The Manitowoc Fire Department Local 368 is showing its support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) as its members kick off the annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign to help kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases live longer and grow stronger.
Continuing a more than 60 year tradition, over three dozen dedicated fire fighters from Manitowoc Fire Department Local 368 will hit the streets with boots in hand asking pedestrians, motorists, customers and other passersby to make a donation to MDA on August 10th, 11th, and 12th at the intersection 10th and Franklin between 2-6 pm on August 10th and 11th, and on August 12th between 10am – 2pm.
“We are thrilled to be working with the Manitowoc Fire Department Local 368 for another year of Fill the Boot to help provide the funds needed to find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases that severely limit strength and mobility,” said Fundraising Coordinator Murphy Maes. “The dedication of these fire fighters to MDA’s mission is unwavering, spending countless hours both with Fill the Boot and MDA Summer Camp to care for the kids and adults in Manitowoc. We know that their devotion to our families will make this year’s drive a success.”
Funds raised through Manitowoc Fill the Boot events in 2017 empower families who inspire everyday Americans to help kids and adults with Muscular dystrophy and related muscle-debilitating diseases live longer and grow stronger, displaying how we all can truly live unlimited no matter what limits we may face.
Contributions also help fund groundbreaking research and life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and Care Centers, including the MDA Care Center at Prevea Health in Green Bay and the Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, WI. They also help send more than 45 local kids to “the best week of the year” at MDA summer camp at Pilgrim Center – all at no cost to their families.
In addition to Fill the Boot drives, fire fighter contributions from year-round local events, including help support MDA’s efforts to raise awareness and provide professional and public education about neuromuscular diseases.
MDA and IAFF Partnership
As MDA’s largest national partner, the IAFF fuels MDA’s mission to find research breakthroughs across diseases; care for kids and adults from day one; and provide families with services and support.
IAFF support for MDA began in 1954 when the organization committed by proclamation to support MDA until a cure is found, and the organization’s unwavering commitment to MDA has remained strong to this day. The IAFF raised $100,000 for MDA in 1955, and $1 million in 1970, and fire fighters continue to raise the bar in their fundraising efforts. In 2016, more than 100,000 fire fighters participated in Fill the Boot events across the country and raised $25 million. To date the IAFF has raised $585.5 million for MDA.
