Get Ready to Fill the Boot for Muscular Dystrophy

Fairbanks -
Fairbanks, Alaska-The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), in conjunction with Fairbanks and North Pole area fire fighters, will be conducting its annual Fill-the-Boot event August 8, 2009 from 10 am to 4 pm benefiting research and local services for the Alaska Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Last year, fire fighters raised over $37,000 for the Alaska Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and hope to greatly exceed that total in this year’s collections. These contributions help provide services and support the over 300 local families affected by muscle wasting diseases. Thanks to the citizens of Fairbanks and North Pole for their continued support and generosity with Fill-the-Boot.

Fill-the-Boot is a 55-year tradition that began as the brainchild of two Nevada fire fighters in 1954. Butch Snyder and Jim Grigsby, along with fellow Nevada fire fighters, wanted to do something for “Jerry’s kids.” So they grabbed their boots and headed out into the community with the hope that people would fill those boots with money. They did, and continue to do so today. Since that humble beginning, fire fighters’ boots across the country have overflowed with coins and cash totaling over $300 million! In a sad twist of irony, both Butch Synder and Jim Grigsby succumbed to muscle wasting disease and died early deaths.

MDA is a voluntary health agency that works in local communities to combat muscle wasting diseases through basic and applied scientific investigation, local comprehensive programs of medical services and clinical care, such as those offered at Alaska Regional Hospital and widespread professional and public health education. MDA seeks no government or United Way funding or fees from those it serves. The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual, private contributions.

For more information on the Alaska Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association please call 800-478-5683, send an e-mail to shoppas@mdausa.org, visit www.mda.org or www.mdaalaska.com.