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.
Showing posts with label MDA Summer Camp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MDA Summer Camp. Show all posts
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
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:
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.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
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:
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
Monday, August 2, 2010
MDA Honors Locals with Top Achievement Awards for Wyoming and Colorado
Charles "Chuck" Gunther, Cody, WY
Kevin Brady, Denver, COThe 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
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.
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.
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.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Denver Tech Center Execs Bank 80K for MDA
Community leaders and business owners in the Denver Tech Center volunteered to be "locked up" to raise money for MDA. These elite members of the greater Denver community solicited donations prior to their jail-time in an attempt to make their bail of $2,400. Those who had not yet made bail hit the phones during their jail-time to raise the rest.
All jailbirds were picked up by volunteer deputies in town cars, taken to Rock Bottom Brewery where they were booked, photographed, and charged with having a big heart. Once an hour of jail-time was endured, jailbird were released with a clean record and MDA's sincerest appreciation for raising funds to help those affected by neuromuscular diseases in their communities.
The location, food, and service staff was donated by Rock Bottom Brewery as the main sponsor for the event. This year's event brought in nearly $80,000 to help over 1,800 local families 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.
All jailbirds were picked up by volunteer deputies in town cars, taken to Rock Bottom Brewery where they were booked, photographed, and charged with having a big heart. Once an hour of jail-time was endured, jailbird were released with a clean record and MDA's sincerest appreciation for raising funds to help those affected by neuromuscular diseases in their communities.
The location, food, and service staff was donated by Rock Bottom Brewery as the main sponsor for the event. This year's event brought in nearly $80,000 to help over 1,800 local families 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.
Seven Eleven Helping MDA Send Kids to Camp
Seven Eleven has signed on as a regional sponsor for the Muscular Dystrophy Association's (MDA) annual Summer Camp Mobile Program. Two hundred and fifty nine stores in Colorado will be participating by encouraging customers to donate at all check-out registers. The program runs from July 16 through August 23 with the end goal of each participating store raising $2,400, enough money to send three children to summer camp.
MDA's summer camp program provides local kids with activities suited to their special needs. Camps are staffed by health professionals who volunteer their services and strive to give kids affected by neuromuscular diseases a week of barrier-free fun, friendship and laughter. Camp is held in June in Empire, Colorado.
MDA's summer camp program provides local kids with activities suited to their special needs. Camps are staffed by health professionals who volunteer their services and strive to give kids affected by neuromuscular diseases a week of barrier-free fun, friendship and laughter. Camp is held in June in Empire, Colorado.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Generosity Continues to Grow in Telluride, Colorado
(Pictured above: Jim Berkowitz)
Law abiding Telluride business leaders and community members were thrown in jail by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) yesterday, charged with having big hearts. Some 30+ "jailbirds hit the phones to make their bail of $1,500 after turning themselves in at 221 South Oak Bistro. "Bail" money is used to support members of the community affected by any of the 50 neuromuscular diseases with muscle clinics, summer camp for kids, free medical equipment, and research towards a cure.
(Pictured from left: Stu Fraser and Eileen Burns)
It was a record-setting year for the Telluride community, celebrating a $12,000 increase over last year, bringing the total donations to over $28,000. All jailbirds were released with a clean record and MDA's sincerest appreciation for raising funds to help those affected by neuromuscular diseases in their communities.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Cheyenne Mayor, Richard L. Kaysen to Honor Local Firefighters
Mayor Richard L. Kaysen will proclaim July to be Firefighter Appreciation month on Wednesday, June 30 at the Depot Plaza in downtown Cheyenne. Mayor Kaysen's proclamation honors Cheyenne firefighters for their annual Fill-the-Boot campaign to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
Cheyenne firefighters raise money throughout the summer months, culminating in a three-day boot drive over Labor Day weekend, corresponding with the nationally televised Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. Last year, Cheyenne firefighters raised nearly $23,000 to benefit local families affected by neuromuscular diseases. All funds help MDA provide local muscle clinics for children and adults, a stocked loan closet with durable medical equipment, free summer camp for kids ages six to 17, and funding for local research.
The proclamation and Fill-the-Book Kick-off will take place from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. with refreshments donated in part by Jimmy Johns. May Kaysen, MDA, and Cheyenne firefighters welcome all to come enjoy the celebration.
Cheyenne firefighters raise money throughout the summer months, culminating in a three-day boot drive over Labor Day weekend, corresponding with the nationally televised Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. Last year, Cheyenne firefighters raised nearly $23,000 to benefit local families affected by neuromuscular diseases. All funds help MDA provide local muscle clinics for children and adults, a stocked loan closet with durable medical equipment, free summer camp for kids ages six to 17, and funding for local research.
The proclamation and Fill-the-Book Kick-off will take place from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. with refreshments donated in part by Jimmy Johns. May Kaysen, MDA, and Cheyenne firefighters welcome all to come enjoy the celebration.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Local Youngsters Attend Camp Thanks to Community Donations
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is currently hosting its annual summer camp at Rocky Mountain Village in Empire, Colorado for kids affected by neuromuscular diseases. This program offers kids barrier-free activities and friendships that often carry on beyond the week-long camp.
This year's theme is jungle safari, encouraging participants to "go green" by incorporating environmentally friendly habits into their daily lives. Activities such as fishing, horseback riding, swimming, and zip lines are planned throughout the week. Summer camp is free of charge to all campers, funded with dollars raised by MDA through fundraisers such as Fill-the-Boot and the annual Labor Day Telethon that take place all over Colorado and Wyoming.
MDA expects almost 100 campers between the two weeks in June. Trained health professionals volunteer their services to ensure campers enjoy a safe, yet exciting week. Executives and staff from sponsoring organizations attended camp last week to see their sponsorship dollars at work in the community and to meet campers. June 23 is designated as 'Firefighter Day' in which MDA welcomes departments from across the state that raise money through the annual Fill-the-Boot program to come and engage with the campers. This year's Firefighter activities include a kickball tournament and fishing derby.
This year's theme is jungle safari, encouraging participants to "go green" by incorporating environmentally friendly habits into their daily lives. Activities such as fishing, horseback riding, swimming, and zip lines are planned throughout the week. Summer camp is free of charge to all campers, funded with dollars raised by MDA through fundraisers such as Fill-the-Boot and the annual Labor Day Telethon that take place all over Colorado and Wyoming.
MDA expects almost 100 campers between the two weeks in June. Trained health professionals volunteer their services to ensure campers enjoy a safe, yet exciting week. Executives and staff from sponsoring organizations attended camp last week to see their sponsorship dollars at work in the community and to meet campers. June 23 is designated as 'Firefighter Day' in which MDA welcomes departments from across the state that raise money through the annual Fill-the-Boot program to come and engage with the campers. This year's Firefighter activities include a kickball tournament and fishing derby.
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