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

Denver Tech Center Executives Jailed for Having Big Hearts

Over 100 community leaders and business owners in the Denver Tech Center area have volunteered to be "locked up" to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). These elite members of the greater Denver community will be soliciting donations prior to their jail-time in an attempt to make their bail of $2,400. All jailbirds will be picked up by volunteer deputies in town cars, taken to Rock Bottom Brewery where they will be booked, photographed, and charged with raising the rest of their bail. Once an 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 association with the annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day 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 Telethon, as well.

The Telethon Executive Lock-Up helps over 1,800 families in Colorado served by MDA. Funds raised will help MDA provide a 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.

The top fundraising executives in the Denver Tech Center area are:

• Ron McDaniel, Senior VP, Shea Properties ($4,955)



• Tony Milo, Director, Colorado Contractors Association ($2,890)



• Matthew Bryant, Owner, Metro Brokers ($2,480)



• Randy Savona, Manager, Cigna ($2,040)



• Eric Rosales, Senior VP, Hays Company ($1,730)

Stars Behind Bars in Casper, Wyoming

Next week, community leaders in the Casper area are going to jail to benefit MDA. Casper firefighters will serve as volunteer deputies, transporting these "jailbirds" in vehicles donated by Greiner Ford Lincoln Mercury to the "jailhouse" where they must serve one hour of jail time or raise $1,600 bail, whichever comes first.

These community members will be booked at Poorboy's Steakhouse from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and forced to enjoy gourmet "bread and water" courtesy of the restaurant.

Many local companies will have their executives jailed for this cause, including:

• Energy Metals Corp.
• Menard's
• Hilltop Bank
• Wyoming beverage
• Walgreen's
• Wold Oil
• Linc Energy Operations
• Halliburton
• Burgess Rig Repair
• Sinclair Trucking
• Game Stop
• KTED
• Source Gas
• Porter's Mountain View Supply
• Horace Mann Insurance
• Wind City Physical Therapy
• Fraternal Order of Eagles Local 306
• Wyoming RV Brokers
• American Legion Post 2
• LC Bishop Sales
• Spool & Stitches

MDA's Telethon Executive Lock-Up is associated with the annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day 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 hundreds of families in Wyoming served by MDA. Funds raised will help MDA provide a comprehensive program of services, including specialized clinics, summer camp for kids ages six to 17, a loan closet with durable medical equipment, and funding for neuromuscular disease research.

Local Mothers Unite to Fight Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Casper, Wyoming mothers are uniting to raise money for researching Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, one of the nine types of muscle-wasting diseases that primarily affect voluntary muscles of males in early childhood. The fundraiser will take place at Natrona County Airport in the Sky Terrace Lounge from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 17.

All community members are welcome to attend and support this worthy cause. Vendors will be present offering products for suggested donations, but admission is free. There will be door prize drawings and lunch available for purchase.

For more information about Duchenne and other muscle-wasting diseases, visit our website.

Vendors include:

• Partylite
• Cookie Lee Jewelry
• Scentsy
• Tastefully Simple
• Western Handbags and Accessories
• Jewels by Park Lane Jewelry
• At Home America
• Fashion Handbags
• Passion's Party
• Kid's Made Items
• Face Painting Booth
• Crocheted Purses, Scarves and Accessories

Grand Junction Community Leaders Raise over $80,000 for MDA

Grand Junction Police Officers, Sheridan Martin and Lori Sanchez

Nearly 200 community leaders in Grand Junction participated in the Telethon Executive Lock-up last week to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). These "stars behind bars" were transported by local firefighters, police officers, and salespersons from Ed Bozarth Chevrolet Pontiac to The Ale House last Wednesday. Bail was set at $1,500 and the jailbirds were responsible for raising it themselves by soliciting donations from family, friends, and local businesses.

Among the jailbirds was Grand Junction's Channel 11 news reporter, Tim Ciesco. To help him raise money for MDA and see him make "breaking news," visit his fundraising page.

Telluride Community Leaders Locked Up for a Worthy Cause

More than 30 Telluride business leaders and community members 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 in an attempt to make their bail of $1500. Jailbirds will turn themselves in and serve their time at 221 South Oak Bistro in Telluride from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14.

All 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. All funds raised will help MDA provide a comprehensive program of services, including MDA muscle clinics for adults and children, summer camp for kids ages 6-17, a loan closet with durable medical equipment, and nearly $1 million in local funding for neuromuscular disease research.

Local top-fundraising jailbirds are:

• Peak Property Management
• Peaks Real Estate
• Hensen Construction
• Arriva Inc.
• Fairmont Heritage
• CRM Mastery Inc.
• Advanced Hydronics
• San Miguel County

Fish City Grill Aids Firefighters for MDA

Fish City rill in Park Meadows Mall is generously donating 15 per cent of the day's total sales to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) on Tuesday, July 6. Proceeds will go towards the efforts of the Cunningham Fire Department's annual Fill-the-Boot drive.

The Cunningham Fire Department raised over $12,000 last year for MDA, bringing their total dollars raised to nearly $200,000 in their 11 year involvement with the cause.

Funds raised will benefit local families affected by neuromuscular diseases by helping MDA provide muscle clinics for adults and children, summer camps for kids ages six to 17, a loan closet with durable medical equipment, and nearly $1 million in local research funding.

The Association is a voluntary national health agency - a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million American.s Fore more information, contact your local MDA office at 303-691-3331.

Grand Junction Executives Jailed to Benefit MDA

Community leaders in the Grand Junction area are being "locked up" to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). The "jailbirds" will be transported by Ed Bozarth Chevrolet Pontiac to the "VIP Jailhouse" on Wednesday, June 30 to serve one hour of jail time and will be released upon raising their $1500 bail.

The jailbirds will be locked up at The Ale House from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and forced to enjoy massages by IntelliTec and live music by New Directions. Companies represented by jailbirds include:

• Atlantic Pacific REO
• Foremost Response
• Source Gas
• RMOA
• Mesa County
• Handy Works
• Grand Junction Police
• Coldwell Banker
• ATI
• Kraai Design
• Orkin
• Coop Country ACE Hardware
• Harbert Lumber
• High Desert Opera
• Overhead Door Company
• Hilltop
• Bookcliff Family Hearing
• Peczuh Printing
• Alpine Bank
• David J. Turner P.C.
• FCI Constructors
• Gateway Construction
• Major Mortgage
• City of Grand Junction
• Callahan-Edfast Mortuary
• EM-Tech
• Cherry Creek Mortgage
• AK Home Care

MDA's Telethon Executive Lock-Up is associated with the annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day 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.

Colorado Springs Firefighters Help Jerry's Kids

To further their commitment to Jerry's Kids, the Colorado Springs Professional Firefighters Local #5 is hosting the 8th annual Firefighter Chili Cook-off to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

The Cook-off will take place Friday, June 25 between Pikes Peak and Colorado Avenue in downtown Colorado Springs. It will begin at 4 p.m. and conclude at 9:15 p.m. with the presentation of awards.

In addition to Colorado Springs fire department, other local departments and community groups will be entering to win the cook-off. Awards will be presented by celebrity judges for Best Green Chili, Best Red Chili, Most Creative Book, Most Money Raised, People's Choice, and Best Overall.

Festivities are sponsored by the Pikes Peak Fan Fest and International Hill Climb and consist of motocross jumpers, a beer garden, car displays, firefighter photo booth and much more.

All monies raised will go directly to local families affected by neuromuscular diseases in the form of MDA muscle clinics for adults and children, summer camp for kids ages 6-17, a loan closet with durable medical equipment, and nearly $1 million i local funding for neuromuscular disease research. Call your local MDA office for more information at 719-260-8777.