Firefighters Raises Over $196K for MDA

Every year around Labor Day, MCFRS personnel participate in the Fill the Boot campaign to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  This year was no different as over a three day period last week firefighters, when not responding to emergency calls, were out in force at various intersections collecting donations from a lot of very generous people.   

According to Master Fire Fighter Donnie Simmons, who heads up the effort for International Association of Firefighters Local 1664, approximately $196,101.00 was raised for this worthy cause! 

None of this would be possible without the generosity displayed by our wonderful County residents!  THANK YOU!

Fire Station 24 B-Shift (photo courtesy of L-1664)

Day One Totals From The "Fill The Boot" Campaign

Yesterday, members of the MCFRS "A" Shift raised over $45,000.00 to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) through the annual Fill the Boot campaign.  Money raised through the annual “Fill the Boot” campaign stays locally and is used to help support approximately 400 families in Montgomery County afflicted with neuromuscular diseases.

The photo on the right is of Captain Brock Cline, Bethesda Fire Station #26, taken at Old Georgetown and Democracy after returning from a call.

Germantown Fire Station #29 was the top station for the day with over $7,000 collected followed by Rockville Fire Station #31 (over $5,000 collected).

Keep up the great work all!  Thanks to all of you out there who have made donations.  Look for our firefighters at various intersections throughout the county today and tomorrow.  

Firefighters Want to Give Muscular Dystrophy the Boot

Annual Three-Day ‘Fill the Boot’ Fundraising Campaign Kicks Off

Montgomery County, MD  - - - Montgomery County Firefighters will be involved in a different kind of life-saving activity when they hit the streets Wednesday as the 2012 “Fill the Boot” Campaign, an annual tradition across the country, kicks off to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Teams of firefighters will have boots in hand for three days raising money for the MDA in hopes of speeding research into debilitating neuromuscular diseases and serving the needs of children and adults with muscular dystrophy. Money raised through the annual “Fill the Boot” campaign stays locally and is used to help support approximately 400 families in Montgomery County afflicted with neuromuscular diseases. 

Last year, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) raised nearly 28 million for MDA, making the grand total for the 57-year tradition over $455 million.  In the 28-year history of Montgomery County Fire Fighters supporting the MDA, Montgomery County Fire Fighters have raised almost $1,790,000.00 and have consistently ranked in the top three of all fire departments in the Washington Metropolitan area. Montgomery County Fire Fighters have ranked as high as fourth in the country, raising over $254,000 in 2009. Beginning Wednesday, firefighters will be fanned out in intersections across the County and joining forces with the MDA to raise money as this charitable organization strives to eradicate neuromuscular disease.  Firefighters will remain in their normal response areas and will be available for emergencies and immediate dispatch. This year’s goal takes on significant meaning as firefighters are just over $210,000 away from raising $2 million collected for this important cause since the County began participating in 1984.

Proceeds raised during the campaign will help support MDA’s local services and research programs, including a week long summer camp for kids, support groups, and local clinics. MDA is a volunteer health agency working to defeat more than 40 forms of Muscular Dystrophy, including ALS and related diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education.

Every donation makes a difference. Please join us in giving generously and support the fight against Muscular Dystrophy. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue thanks you for your support and asks that you please slow down for safety when you encounter a “Fill the Boot” intersection. To make a donation if you can’t get by any of the ‘Fill the Boot’ intersections, please stop by any Montgomery County Fire Station to make your donation.     

County Fire Fighter's "Fill the Boot" Campaign for MDA Begins Today!

Montgomery County Fire Fighter's will be at intersections throughout Montgomery County this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8am to 8 pm conducting our annual "Fill the Boot" campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).  Please consider placing any lose cash or change you may have into the fire boot.  Every little bit helps!  If someone would like to make a donation on-line they can go to the IAFF Local 1664 MDA Fill the Boot . 

All money raised will stay in the local area to assist MDA with vital research, patient treatments, and MDA Summer Camp. Last year Montgomery County Fire Fighters collected over $254,000.00 which was the 5th highest amount in the country by a fire department.

Montgomery County Fire Fighters will appear on the local portion of the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, Monday September 6 during the 12:00 pm hour, to make our check presentation to the MDA. This year Montgomery County Fire Fighters hope to raise $275,000.00.

People can go to Facebook and look at our page, Montgomery County Fire Fighters and MDA, to track our progress.

Donnie Simmons
IAFF Local 1664 MDA Representative

"Fill the Boot"

On August 27-29, members of Montgomery County’s International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1664 will be at intersections throughout Montgomery County, filling their boots with cash to help fight neuromuscular diseases. Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett (center) and local firefighters joined Jenny Stepanek (far left) and Maryland Muscular Dystrophy Association Goodwill Ambassador Mercedes ‘Merci’ Blouin-Escoto (center) to kick off the annual fundraiser.