National Green & Gold Shamrocks Program Represents More Than 'Luck' for Thousands of Families
TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Get ready for green and gold — all over. St. Patrick's Day is around the corner, and along with it comes the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association's Shamrocks Against Dystrophy campaign.
The program, in its 30th year, is in full force now throughout the United States. It runs through March 17 and, in some locations, until the end of March.
"For many of us the shamrock is a symbol of luck, but to our families MDA Shamrocks represent so much more," said MDA Interim President and Medical Director Valerie Cwik, M.D. "When someone purchases an MDA Shamrock the families served by our program in that area directly benefit through services, including MDA summer camps and clinic visits."
During the campaign, associates at supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants and other businesses across the U.S. will ask their customers, "Would you like to buy a Shamrock to help MDA?" Donating $1 for a green or $5 for a gold Shamrock mobile is an affordable way for everyone to Make a Muscle and Make a Difference® for MDA. Customers sign the mobiles, which are then displayed on store windows, walls and ceilings. The program has grown in success every year — just about every American will come across an MDA Shamrocks display this season.
A number of top retailers and restaurants help sponsor and support the campaign, including: Applebee's, Burger King, CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Jiffy Lube, Kroger, Lowe's, Pizza Hut, 7-Eleven and Valero Corner Stores.
"We recognize that it's the commitment from a host of supportive sponsors and their great customers that gives our program meaningful impact in each community," said Kevin Moran, MDA vice president of business development. "We know that America will Share the Shamrocks Spirit during the coming weeks and once again come through for MDA."
The MDA Shamrocks campaign — started in 1982 in Grand Rapids, Mich., and taken nationally a year later — raises funds to support MDA's fight against muscular dystrophy and related diseases, including its programs of research, services, advocacy and education. The program benefits MDA's nationwide network of some 200 medical clinics and it helps send thousands of children with muscle diseases to a week of accessible fun at MDA summer camp.
Shamrocks Against Dystrophy is the nation's largest charity-related fundraiser associated with St. Patrick's Day.
About MDA
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.
SOURCE Muscular Dystrophy Association
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