Top Executives Headed to Jail for Good in Denver

Over 100 community leaders and business owners from downtown Denver have volunteered to be "locked up" to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). These "jailbirds" will be soliciting donations prior to their jail-time and making calls from the jailhouse to raise the remainder of their bail.

Local volunteers will act as arresting officers, seizing jailbirds and escorting them to Rock Bottom Brewery in downtown Denver where they will be booked, photographed, and detained for one hour between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 19. Their charge: having a big heart. Their bail: $2,400 in donations to support MDA's programs. Following their jail-time, jailbirds will be released with a clean record and MDA's sincerest appreciation for raising funds to help those affected by muscle-wasting diseases in their communities.

One local family, in particular, knows firsthand the ways our jailbirds make a difference in the lives of those living with muscular dystrophy. Ryan Horan, 23, Aaron Horan, 21, and Ian Horan, 19, of Denver all have Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), one of the nine different types of muscular dystrophy. It is a degenerative disease affecting voluntary muscles in early childhood. DMD is characterized by generalized weakness and muscle wasting of voluntary muscles followed by the heart and breathing muscles. Thanks to the support of local community members like our jailbirds, all three young men have been able to take advantage of MDA programs, such as attending summer camp for many years, free-of-charge. The Horan's will be on-site at the event to thank jailbirds and volunteers for their generous support.

MDA's Telethon Executive Lock-Up (TELU) is a community-wide program that combines outreach from MDA staff with support from community members who willingly "turn in" their associates and friends. During the annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, interviews with all bail-raisers are aired and highest fundraisers are given the opportunity to present a check on the live, nationally-televised event.

TELUs raise over $6 million annually for MDA with 65 district offices holding an event around the country. MDA is counting on an increase of $1.5 milion in total donations to this program to help them provide free programs and services to the community. The 2010 goal for the Denver TELU is over $75,000.

This program helps over 1,800 families in Colorado served by MDA. Funds raised will help MDA provide a comprehensive program of services, including muscle clinics at University Hospital and Children's Hospital, free summer camp for kids ages six to 17, a loan closet with durable medical equipment, and nearly $1 million in local funding for neuromuscular disease research.

Top fundraisers for the downtown Denver Telethon Executive Lock-Up are:

• Andrew Kane, Senior VP, DA Davidson, $4,156
• John Fredericks, Owner, Saddleback Designs, $3,400
• Cecil Colwell, Senior VP, Forest Oil Corp., $3,200

Poudre Fire Authority Goes the Extra Mile for Jerry's Kids

To further their long-time commitment to Jerry's Kids, Poudre Fire Authority is hosting their annual rib-eating contest to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). This event is a yearly tradition for the firefighters as part of their Fill-the-Boot drive that will take place throughout August in Fort Collins, Col.

Fill-the-Boot funds support MDA's services locally and nationally, including medical clinics staffed with specialists in neuromuscular disease and special summer camps for kids. Locally, funds from Fill-the-Boot drives benefit clinics at Children's Hospital and University Hospital and summer camp at Rocky Mountain Village in Empire, Col.

The rib-eating contest will take place at Texas Roadhouse on Timberline and Harmony on Saturday, Aug. 7 beginning at 3 p.m. There will be a live band, fire apparatus tours, fire safety house, and live music from the Carson Block Band. All public are welcome to enter in the contest or come to enjoy the live entertainment. Firefighters, sponsors and local celebrities will also be competing by eating as many ribs as they can in two minutes. Several firefighters will be guest waiters at the Roadhouse, donating all tips to MDA.

Call or email Dan Santillanes at dsantillanes@poudre-fire.org or 970-420-0188 for more information. Visit Texas Roadhouse to sign up. Entry fees are $25 per adult and $10 per child.

Joe Akmakjian knows firsthand the impact that funds raised through Fill-the-Boot can have. Akmakjian, sophomore at Colorado State University, was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (Type 2). He has been involved with MDA for the past 10 years, first serving as Local Goodwill Ambassador for Fort Collins and then State Goodwill Ambassador for Colorado. He was able to attend MDA Summer Camp for eight years free-of-charge, utilizes muscle clinics at the Children's Hospital, and is able to get financial assistance from MDA for wheelchair parts and repairs, all thanks to the generous support of community donations and programs like Fill-the-Boot.

"I'm so grateful for the support of local firefighters," said Akmakjian. "Funds raised through Fill-the-Boot drives help MDA continue to provide the many services that have made such a huge difference in my life."

Call your local MDA office for more information at 970-282-1320. MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy and related diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive health and community services, and far reaching professional and public health education. The Association's programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.

7-Eleven Joins MDA to Send Kids to Camp

7-Eleven has joined forces with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) for their first year as a regional sponsor of the Summer Camp Mobiles Program. As a regional sponsor, over 250 stores in Colorado will be participating by offering mobiles to customers for donations from Jul. 16 through Aug. 23.

In addition, 7-Eleven is hosting a first-year Bowl-a-Thon to raise additional funds for MDA. The Bowl-a-Thon is scheduled for Aug. 13 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at three locations throughout the state. 7-Eleven employees will create teams and raise donations for MDA as entry into the event.

7-Eleven Bowl-a-Thons will take place at the following locations:

• Brunswick Zone Bowling Center, 9751 W 49th Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO
• Mr. Bigg's Family Fun Center, 5825 Mark Dabling Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO
• Chipper's Lanes, 217 W Horsetooth Rd., Fort Collins, CO

Even though this is the first year 7-Eleven has partnered with MDA, their goal is to raise over $250,000 which is enough money to send over 300 kids to camp!

"We are thrilled to have 7-Eleven partnering with us this year," said Tamra Hiltz, MDA Executive Director. "They are helping to make a difference in the lives of kids who will be able to spend a week at camp in a relaxed, supportive environment where they create lifelong friendships playing and learning with kids just like them."

MDA's summer camp program provides local kids affected by neuromuscular diseases with a week full of activities suited to their special needs. Camps are staffed by health professionals who volunteer their services and strive to give kids with muscle-deteriorating diseases a week of barrier-free fun, friendship and laughter.

Law Abiding Citizens Go Behind Bars for Good in Northern Colorado

Over 350 community leaders and business owners from northern Colorado have volunteered to be "locked up" to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). These "jailbirds" will be soliciting donations prior to their jail-time and making calls from the jailhouse to raise the remainder of their bail.

Firefighters from Poudre Fire Authority, long time supporters of MDA, will act as arresting officers seizing jailbirds and escorting them to Rodizio Grill in old town where they will be booked, photographed, and detained for one hour between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 12. Their charge: having a big heart. Their bail: $2,000 in donations to support MDA's programs. Following their jail-time, jailbirds will be released with a clean record and MDA's sincerest appreciation for raising funds to help those affected by muscle-wasting diseases in their communities.

Local Goodwill Ambassador, Janine Alfred, will be on-site thanking jailbirds for their dedication to this cause which makes a difference in so many lives, including her own. Janine has muscular dystrophy and has attended MDA Summer Camp for two years thanks to the generous support of community donations.

MDA's Telethon Executive Lock-Up (TELU) is a community-wide program that combines outreach from MDA staff with support from community members who willingly "turn in" their associates and friends. During the annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, interviews with all bail-raisers are aired and highest fundraisers aer given the opportunity to present a check on the live, nationally-televised event.

TELUs raise over $6 million annually for MDA with 65 district offices holding an event around the country. Based on projections, MDA is counting on an increase of $1.5 million in total donations to continue to allow them to provide free programs and services to their clients. The 2010 goal for the Fort Collins TELU is over $100,000.

This program helps over 1,800 families in Colorado served by MDA. Funds raised will help MDA provide a comprehensive program of services, including muscle clinics at University Hospital and Children's Hospital, free summer camp for kids ages six to 17, a loan closet with durable medical equipment, and nearly $1 million in local funding for neuromuscular disease research.

Top Fundraisers for the Fort Collins Telethon Executive Lock-Up are:

• Darcy Thor, Harmony Surgery Center, $2,110
• Bill Ward, Ward Petroleum, $1,970
• Sarah Belleau, Poudre School District, $1,700

Colorado Springs Puts Local Executives Behind Bars

Community leaders and business owners from the greater Colorado Springs area have volunteered to be "locked up" to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). These elite members of the community will be soliciting donations prior to their jail-time in an attempt to make their bail of $2,000. Jailbirds will be arrested by volunteering "arresting officers" from the Air Force, taken to The Warehouse where they will be booked, photographed, and charged with having a big heart. Once and hour of jail-time is endured, jailbirds will be released with a clean record and MDA's sincerest appreciation for raising funds to help those affected by neuromuscular diseases in their communities.

MDA's Telethon Executive Lock-Up is associated with the annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon and allows video of the lock-up to be aired during the live, nationally televised event. Highest bail raisers are given the opportunity to present a check to MDA during the Telethon, as well.

The Telethon Executive Lock-Up helps over 1,800 families in Colorado served by MDA. Funds raised will help MDA provide comprehensive program of services, including clinics at University Hospital and Children's Hospital, summer camp for kids ages six to 17, a loan closet with durable medical equipment, and nearly $1 million in local funding for neuromuscular disease research.

Top fundraisers for the Colorado Springs Telethon Executive Lock-Up are:

• Wes Clark, SAIC, $1,850
• Joyce Robbins, Del LLC, $1,000
• Jason James, Mike Shaw Buick, $900

MDA Honors Locals with Top Achievement Awards for Wyoming and Colorado

Charles "Chuck" Gunther, Cody, WY

Kevin Brady, Denver, CO

The Muscular Dystrophy Association has named Charles "Chuck" Gunther of Cody the recipient of its 2010 Robert Ross Personal Achievement Award for Wyoming and Kevin Brady of Denver the recipient for Colorado.

About Charles "Chuck" Gunther

Gunther, 45, was selected for MDA's highest achievement award in Wyoming for his work on behalf of others with disabilities and his determination to "put a face" on his muscle disease.

Gunther has ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease). ALS destroys the nerves that control all voluntary muscles, eventually resulting in paralysis. Average survival time after diagnosis for most people is three to five years. Chuck learned he has ALS in January 2009. Still ambulatory, Chuck is experiencing decreasing arm and hand strength, and his speech is slurred.

Gunther was a ranch hand, hunting guide and dude ranch manager for nearly 20 years in Wyoming and Colorado. He and his wife managed the 7D Dude Ranch outside of Cody. In 2010 Chuck retired as manager of the 7D Dude Ranch. Chuck also retired from his position on the local volunteer fire department, but not before receiving his firefighter 1 certification.

Since his diagnosis, Gunther has made frequent public appearances throughout the state, raising awareness of ALS and the need to find a cure for the disease. He has participated in ALS drug trials and helps MDA in its fundraising efforts.

About Kevin Brady
Brady, 55, was selected as the recipient for Colorado for his work in advancing medical technology and assistive technology for people with disabilities. Brady will accept the award during the local broadcast of the 2010 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon on September 5 or 6 on CW Channel 2 in Denver.

In April 2007, Brady learned he also has ALS. Brady uses a power wheelchair for mobility and a ventilator to help him breathe.

For more than 20 years, Brady was an ophthalmologist in Denver specializing in retinal disease. He was a strong advocate of research to define new and innovative retinal surgeries, author of books and papers in his field and a frequent presenter. Since his ALS diagnosis in 2007, and as his disease symptoms have progressed, he has volunteered to test new types of assistive technology from a patient's perspective.

"I'm very pleased to recognize Chuck Gunther and Kevin Brady as the Robert Ross MDA Personal Achievement Award recipients for 2010 for Wyoming and Colorado, respectively," said MDA President & CEO Gerald C. Weinberg. "Their work is a real asset to their local communities, and an example of the kind of leadership MDA is proud to support."

About the award
One person will be selected from among all the state honorees around the country and named MDA's national 2011 Robert Ross Personal Achievement Award recipient. The national award recipient will be announced on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, broadcast Sept. 5-6.

The award is named in memory of Robert Ross, MDA's longtime chief executive who died in 2006. Ross created the Personal Achievement Award program in 1992 to recognize the exemplary accomplishments and community service of people who have any of the more than 40 neuromuscular diseases for which MDA seeks treatments and cures.

John Quinlan, a medical doctor from Lakeside Park, Ky., is MDA's 2010 national award recipient. Quinlan, who has facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, also is director of the MDA clinic at the University of Cincinnati.

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.

In the Rocky Mountain Region, MDA maintains clincis at The Children's Hospital, University of Colorado and the MDA/ALS Center at the University of Colorado, all in Aurora, Co.