IAFF Shatters Last Year’s Record MDA Donation

September 4, 2007 – The International Association of Fire Fighters remains the largest contributor to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) donating a record breaking $25.25 million in pledges at the 42nd Annual MDA Telethon September 2-3, 2007. With this year’s total, IAFF members have donated more than $300 million to MDA since 1954.

Broadcast from the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas, the broadcast featured IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, who appeared throughout the Telethon, praising fire fighters for their dedication and commitment to the Fill-the-Boot drives for Jerry’s Kids, and recognizing many IAFF locals by name for their efforts.

“Our goal is always to raise more than we have the year before,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “I am proud to say that our affiliates across the United States and Canada have topped last year’s donation of $23.5 million by nearly $2 million. This year’s total reaffirms our partnership with MDA and the IAFF’s commitment to finding a cure.”

Telethon host Jerry Lewis said, “I’m deeply grateful to the fire fighters for their incredible effort to raise money for MDA’s ongoing battle against muscular dystrophy.

“The Telethon provides hope to individuals and families coping with muscle diseases that someday treatments and cures will be found,” Lewis continued. “Through its fundraising efforts, the IAFF is helping to turn this hope into reality.”

In just four days time, Fairfax County, VA Local 2068 became the top fundraising IAFF affiliate – raising $536,000 followed by Houston, TX Local 341 with $531,000 in donations.

“The bottom line is that the IAFF and MDA share a common goal, preserving life,” says General President Schaitberger, who is also an MDA national vice president. “IAFF members are dedicated to MDA not only because the organization saves lives, but also because many IAFF members are personally affected by neuromuscular disease.

The MDA Telethon has raised $1.46 billion since its inception in 1966 on a single television station in New York City. This year's telecast was carried by 190 stations in the United States and Canada and worldwide on the Internet.

MDA is a voluntary health organization working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. MDA maintains 225 clinics nationwide for adults and children affected by neuromuscular diseases, including clinics at Georgetown University Hospital and the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC.