Fire Fighters Raise Record $23.6 Million for MDA

September 6, 2006 - Fire fighters set another record in contributions and pledges during the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, raising more than $23.5 million. IAFF members have donated nearly $275 million to MDA since 1954.

Held September 3-4, 2006, at the South Coast Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, the broadcast featured IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, who appeared throughout the Telethon, along with IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer Vinnie Bollon. Schaitberger praised fire fighters for their dedication and commitment to fill the boot for Jerry’s Kids, and recognized more than 100 locals from across the IAFF.

“I am proud to tell you that fire fighters in Florida and Texas, two of the states hit hard by last year’s hurricanes, raised more money than fire fighters in any other state,” said Schaitberger. “They deserve recognition for finishing first and second in what has become a very spirited competition in our union.” He also acknowledged the strong devotion of fire fighters who served their communities through the most difficult and challenging of circumstances when Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma hit the Gulf Coast last year.

Remembering the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center towers on September 11, 2001, President Schaitberger said, “While the world watched these catastrophic attacks unfold, and witnessed in stunned silence, every fire fighter knew instantly that this would be the most horrific day our profession has ever known. They knew their brothers would be up those stairwells making their rescues and advancing their attack on the fires. Fire fighters never flinched from doing their job, and it’s that same commitment that they bring to their fill-the-boot drives.”

President Schaitberger commended fire fighters for giving their time to participate in MDA summer camps with more than 4,000 MDA children each year. Local members cook and raise camper’s spirits, while inspiring fire fighters to commit to do more for MDA.

“Some call fire fighters heroes for this service and commitment, but fire fighters don’t view themselves that way,” said Schaitberger. “They are just doing their job – whether it’s fighting fires or raising money for MDA – in honor of their humble service to their citizens and their extraordinary efforts for MDA.”

During the Telethon, General President Schaitberger and Lynn Jones, owner of Lynnco Custom Cycles, hosted a segment featuring the Peacemaker motorcycle – built by Jones – and Jeni Stepanek, mother of the late Mattie Stepanek. The special Peacemaker motorcycle was created in honor of Mattie, MDA National Goodwill Ambassador and IAFF hero. Mattie died in June 2004 from a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. On behalf of America’s fire fighters, Schaitberger remembered and saluted the efforts of longtime MDA President and CEO Robert Ross, who died in June. Ross nurtured MDA and helped IAFF build the Fill-the-Boot program. Comedy legend and MDA National Chair Jerry Lewis thanked IAFF representatives from each of its 16 districts for their generosity and for their dedication to raise money for MDA. Lewis, 80, returned to star in the Telethon despite a heart attack in June.

The Telethon’s all-star talent list included Celine Dion and Telethon anchor Ed McMahon, who returned for his 39th year in 2006. Telethon co-hosts included Jann Carl of “Entertainment Tonight,” comedian Norm Crosby, popular talk show host Larry King, television host and comedian Tom Bergeron, country singer Billy Gilman and "General Hospital" star Kelly Monaco. As MDA's 41st Telethon ended, the tote board showed an all-time high of $61,013,855 for the organization's research programs and services to benefit people with neuromuscular diseases. Last year, IAFF members raised more than $21 million during the MDA Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, which was also dedicated in part to the relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast. MDA donated $1 million to assist hurricane victims in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.