Temple "Jailbirds" Raise "Bail" for MDA

TEMPLE, Texas – JUNE 21, 2011 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association will put Temple’s “Most Wanted” business and community leaders “behind bars” on Wednesday, June 29 at Texas Roadhouse for MDA’s Telethon Executive Lock-Up. Though this may seem like a harsh fate for the “jailbirds,” the Lock-Up is actually a much anticipated fundraiser for MDA.

Key figures from the Temple, Belton, Salado, and Troy communities, including Bell County attorney Jim Nichols and prominent doctors and business leaders from Scott & White Healthcare, have agreed to be “arrested” and taken to Texas Roadhouse beginning at 11 a.m. on the day of the Lock-Up. Upon arrival, jailbirds will have their mug shots taken and begin to raise bail by calling on friends and family in the Temple area to donate to the Association. Texas Roadhouse General Manager Phillip Dunn will act as the celebrity judge for the event, and the Hernandezes, a family served by MDA in Temple, will also be in attendance.

The Temple Telethon Executive Lock-Up is a fun-filled networking opportunity that functions as a preliminary event to MDA’s annual Labor Day Telethon. This year’s Telethon is on September 4 and will be broadcast in the Temple area on KXXV.

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. There are 250 families in Central Texas affected by neuromuscular disease, and funds raised at the Lock-Up go to support the Hillcrest Family Health Clinic in Waco and MDA Summer Camp at Camp John Marc in Meridian. Up-to-date information can be found at www.MDA.org.

For more information, please contact Kristen Wheeler at 254-399-8221 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

Paris Fire Fighters Raise Money for MDA

The Paris Fire Department will battle muscle disease by raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through the Fill the Boot campaign June 30 through July 2. In 2010, Texas fire fighters raised over $4 million for MDA, and the Paris Fire Department wants to help increase the amount contributed for 2011.

The campaign will consist of Paris fire fighters removing their boots and collecting donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association for three days at Wal-Mart and Towne Center. Members of the fire department will also be passing their boots around at the Paris Firework Show on July 2.

"Fire fighters make a difference that has impacted families served by MDA throughout the years," said MDA Chairman & CEO Gerald Weinberg. "They are truly inspiring, selfless individuals."

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. Fill the Boot funds support MDA's services locally and nationally, including medical clinics like Texoma Neurology Associates in Sherman and MDA Summer Camps like our North Texas camp in Meridian. Up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.

For more information, please contact Courtney Marshal at 972-480-0011 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

Anna Fire Fighters Fill the Boot for MDA for the First Time Ever

ANNA, Texas – JUNE 13, 2011 – The Anna Fire Department will team up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association every day between June 18 and July 9 for MDA's Fill the Boot campaign.

For the first time ever in Anna, fire fighters will fill their boots with donations from Anna residents at the intersection of FM 455 and Highway 5 every weekday morning and throughout the day on weekends. Though this is the first year Anna has participated in Fill the Boot, the fire department hopes that collecting every day will significantly increase funds for MDA.

"Fire fighters make a difference that has impacted families served by MDA throughout the years," said MDA Chairman and CEO Gerald Weinberg. "They are truly inspiring, selfless individuals."

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. Up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.mda.org.

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. The first nonprofit organization to be awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Medical Association "for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity," MDA's programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors. MDA maintains a network of 200 hospital-affiliated clinics to serve families living with any of the 43 neuromuscular diseases. An MDA clinic is located at Texoma Neurology Associates in Sherman.

For more information, please contact Jacquelin Way at 972-480-0011 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

Abilene's Finest Raise "Bail" for MDA

Abilene, Texas – JUNE 9, 2011 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association will put Abilene’s “Most Wanted” executives and community leaders “behind bars” on Thursday, June 23 at Texas Roadhouse for MDA’s Telethon Executive Lock-Up. Though our “jailbirds” are “locked-up”, the Association’s jail is actually a much anticipated fundraising event.

On the day of the Lock-Up, Abilene business leaders will be “arrested” by a volunteer posse at 10 a.m. and transported to Texas Roadhouse in cars provided by Arrow Ford and Star Family of Dealerships. In order to be released, jailbirds must make bail by 1 p.m. by calling on friends and families in the Abilene community to donate to the Association. Bail for this year’s Lock-Up is set at $1,600 per jailbird. Released jailbirds will receive clean records and the utmost appreciation from the Association for raising funds to help families in The Big Country affected by the 43 neuromuscular diseases.

The Abilene Telethon Executive Lock-Up is a fun-filled networking opportunity that serves as a preliminary event to MDA’s annual Labor Day Telethon. This year’s Telethon is on September 4 and will be broadcast in the Abilene area on KRBC.

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. Up-to-date information can be found at www.MDA.org.

For more information, please contact Lori Seymore at 325-675-0459 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

O'Reilly Auto Parts Hosts Car Show Benefiting MDA

ABILENE, Texas - June 9, 2011 - O'Reilly Auto Parts, in association with Big Country Car Clubs, is hosting its fifth annual car show on Saturday, June 18 to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The general public is invited to attend this event sponsored by the O'Reilly Auto Parts on South First St. Those entering their cars in the show are not required to pay an entry fee, but donations to MDA will be accepted. Registration for the show starts at 8 a.m. and lasts until judging begins at noon. Awards will be announced at 3 p.m. Participants and spectators can enjoy free hot dogs and drinks, live entertainment, and glancing over the multiple classes of cars that will be in the show.

"The funds raised from the O'Reilly car shows are of great service to our organization," MDA representative Lori Seymore said. "We've seen the support of citizens in The Big Country time and time again, and we greatly encourage everyone to come by and support the car show as well."

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. Donated funds support MDA's services locally and nationally, including medical clinics staffed with specialists in neuromuscular disease like The Neurology Center in Wichita Falls. Up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.

For more information, please contact Lori Seymore at 325-675-0459 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

Denton Executives Go Behind Bars to Benefit MDA

DENTON, Texas – JUNE 7, 2011 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association will put Denton’s “Most Wanted” executives and community leaders “behind bars” on Thursday, June 16 at PourHouse Sports Grill for MDA’s Telethon Executive Lock-Up. Though our “jailbirds” are “locked-up”, this is no ordinary jail.

On the day of the Lock-Up, Denton business leaders will be “arrested” by a volunteer posse that includes children who have attended MDA Summer Camp. Volunteer drivers from the Denton Fire Department will use cars donated by James Wood and Bill Utter Ford to transport jailbirds to PourHouse between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Once there, PourHouse will provide complimentary food to jailbirds and volunteers until the jailbirds are released. In order to be released, jailbirds must make bail by calling on friends and families in the Denton community to donate to the Association. Bail for this year’s Lock-Up is set at $2,400 per jailbird. Released jailbirds will receive clean records and the utmost appreciation from the Association for raising funds to help fight the 43 neuromuscular diseases.

The Denton Telethon Executive Lock-Up is a fun-filled networking opportunity that serves as a preliminary event to MDA’s annual Labor Day Telethon. This year’s Telethon is on September 4 and will be broadcast in the Dallas/Fort Worth area on TXA 21.

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. Up-to-date information can be found at www.MDA.org.

For more information, please contact Lauren Harris at 817-338-1024 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

Firefighters to Launch Annual Campaign to Raise Funds for MDA

The Southlake Fire Department will team up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association on June 21-23 and June 28-30 with boots in hand as they kick off their annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign for children and adults with muscle-wasting diseases. Last year, Southlake firefighters raised $25,000 for MDA, and they are hoping to meet and exceed that amount this year.

Firefighters from both of Southlake's fire stations will be collecting donations for MDA in their boots at intersections throughout town between 7 and 11 a.m. on June 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30. The department will also be collecting donations in the Chick-Fil-A drive thru on the mornings of June 21 and June 22. Customers who donate to MDA will receive coupons for free menu items.

"For more than five decades, firefighters across the country have done an unbelievable job dedicating their time and energy to helping raise funds," MDA Chairman & CEO Gerald C. Weinberg said. "They are our true heroes."

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. 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. Local clinics and camps benefiting from Fill the Boot funds include Cook Children's Medical Center, Neurology Associates of Arlington and MDA Summer Camp at Camp John Marc in Meridian, TX. Up-to-date information about MDA services and clinics can be found at www.mda.org.

For more information, please contact Lauren Harris at 817-338-1024 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

Texas Roadhouse Offers Deals to Customers Who Make a Muscle for MDA

During the entire month of June, Texas Roadhouse in San Marcos is Making a Muscle for the Muscular Dystrophy Association by offering great deals to customers who are willing to help out. For every $5 donated to MDA, Texas Roadhouse guests will receive $5 in gift coupons for use on their next visit. In addition, Texas Roadhouse will be selling Make a Muscle, Make a Difference mobiles to show support for community members living with muscle disease.

For more information, please contact MDA representatives Hope Geer at 512-799-9600 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

Florence Firefighters to Launch 2011 Fill the Boot Campaign for MDA

The Florence Fire Department will be out tomorrow, June 4, at the intersection of Main and Patterson collecting donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through the Fill the Boot campaign. Florence firefighters have raised over $10,000 in the last five years to help local families living with muscle disease. Please take a moment to drop some cash into a boot when you see the firefighters out tomorrow.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. Proceeds from Fill the Boot also help provide comprehensive health care and support services for over 700 local families including: three clinics provided free of charge to client families, the Adult and ALS clinics at Round Rock Medical Center and the pediatric clinic at Dell Children’s Hospital; our annual summer camp at Camp for All in Burton, TX; assistance with repairs of medical equipment; and an equipment loan program.

For more information, please contact MDA representatives Abby Reyes at 512-691-0065 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

Fate Firefighters Fill the Boot to Fight Muscle Disease

Fate Fire Rescue will be raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through the Fill the Boot campaign this Saturday, June 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the intersections of FM 551 and Fate Main and SH 66 and FM 549.

Fate Fire Rescue’s slogan is “Our community, Our citizens, Our department,” so it comes as no surprise that the volunteers who make up the majority this fire rescue team have a lot of pride in their hometown. Fate residents will have the opportunity to pay homage to their hometown heroes by helping the firefighters fill their boots with donations to MDA.

For more information, please contact MDA representatives Tatiana Higdon at 972-480-0011 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

Motorcycle Enthusiasts Donate to MDA to Vote for Favorite Biker Band

Harley-Davidson of North Texas is hosting its fourth annual Battle of the Biker Bands this Saturday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. An estimated 2000 motorcycle enthusiasts will be coming out to see five bands playing throughout the day.

The event is free and open to the public, but in order to vote for your favorite band, you must donate $1 to MDA for every ticket used to vote. The band that receives the most tickets wins the battle! If you purchase tickets in advance, you will receive a 2011 commemorative Harley-Davidson MDA pin, ten voter tickets, a raffle ticket to win up to ten prizes, and you will not have to wait in line for beverages. Advance tickets are $10 each or $15 for a pair. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event go to MDA.

Along with great music, guests can enjoy free burgers, free beer, free Hooters wings served by Hooters girls, guitars from Guitar Center to play on site, and the chance to ride a Harley with no experience required.

For more information, please contact Stephanie Sunker of Harley-Davidson of North Texas at 972-245-1492.

Duncanville Fire Department Gives Muscle Disease The Boot

The Duncanville Fire Department is launching its annual Fill the Boot campaign to collect money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Firefighters will be at the intersections of I-67 and Cockrell Hill, Wheatland and Cedar Ridge, and Camp Wisdom and Cedar Ridge in the early mornings and early evenings of June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11.

Last year, the department raised nearly $3,000 for MDA, and they are hoping to exceed that amount this year. Funds raised from Fill the Boot go to providing the very best in patient care and services for those affected by neuromuscular diseases.

For more information, please contact MDA representatives Katie Shields at 972-480-0011 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.