Local firefighters' boot block raises money for MDA

Firefighters Bob Benn and Michael Hughart accept donations from motorists during the MDA Boot Block fund drive, Sept. 2-5.

Nevada Daily Mail

From Sept. 2 to Sept. 5, Nevada Fire Fighters Association Local 3031 conducted its annual Labor Day Boot Block to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This continues the 50-year relationship between MDA and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

In the past week, Hurricane Katrina relief efforts have benefited from the generosity of Nevada's residents. This charitable giving, coupled with higher gas prices, lowered expectations for 2005 Boot Block donations.

Nevada firefighters were therefore overwhelmed by the huge response from the community and weekend travelers. A four-year record of $3,350 was collected during the four-day event. Local 3031 wishes to thank everyone who gave their time and money to finding a cure to neuromuscular disease.

In total the IAFF contributed a total of $21 million in pledges this year, boosting the total donations to more than $50 million in pledges during the event. In addition to raiding money for Jerry's Kids, and additional $54 million was raised by the telethon for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.