Members of the Roanoke City Fire Department and Professional Fire Fighters Association Local #1132, along with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), are set to host a special event to kick off the fire fighters’ annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign to help kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases live longer and grow stronger.
The event on September 24 & 25 at Valley View Mall continues more than 60 years of fire fighter tradition, providing steadfast drive and uncommon caring to help free individuals from the harm of muscle diseases that take away everyday freedoms like walking, hugging, playing and even breathing.
Rain or shine, Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10-6, Captain JJ Price and Local 1132 members will be hosting a BBQ sale in the parking lot of the Valley View Grand Home Furnishings store, as well as collecting donations from motorists near Red Robin and Chic-fil-a restaurants on property owned by Valley View Mall. The Fill-the-boot collection continues Sunday, Sept. 25 from noon-4.
“We couldn’t be more proud to kick off this year’s Fill the Boot campaign alongside the inspiring, selfless individuals of the Roanoke City Professional Fire Fighters Association Local #1132 who make a profound impact on our families’ health, wellbeing and quality of life,” said MDA Area Director Diane Boardman. “Together with their unwavering Fill the Boot support, we will raise critical funds and awareness to empower kids and adults in the Roanoke Valley and SW VA living with life-enhancing resources and support that will open new possibilities so they can live a life without limits.”
This year’s Fill the Boot campaign will include 25-50 members of the Local #1132 who with boots in hand will greet motorists, shoppers and others at Valley View Mall, asking them to make a donation in support of MDA’s mission to find treatments and cures for muscle-debilitating diseases that severely weaken muscle strength and mobility.
Funds raised through 2016 Roanoke City Fill the Boot event help MDA’s efforts to fund groundbreaking research and life-enhancing programs, such as state-of-the-art support groups and Care Centers, including three MDA Care Centers at Carilion Clinic. They also help send local kids who join MDA children from around the state of Virginia to “the best week of the year” at MDA summer camp at no cost to their families. MDA and IAFF Partnership
As MDA’s largest national partner, the IAFF fuels MDA’s mission to find research breakthroughs across diseases; care for kids and adults from day one; and provide families with services and support.
IAFF support for MDA began in 1954 when the organization committed by proclamation to support MDA until a cure is found, and the organization’s unwavering commitment to MDA has remained strong to this day. The IAFF raised $100,000 for MDA in 1955, and $1 million in 1970, and fire fighters continue to raise the bar in their fundraising efforts. In 2015, more than 100,000 fire fighters participated in Fill the Boot events across the country and raised $25.5 million. To date the IAFF has raised $583 million for MDA.
About the IAFF
The International Association of Fire Fighters represents more than 300,000 professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect 85 percent of the nation’s population. More than 3,200 affiliates and their members protect communities in every state in the United States and in Canada.
About MDA
MDA is leading the fight to free individuals and the families who love them, from the harm of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases that take away physical strength, independence and life.
