Trophy Club Country Club Hosts Charity Classic to Benefit MDA

Trophy Club Country Club is opening its doors to the general public for their 2011 ClubCorp Charity Classic on Friday, August 12 to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association and two other North Texas organizations.

Registration for the Trophy Club Community Classic Golf Tournament will begin at 7 a.m. on August 12, and shotgun is at 8:30. Guests can sip on beer and wine during the tournament and throughout the barbecue lunch and awards ceremony at 12:30, and each golf participant will also receive a certificate for an additional 12 rounds of golf at one of the 11 DFW clubs in the ClubCorp family.

Golf tournament guests are also welcome to bring their families to the Taste of the Town and Back to School Bash pool party at the Trophy Club Community Pool from 6 to 9 p.m. that evening. Adults can enjoy generous samplings from the best restaurants in Trophy Club and Roanoke, and kids can enjoy carnival games, bounce houses, pool games, arts and crafts, and face painting, among other things.

Prices vary for Trophy Club Country Club's August 12 events. For registration information, please contact Robyn Ruth at 817-837-1909. All of the day's activities benefit Lakeview Elementary School, the Employee Partners Care Foundation and MDA's Augie's Quest.

Augie's Quest is a campaign started by Augie Nieto, a fitness pioneer diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral scleroris (ALS) in March 2005. Now Co-Chair of MDA's ALS Division, Nieto works closely with MDA staff to coordinate fundraising events that will benefit MDA's worldwide ALS research program. The ClubCorp Charity Classic is a signature event for Augie's Quest where private clubs open their doors to help those in need.

"Charity Classic events are a fun way for us to fight a serious disease," said MDA Regional Director of Business Development Carmen Holmes. "We encourage everyone in Trophy Club and Roanoke to enjoy their Friday at Trophy Club Country Club and help us find a cure for ALS."

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 about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.

Summer Camp Social Helps Send Children to MDA Summer Camp

AUSTIN, Texas – JULY 28, 2011 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association is hosting its first ever Summer Camp Social fundraiser at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Thursday, August 11 to help send local children to MDA Summer Camp.

Austin leaders nominated by their peers for their care and commitment to the community have been invited to attend the 2011 Summer Camp Social. Guests will be picked up in a limo and escorted to the Barton Springs Hyatt Regency between 4 and 7 p.m. on the day of the Social. Once there, they will enjoy great food, live entertainment, a silent and live auction, and other amazing activities in the Hyatt’s top floor ballroom.

Summer Camp Social is designed to celebrate the 120 Central Texas children who attend MDA Summer Camp every year. Proceeds from the event will enable children affected by neuromuscular disease to enjoy a magical week of horseback riding, zip lining, swimming, archery and much more at Camp For All, a completely accessible facility in Burton, Texas.

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 about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org, and Austinites can watch MDA’s annual Labor Day Telethon on Sunday, September 4 from 5:30 p.m. to midnight on KXAN.

For more information, please contact Marcie McDonald at 512-691-0065 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

McGregor Fire Fighters Fill the Boot for MDA

The McGregor Volunteer Fire Department will partner up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association on July 30 for MDA's Fill the Boot campaign.

McGregor fire fighters will fill their boots with donations for MDA from residents and passersby at the intersection of Highway 84 and Main Street and the Brookshire's parking lot between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on July 30. Texas fire fighters raised more than $4 million for the Association in 2010, and McGregor fire fighters want to help increase that number for 2011.

The Fill the Boot campaign sends young people with neuromuscular disease to MDA Summer Camps, including Camp John Marc in Meridian, and supports clinics at Hillcrest Family Health Clinic, Round Rock Medical Center, and Specially for Children.

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. MDA's annual Labor Day Telethon will air in the Waco area on Sunday, September 4 from 5:30 p.m. to midnight on News Channel 25, and up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.

For more information, please contact Cherise Hawkins Myatt at 254-399-8221 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

Youth Makes Birdies to Honor Friend's Memory

Sixteen-year-old Stratton Nolen, a champion golfer from Austin, is raising funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association by asking people to pledge to Birdies 4 Blaine.

Nolen is competing in four golf tournaments this summer to honor the memory of Blaine Smith, a friend from Wichita Falls who passed away last year of complications from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. For every birdie Nolen makes, he will donate a dollar of his own money to MDA, and Nolen has asked the public to make pledges per birdie as well. To date, donors have pledged $266.25 per birdie, and Nolen has birdied 30 holes.

Nolen's fourth and final tournament begins this Tuesday, July 26 at the Legends Tour State Junior Championship in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. To make a pledge, please visit Birdies4Blaine.com.

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 Daniel York at 940-696-5581 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

Fort Worth "Defendants" Collect "Court Fees" for MDA

FORT WORTH, Texas – JULY 19, 2011 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association will put Fort Worth’s “Most Wanted” business and community leaders in the “courtroom” on Wednesday, August 3 at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood for the first ever Fort Worth Nite Court.

On the day of Fort Worth Nite Court, participants will be “summoned” to present themselves before Fort Worth Fire Chief Randy Jackson and families served by MDA, the event’s “judges,” at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood between 3 and 6 p.m. This is the second time that Eddie V’s has hosted an MDA event, and the restaurant will provide defendants with appetizers and free valet parking while Glazers will provide drinks. The defendants’ cases will only be dismissed when they recruit friends and family to help pay “court fees” of $2,400, the cost to send three children to MDA Summer Camp. The goal for the day is to have defendants raise $100,000 for the Association.

Fort Worth Nite Court comes in preparation for MDA’s annual Labor Day Telethon, which will be broadcast in the Dallas/Fort Worth area September 4 from 5 p.m. to midnight 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 Sarah Wilson at 817-338-1024 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.

Anna Fire Fighters Raise $5,100 for MDA Through Fill the Boot

The Anna Fire Department raised $5,100 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association by participating in the Fill the Boot campaign every day between June 18 and July 9.

Fire fighters filled their boots with donations from Anna residents and passersby at the intersection of FM 455 and Highway 5 every weekday morning and throughout the day on weekends during the campaign. 2011 was the first year for Anna fire fighters to participate in Fill the Boot, and MDA is grateful that the fire department hit the streets for nearly a month.

"We really appreciate the Anna Fire Department's dedication to this cause," said MDA Executive Director Jacquelin Way. "Anna fire fighters are truly committed to making muscle disease history."

MDA's Fill the Boot program is supported by fire departments across America. Last year, Texas fire fighters raised more than $4 million for MDA, the most out of any state in the country. Fill the Boot funds support MDA services locally and nationally, including medical clinics at Children's Medical Center of Dallas, Texas Neurology, Texoma Neurology Associates, and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and MDA Summer Camp for youth at Camp John Marc in Meridian.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. Up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.

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

2011 Arlington Fill the Boot Contributions for MDA Quadruple Last Year's Amount

The Muscular Dystrophy Association would like to thank the Arlington Fire Department for raising over $45,000 through the 2011 Fill the Boto campaign that took place June 23 through June 25.

Fire fighters from all 16 of Arlington's fire stations boot-handled at various intersections around the community all three days of the campaign. Arlington fire fighters raised $11,000 for MDA in 2010, and the Department far exceeded its goal of $22,000 for their 2011 efforts.

"We want to thank the citizens of Arlington and those drive through and work in the city for helping us fill our boots with their generous contributions," said Arlington Professional Fire Fighter's Vice President Robert Kornegay.

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 at Neurology Associates of Arlington and Cook Children's Medical Center and the North Texas MDA Summer Camp at Camp John Marc in Meridian. Up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.

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

Law Abiding Citizens Stand Trial to Help MDA

The Muscular Dystrophy Association will put some of the "Most Wanted" downtown Dallas executives in the "courtroom" on Thursday, July 28 between 4 and 7 p.m. at the Stoneleigh Hotel and Spa for the first ever Downtown Dallas Nite Court.

The "defendants" might be "on trial", but this is no ordinary legal case. On the day of Downtown Dallas Nite Court, participants will be "summoned" to present themselves before a "judge" at the newly renovated Stoneleigh Hotel, located on Maple Avenue in Uptown, for trial. The defendants' cases will only be dismissed when they recruit friends and family to help pay "court fees" to MDA totaling to $2,000, the cost of 20 support group sessions for people affected by neuromuscular disease. The goal for the day is to have the defendants raise $175,000 for the Association.

Downtown Dallas Nite Court comes in preparation for MDA's annual Labor Day Telethon, which will be broadcast in the Dallas/Fort Worth area September 4 on TXA 21.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research and providing comprehensive health care and support services. MDA has 200 hospital-affiliated clinics nationwide to serve those living with any of the 43 neuromuscular diseases.

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

Lubbock's Business Leaders Busted for Having Big Hearts

The Muscular Dystrophy Association will put Lubbock’s “Most Wanted” business leaders “behind bars” on Thursday, July 21 at the Overton Hotel and Conference Center for MDA’s Telethon Executive Lock-Up.

The “jailbirds” may be “locked-up,” but hard time is not so hard when you have a big heart. Beginning at 11 a.m., some Lubbock business leaders will be “arrested” and transported to the Lock-Up, and others will “turn themselves in” at the Overton Hotel. Jailbirds will raise bail by calling on friends and families in the Lubbock community to donate to the Association. Bail for this year’s Lock-Up is set at $1,600 per jailbird, the cost to send two children to MDA Summer Camp.

The Lubbock Telethon Executive Lock-Up is a chance for Lubbock’s business leaders to show off their big hearts and make a difference in the lives of children and adults living with one of the 43 neuromuscular diseases. The Lock-Up is a preliminary event to MDA’s annual Labor Day Telethon, which will broadcast this year on September 4 on KLBK. Telethon emcees Terri Furman, Evan Onstot and Nikki-Dee Ray are scheduled to attend the Lock-Up.

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.

Princeton Fire Fighters Fill the Boot for MDA

The Princeton Volunteer Fire Department will partner up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association on July 23 for MDA's Fill the Boot campaign.

Princeton fire fighters will fill their boots with donations from residents and passersby at the intersections of 380 & 4th Street, 380 & Yorkshire, and FM 982 & FM 3364 the morning of July 23. The Princeton Volunteer Fire Department was just shy of collecting $1,000 for MDA in 2010, so the department is hoping to make that much and more during their 2011 efforts.

The Fill the Boot campaign sends young people with neuromuscular disease to MDA Summer Camps, including Camp John Marc in Meridian, and supports clinics at Children's Medical Center of Dallas, Texas Neurology, Texoma Neurology Associates, and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and other related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. Up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.

Oakmont Country Club Hosts Charity Classic to Benefit MDA

Oakmont Country Club is hosting its 2011 ClubCorp Charity Classic on Saturday, July 16 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association and two other North Texas charities.

Oakmont Country Club invites the general public to participate in a full day of activities and fun and reduced prices to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Augie's Quest, The Abused Children's Protection Fund of Denton County, and the Employee Partners Care Foundation. Registration for all of the day's events begins at 7 a.m., and guest are welcome to participate in a 5k walk and run, tennis and pool activities, an 18-hole golf tournament, the Freedom Festival, and more.

Augie's Quest is a campaign started by Augie Nieto, a fitness pioneer diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in March 2005. Now Co-chair of MDA's ALS Division, Nieto works closely with MDA staff to coordinate fundraising events that will benefit MDA's worldwide ALS research program. The ClubCorp Charity Classic is a signature event for Augie's Quest where private clubs open their doors to help those in need.

"Charity Classic events are fun way for us to fight a serious disease," said MDA Regional Director of Business Development Carmen Holmes. "We encourage everyone in the Denton area to enjoy their Saturday at Oakmont Country Club and help us find a cure for ALS."

Prices for Oakmont's July 16 events range from $25-$100 per person. For registration information, please contact Derek Linders at 940-321-5599 or visit www.ClubCorp.com/CharityClassic.

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 about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.

MDA Hosts Mobility Expo to Get North Texans Moving

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is hosting a Mobility Expo on Wednesday, July 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. at United Access to provide valuable information about wheelchairs and other forms of mobility equipment.

Representatives from First Care Medical, Majors Medical Services, United Access and United Rehab Specialists will attend Wednesday's Expo to educate people affected by the 43 neuromuscular diseases about the mobility options specific to their own needs. Guests will receive information about wheelchairs, mobility equipment, new vehicles and vehicle modifications. Complimentary inspections are being offered to already modified vehicles, and attendees will enjoy food and door prizes as they explore the resources available to them.

"We want to provide the families we serve with as much information as possible about the best ways to get around," said MDA Health Care Services Coordinator Angela Presley. "The Mobility Expo is designed to give out necessary information in a fun environment."

The Mobility Expo is open to the public. Those who wish to attend the Mobility Expo must RSVP by July 5 to Gary Roden at 972-480-0016 or groden@mdausa.org.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. MDA provides services locally and nationally, including medical clinics staffed with specialists in neuromuscular disease like Children's Medical Center of Dallas, Texas Neurology, Texoma Neurology Associates, and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Up-to-date information about MDA services and research can be found at www.MDA.org.

For more information, please contact Gary Roden at 972-480-0016 or Kelsey McGonigle at 972-480-0070.