Today is: Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Helping Jerry's Kids.

MDA Delivers ‘A Piece of Camp’ after Summer Camp Cancelations (SLIDESHOW)

MDA delivers a little fun to youngsters whose MDA summer camp sessions were canceled. Slideshow.

August 12, 2009 | Filed Under MDA News | Comments Off 

2009 MDA Labor Day Telethon

Few television traditions in America are as popular as the annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

The 21½-hour, star-studded variety show simultaneously entertains, informs and raises funds for MDA’s vital service and research programs.

First broadcast over Labor Day weekend in 1966 by a lone TV station in New York City, the unique event starring popular comedian Jerry Lewis quickly caught the public’s attention – and raised more than $1 million in pledges. Now, more than 40 years later, the show will be broadcast by 180 MDA “Love Network” stations, assisted by 250,000 volunteers across the country. Some 40 million people will see the show.

In 1998, the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon made history as the first telethon seen around the world via Internet simulcast.

The Telethon derives drama from the ever-increasing fundraising total posted on the “tote board” – operated originally by hand in 1966, now electronically. Jerry’s goal of raising “one dollar more” than the previous year’s total has been more than met almost every year, thanks to the generosity and compassion of the American public. Last year’s total was $65 million.

MDA Alaska will be hosting the 2009 MDA Labor Day Telethon on Sunday, September 6th and Monday, September 7th at the Millennium Hotel. As always, Telethon will be broadcast statewide on KTUU, Channel 2 and KTVF, Channel 11.

We are looking for volunteers to help out during Telethon. There are many volunteer positions available from manning phone banks (great for groups!), verifying pledges, picking up food donations, assisting with check-in and much, much more! If you would like to volunteer, call Christa at MDA Alaska at 276-2131 or via email at cgardner@mdausa.org.

August 4, 2009 | Filed Under MDA News | Leave a Comment 

Fill The Boot for MDA!

For 55 years firefighters have teamed up with MDA to help find a cure.  As the summer months roll in you’ll begin to notice fire fighters across the state “Filling the Boot” for MDA.  The monies raised from these events are making differences in the lives of those we serve.  The Muscular Dystrophy Association is committed to finding a cure for the over 40 muscle wasting disease we provide services for.  Fire fighters have banned together to help MDA with this commitment.  One Team One Dream!  Every dollar in the boot adds up to what could be the minutes of life saving research for “Jerry’s Kids.”  Whether your Fill the Boot in the parking lot at your grocery store or at the intersection on your way home from work please know that your dollar makes a difference. Together we will make a difference.
Watch for Fill the Boot Events in the following communities:  Ketchikan – 6/19, Fairbanks – 8/8,  Soldotna – 9/4 & 9/5, Homer – Labor Day Weekend, Anchorage – 9/4.  The following departments will be selecting their dates soon: Big Lakes/Meadow Lakes, Cordova, Sitka, Seward, Central MatSu, Palmer.  Juneau held their Fill the Boot on the first weekend in May, thank you to all those who helped make it a great success.

May 29, 2009 | Filed Under Events | Leave a Comment 

Anchorage Telethon Executive Lock-Up

On Thursday, August 13th, big hearted people from Anchorage will do time “behind bars for good” at the Whale’s Tail in the Hotel Captain Cook. Jail Birds raise “bail” to help Alaskan children living with a neromuscular disease with their medical expenses! There will be prizes awarded for good behavior! If you are interested in joining us in fun jail, give us a call at 276-2131!

May 28, 2009 | Filed Under Events, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment 

  • Telethon

    The Telethon is the single most important fund raising event of the year for MDA. In 2009, $403,267 was raised statewide Alaska during the two day broadcast carried on KTUU, Channel 2 in Anchorage and KTVF, Channel 11 in Fairbanks. Funds raised help the Association carry on its fight against over 40 neuro-muscular diseases, including a worldwide program of basic and applied research, a nationwide network of comprehensive medical and support services, and extensive professional and public education. Children and adults with neuro-muscular diseases benefit directly from dollars raised during the Telethon.

  • Research

    MDA is the world's largest non-governmental sponsor of research seeking the causes of and effective treatments for neuro-muscular diseases, sponsoring some 400 research projects annually.

  • MDA Worldwide

    MDA has long had a worldwide impact. Since 1951, MDA has funneled almost $50 million to researchers in 36 countries on six continents. And many times that amount has been awarded in MDA research grants in the United States.