and Maltby Street at Mix 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.

The Bristol Fire Department Local 773 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 Casey Bilodeau at (860) 633-4466 or cbilodeau@mdausa.org or Brooke Eder at (203) 288-3500 or beder@mdausa.org.

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.

Local East Rutherford Business Leaders Get "Locked Up" to Fight Muscular Dystrophy

Maywood, N.J., June 28, 2010 – Across the country, thousands of law abiding citizens are going “behind bars for good” to help MDA on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Park & Orchard Restaurant at 240 Hackensack St. in East Rutherford, N.J. Local business owners of East Rutherford, Rutherford, Lyndhurst, Moonachie, Carlstadt, and Teterboro, N.J. are once again helping out the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) by participating in MDA’s annual Lock Up program.

Here and throughout the country, thousands of “jailbirds” will get locked up and try to post bail by raising money through their colleagues, friends, and family. The Lock Up program is MDA’s number one fundraising program getting local business leaders involved.

MDA’s Lock Up program directly helps local families affected by diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). The money “jailbirds” raise helps to support MDA’s worldwide research programs, as well as MDA’s national network of 225 hospital-affiliated clinics, including the clinic at UMDNJ. “Jailbirds” bail money also helps send children with muscular dystrophy in Northern New Jersey to barrier-free MDA summer camp at Visions Vacation Camp in Spring Valley, N.Y.

Last year, the Lock Up in East Rutherford raised over $30,000, joining other cities around the country in supporting the popular annual tradition. This year, the goal has been increased to $60,000!

“Being thrown in jail for having a big heart always brings out the finest qualities in the people of East Rutherford,” said Kimberly Schleyer, MDA Maywood Executive Director, “Our local business leaders that participate in the program show they genuinely care about children and adults in our community who live with muscular dystrophy.”

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.

To learn more about the East Rutherford Lock Up and other MDA programs, contact your local MDA Executive Director, Kim Schleyer at (201) 843-4452.