Mt. Pleasant Local 2939 Surpasses 2007 Goal

November 3, 2008 - Mt. Pleasant, WI Local 2939 held its annual Fill-the-Boot campaign in September, raising $7,000 – a $500 increase from 2007. Special thanks to MDA Coordinator John Blum for his hard work to make this year a successful one.

Marinette Local 226 Holds First Fill-the-Boot Campaign

October 30, 2008 - With assistance from Menominee, MI Local 604, Marinette, WI Local 226 fire fighters held their first Fill –the-Boot campaign in August, raising $8,478.38 and surpassing the $5,000 goal set at the beginning of the campaign. Special thanks to MDA Coordinator Matt Piikkila for his hard work.

Seminole County, FL $10k in 2008 and Raises Goal for 2009

October 29, 2008 - Members of the Seminole County, FL Local 3254 raised $10,335 during the 2008 Fill-the-Boot Campaign. Seminole County fire fighters’ goal for 2009 is $20,000!

Longwood, FL Breaks Previous Year's Record

October 29, 2008 - Members of the Longwood, FL Local 3613 raised $3,151 during the 2008 Fill-the-Boot campaign – a record-breaking year for Longwood!

Coldwater Completes Successful Year for MDA

October 10, 2008 - Members of Coldwater, MI Local 2555 took to the streets during Labor Day weekend, raising $5,675.83.

Three Rivers Beats the Heat for MDA

October 10, 2008 - Members of Three Rivers, MI Local 3102 took to the streets and rallied the troops for Jerry’s Kids! These amazing fire fighters raised $3,275.85 for MDA.

Portage Fire Fighters Prove MDA Is Number One

October 10, 2008 - The members of Portage, MI Local 1647 have rallied around MDA for years! This year marked the 10th annual Charity Golf outing in July. Adding these funds to its Fill-the-Boot drive during Labor Day weekend, Local 1647 raised $18,136.68 for MDA in 2008!

Metro Airport Turns Up the Heat for MDA

October 9, 2008 - Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Local 741 fire fighters held a Fill-the-Boot drive for the first time in three years, raising $4,000 in four hours. The local worked hard for a permit to help MDA.

West Bloomfield Heats Up for MDA

October 9, 2008 - West Bloomfield, MI Local 1721 fire fighters took to the streets June 25-26, raising an amazing $5,444.

South Haven Offers Helping Hand to Find Cure for MDA

October 9, 2008 - South Haven, MI Local 2658 fire fighters took to the streets, making friends with the local bridge operator who kept motorists just little longer to give fire fighters time to collect donations. South Haven Local 2658 members raised $3,624.

Detroit Fire Fighters Have Big Hearts for Jerry’s Kids

October 8, 2008 - It took six days and many able hands to hold the boots throughout Detroit for Local 344’s Fill-the-Boot campaign. Fire fighters collected for Jerry’s Kids for six days, raising $47,011.76.

Palm Beach County Fire Fighters Fill-the-Boot for MDA

October 8, 2008 - Despite rain over Labor Day weekend, Palm Beach County, FL Local 2928 raised $120,000 for this year’s Fill-the-Boot program. MDA Coordinator Scott Jurasz did a great job coordinating the boot drive.

Wyandotte Fired Up for MDA

October 8, 2008 - Wyandotte, MI Local 356 completed its 2008 Fill-the-Boot campaign, raising $5,500 – a significant boost from the $700 raised in 2007.

Northville Fire Fighters Step-Up to the MDA Challenge

October 8, 2008 - Northville, MI Local 3961 members and friends, family and the public held a dinner dance for MDA, raising $2,000. Local 3961 also raised an additional $900 during its Fill-the-Boot drive.

St. Clair Shores Fire Fighters Take to the Streets for MDA

October 7, 2008 - St. Clair Shores, MI Local 1744 MDA Coordinator Greg Coplai and members of Local 1744 filled the boot August 23, 2008, raising $1,345 in the first year it participated in more than 12 years!

San Marcos Local Holds Fill-the-Boot for MDA

October 7, 2008 - San Marcos, CA Local 4184 topped its last year’s unbelievable $17,153, raising $18,150! Led by Mike Vasile (brother of Duchenne client Cole Vasile), 30 fire fighters supported Cole and the MDA. Mike and Cole Vasile sent 300 letters to local businesses five weeks before the event to request donations. The letter writing campaign generated $2,800!

 Jackson County, OR Local 1817 Increases Fill-the-Boot by $5,000

October 6, 2008 -- Jackson County, OR Local 1817 took to the streets August 2 to maintain its position as the number-one local in Southern Oregon. Thanks to great radio advertising, an additional location and extra hours, Local 1817 raised $16,000 – an increase of $5,000 from 2007 -- retaining bragging rights as the number-one local in Southern Oregon for Fill-The-Boot!

Erie, PA Raises $14k

September 30, 2008 - Erie, PA Local 293 hit the streets for this year’s Fill-the-Boot campaign, raising a record $14,000, an increase of $2,526!

Sheridan, WY Local 276 Climbs Ladder to Reach MDA Goal

September 30, 2008 -- Sheridan, WY Local 276 set an aggressive $10,000 goal for its 2008 Fill-The-Boot campaign. After a letter-writing campaign and Labor Day weekend collection, fire fighters were short of meeting their goal, and quickly scheduled another on-duty collection for one final appeal. MDA Coordinator Greg Luhman climbed up a ladder in front of the fire station (following all safety measures of course) and didn’t come down until Local 276 reached its $10,000 goal! Just two hours later, the results were in – fire fighters had raised a total of $12,315 for MDA!

Cal Fire Local 2881 Holds First Fill-the-Boot for MDA

September 30, 2008 -- Cal Fire Local 2881 held its first county-wide Fill-the-Boot drive to benefit the San Diego MDA. Led by fire fighter/engineer Nick Brown, Cal Fire Local 2881 members collected a total of $20,635. Photo: Fire Fighter II Branden Counterman; Fire Fighter II Alex Trujillo; Battalion Chief Ernie Marugg; Engineer Nick Brown; and Fire Captain/ Paramedic Chris Amestoy.

Boca Raton Has Record Fill-the-Boot Year

September 22, 2008 -- Boca Raton, FL Local 1560 had its best year ever, raising $15,306 during the Fill-the-Boot program over Labor Day weekend. Local 1560 fire fighters also collected for MDA in the spring for the first time, raising more than $8,000 – a $10,106 increase from last year. Fire Chief Tom Wood showed his support by hitting the streets, and MDA Coordinator Mike LaSalle did a great job organizing a very successful boot drive. Pictured: Chief Tom Wood, Boca Raton Fire Department

Local 2928 Celebrates Fire Fighter Appreciation Month

September 22, 2008 - At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on August 21, 2008, Commissioners declared August 2008 “Palm Beach County, FL Local 2928 Fire Fighter Appreciation Month.” Pictured above (from left): Commissioner Bob Kanjian, Brandy Miller, Scott Jurasz, Matt Willhite and Armand Nault.

Boynton Beach, FL Raises $40k

September 19,2008 - Boynton Beach, FL Local 1891 did an outstanding job this year during the Fill-the-Boot program over Labor Day weekend. Local 1891 members collected over six days, raising $40,043, the best year ever! A special thanks to Local 1891 member and MDA coordinator Audrey Girardi for coordinating a very successful event and for her dedication to the fight against Muscular Dystrophy.

Titusville, PA Hits the Streets

September 19, 2008 - Titusville, PA Local 3409 members hit the streets in August for their annual Fill-the-Boot drive for MDA, raising $2,300. Pictured: MDA Coordinator Andy Sines is busy filling the boot.

Fairbanks, AK Fills the Boot

September 12, 2008 - Fairbanks, AK Local 1324 had a sunny Saturday to fill-the-boot for Jerry's Kids. The 38-member local raised $32,592.

Way to Go Anchorage!

September 12, 2008 - August 29, 2008, was a record-breaking day for Anchorage, AK Local 1264, a strong supporter for the Alaska Chapter of the MDA for more than 30 years. In only three hours, this 360-plus member local raised $116,311. Members of Local 1264 give of their time for fill-the-boot and also for a week at the Alaska MDA Summer Camp as counselors. The partnership between Anchorage Local 1264 and MDA has brought many smiles and fond memories for fire fighters and to those MDA serves. Pictured is Anchorage Local 1264 member Jason Dolph.

Almost $5k On a Rainy Day in Juneau

September 12, 2008 - Juneau, AK Local 4303 brought out its 33-member force on this misty day for its Fill-the-Boot campaign, raising $4,971. Pictured is Local 4303 member Noah Jenkins.

Daly City Fire Fighters Fill the Boot

August 25, 2008 -- Fog covered Daly City, California like a blanket for the 2008 Daly City, CA Local 1879 Fill-the-Boot drive, but fire fighters raised more than $5,200!

Hernando County Local 3760 Holds MDA Fundraising Competition

August 25, 2008 -- Hernando County, FL Local 3760 participated in a heated competition with Spring Hill, FL Local 2794 over a three- day Fill-the-Boot campaign. The competition between the two IAFF locals raised more than $30,000 for Jerry’s Kids. Hernando County topped the contest with a whopping $18,092, nearly double the income from the previous year. Pictured: Hernando County, FL Local 3760 fire fighters, from left: MDA Coordinator and fire fighter/paramedic Gabe Croft, Fire Chief Robert Miller, Brad Kufner and Tim Plavko.

Redwood City Fire Fighters Fill the Boot for MDA

August 25, 2008 -- Redwood City, CA Local 2400 raised $5,000 for MDA August 15. More than a dozen dedicated fire fighters and interns hit the streets for MDA. MDA Coordinator Greg McCarthy and his team have a few more fill-the-boot events scheduled for Local 2400 that will ensure a record-breaking year MDA fundraising.

Mercer Island Local 1762 Has Successful First Year

August 21, 2008 -- Mercer Island, WA Local 1762 filled the boot July 24, raising $6,475 in just over three hours! The success of the event is due to MDA Coordinator Stephen Mair, Local 1762 President Ray Austin and the 13 members of Local 1762 (almost half of the local) who made this event happen.

Eastpointe Fire Fighters Beat the Heat for MDA

August 18, 2008 -- Eastpointe, MI Local 1561 fire fighters took to the streets outside their fire station during Michigan's Statewide Fill-the-Boot weekend, raising $2,516. That's $1,536 more than last year.

Mt. Clemens Fire Fighters Kick It Up a Notch for Jerry's Kids

August 18, 2008 -- Mt. Clemens, MI Local 838 fire fighters took over two intersections to fill the boot for MDA August 8-9. Captain Greg Shipman and the rest of the Mt. Clemens team were fired up about raising $3,711.56 over two days -- $3,212 more than last year.

Allen Park Rocks for Jerry's Kids

August 18, 2008 -- Allen Park, MI Local 1410 hit the streets during the Michigan Statewide Fill-the-Boot weekend and raised a whopping $10,179 -- $8,679 more than last year.

Harrison Township Local 1737 Teams Up to Fill the Boot

August 18, 2008 -- Harrison Township, MI Local 1737 took to the streets July 26-27 to fill the boot for MDA. MDA Coordinator for Harrison Township Matt Sahr, along with Matt Czarnecki, Eric Evans, Chris Syoen, Andrew Russell, Rod Unilavia, Larry Schakett, Jason Groth, Ron Zabrzenski and Rick Malik raised $3,300 -- an increase of $740 over last year.

Westland, MI Back in the Saddle

August 12, 2008 -- After taking several years off, Westland, MI Local 1279 fire fighters went back to the streets to fill the boot for MDA. Westland fire fighters successfully raised more than $6,000.

Ecorse Fire Fighters Heat It Up for MDA

August 12, 2008 -- Ecorse, MI Local 684 fire fighters participated in the Michigan Statewide Fill-the- Boot Weekend in July. After a three-year break, Local 684 members went back to the streets and raised $1,500.

Melvindale Fire Fighters on Fire for Jerry's Kids

August 12, 2008 -- Melvindale, MI Local 1728 fire fighters took to the streets in the summer heat July 18-19, raising a whopping $2,446!

Garden City Has HUGE hearts for Jerry's Kids

August 12, 2008 -- Garden City, MI Local 1911 fire fighters participated in the Michigan Statewide Fill- the-Boot weekend in July. Spending a few hours in the streets brought in $2,300. Garden City fire fighters have also conducted various other events throughout the year for MDA, bringing their grand total to $5,000 raised for Jerry's Kids!"

Caldwell Local 1821 Exceeds 2007 Totals

August 6, 2008 -- Caldwell, ID Local 1821 fire fighters Greg Timinsky and Ken Davies sported huge grins while participating in the Fill-the-Boot drive. Local 1821 more than tripled the amount raised last year, collecting $16,652. Caldwell fire fighters raised the money to meet their goal to send at least 20 kids to camp.

Seattle Fire Fighters Fill Their Boots – And Glasses - for MDA

August 5, 2008 -- Aidan Craig Sundine and her fire fighter father, Darrald Craig Sundine, opened a lemonade stand to kick off Seattle, WA Local 27’s Fill-the-Boot campaign July 18. Aidan raised $165 selling lemonade stand, while Seattle fire fighters collected an additional $7,200 at the second highest grossing intersection. Pictured: Seattle, WA Local 27 fire fighter Darrald Craig Sundine with daughter Aidan Craig Sundine.

Rochester Hills Hits the Streets to Fill the Boot

August 5, 2008 -- Rochester Hills, MI Local 3472 took over downtown Rochester Hills during the Michigan Statewide Fill-the-Boot Weekend, collecting $4,926. Local 3472 threw in the change to make it an even $5,000! Pictured: Rochester Hills, MI Local 3472 President Lee Mayes.

Battle Creek Fire Fighters Back to Fight Against Neuromuscular Disease

August 5, 2008 -- Battle Creek, MI Local 335 fire fighters went back to the streets this year during the Michigan Statewide Fill-the-Boot weekend, raising $7,245! Community involvement was so overwhelming that Battle Creek Local 335 is planning another event for this year to raise additional funds.

Egelston Township Fire Fighters Partner With Local MDA Patient

August 5, 2008 -- Egelston, MI Local 3901 fire fighters took to the streets during the Michigan Statewide Fill-the-Boot Weekend to raise money and awareness for MDA in their community. Fire fighters made a special friend in local MDA patient Kyle Foster, who was onsite to encourage fire fighters along as they spent the day filling their boots. Egelston Township fire fighters raised more than $2,000.

Summit Township Teaches Jackson Fire Fighters the Ropes

August 5, 2008 -- Summit Township, MI Local 1639 fire fighters offered a hand -- and an intersection -- working with the Jackson Local 1609 fire fighters throughout the Michigan Statewide Fill-the-Boot Weekend. The two locals collectively raised $6,000 over two days. Summit Township members also collected for a third day and raised an additional $1,600.

East Lansing Fire Fighters Fill the Boot for Jerry's Kids

August 5, 2008 -- East Lansing, MI Local 1609 fire fighters took to the streets July 28 and filled their boots again and again for Michigan families with neuromuscular diseases. The community welcomed them with open arms and warm hearts, helping Local 1609 raise more than $8,000 in two days!

Jackson Fire Fighters Take First Steps for MDA!

August 5, 2008 -- Jackson, MI Local 1306 fire fighters hit the streets for the first time in more than a year during the Michigan Statewide Fill-the-Boot weekend! Joining Summit Township Local 1639 at a busy intersection for two for two days, fire fighters collectively raised $6,000.

Tavares, FL Local 3245 Fire Fighters Fill-the-Boot for MDA

August 1, 2008 – Tavares, FL Local 3245 conducted a successful Fill-the-Boot drive in July under the leadership of Local 3245 President Alan Gagne, Tavares Fire Chief Richard Keith and MDA Coordinator Eric Wages. Local 3245 raised $4,000 during the four-day campaign in extremely warm weather conditions. Fire fighters talked to drivers, smiled and held up signs, representing their local and MDA well! Tavares Local 3245 is eager to reach its $5,000 goal and is planning two more dates in August to collect and reach (or exceed) its goal.

Lansing, MI Local 421 Takes to the Streets for Jerry’s Kids

August 1, 2008 – Lansing, MI Local 421 fire fighters took to the streets to fill the boot for MDA during the official statewide Fill-the-Boot weekend as proclaimed by Governor Jennifer Granholm. Lansing fire fighters raised a record $13,400 for MDA. MDA thanks Lansing Local 421 fire fighters and all who participated.

Galveston, TX Raise Over $18K

Galveston, TX Local 571 hit the streets in full force May 31-June 1 to fill the boot for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Fire fighters collected from motorists and passersby from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days, raising a grand total of $21,581.77. This year's campaign drew in the most amount of money ever raised in the history of Galveston’s Fill-the-Boot campaign. Galveston fire fighters raised $18,466 in 2007.

Baton Rouge Goodwill Ambassador Visits Fire Fighters

St. George, LA Local 4524 President Jason Turner and MDA Baton Rouge Goodwill Ambassador George Wood spent quality time during recent fire station visits. Wood visited with numerous fire fighters encouraging them to participate in the Fill-the-Boot drive. St. George Local 4524 recently presented MDA with a check for $17,242. This is the largest contribution that St. George has ever made to MDA.

$9k in Two Days for Port Neches, TX

Port Neches, TX Local 3713 and Nederland, TX Local 3339 joined forces to aid in the fight against neuromuscular diseases. Their combined efforts over a two-day Fill-the-Boot drive netted a total of $8,195!

Port Arthur, TX Raises Funds for FTB Despite Gas Prices

Port Arthur, TX Local 397 collected a total of $14,811 during its Fill-the-Boot drive for MDA. Despite higher gas and grocery prices, the community of Port Arthur gave generously and supported fire fighters in their efforts to collect for MDA.

Beaumont Fire Fighters Hold Fill-the-Boot for 2008

Through the generous contributions and the tireless efforts of Beaumont, TX Local 399, fire fighters raised $52,250 during its 2008 Fill-the-Boot event, despite the less-than-perfect weather conditions. Money was collected during the months of April and May at major intersections around the city.

Sulphur Local Conducts Fill-the-Boot Drive

Sulphur, LA Local 3765 conducted its Fill-the-Boot Drive Saturday, June 21. Local 3765 members collected at various locations throughout Sulphur, asking motorists to drop donations into fire fighter boots to raise money for local families affected by muscular dystrophy. Sulphur Local 3765 plans to Fill-the-Boot again July 5. From left: Engineer Kevin White, Fire Fighter Nick Ferguson and Captain Ray Doucet.

Crowley Fire Fighters Cook at Camp

Members of Crowley, LA Local 1442 traveled to MDA's Rainbow Camp at Camp Bethany to serve as “guest chefs” for the day -- cooking lunch and dinner for a group of nearly 300 campers, camp counselors and support staff. Louis Romero, Jonathan Habetz, Johnny Benoit, David Douget, Bryan Quibodeaux, Jonathan Blanchard and April Mire (an Abbeville fire fighter) spent the afternoon cooking hot dogs, chili and crawfish etoufee’ while enjoying the activities. Crowley Local 1442 is no stranger to Rainbow Camp. Jason Broussard and Chad Monceaux (not pictured) have served as camp counselors and now as cabin leaders for a number of years and enjoyed having their fellow fire fighters join them at Camp Bethany.

Loma Linda Fire Fighters Hold First Fill-the-Boot

Loma Linda, CA Local 3603 set its fundraising goal high and came out on top, raising more than $21,000 over three days. These totals are equivalent to each fire fighter sending one child to MDA summer camp. This was Loma Linda Local 3603’s first Fill-the-Boot. MDA applauds its tireless efforts in the hot sun for three days to achieve and surpass its goal. Local 3603 members are looking forward to presenting their first check at the KCAL 9 Labor Day Telethon in September.

Lubbock Local 972 Makes A Splash With Fill-the-Boot Drive

Lubbock, TX Local 972 held a press conference to promote its Fill-the-Boot campaign. From left: Blake “Lumpy” Ball, Kyler Ball, Jay Watson, Ricky Murphy, Fire Chief Rhea Cooper, Sarah Rose, Holly Skipworth and, in front, MDA client Shayla Hammock. Lubbock Local 972 collected for MDA May 8-10.

Allen, TX Raises Over $8K

Fire fighter Bryan Janah and Allen, TX Local 3453 President Dean Boyce pose for a quick photo with Allen MDA spokesperson Brian Spann and MDA District Director Jacquelin Way at Fire Station 2. Local 3453 raised $8,786 in its Fill-the-Boot campaign during May.

Marion County Local 3169 Hits the Street for MDA!