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FORT BLISS, Texas -The Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers teamed up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, March 13 to host a lock-up fundraiser for the MDA summer camp, for children ages 6 to 17 affected by any of 40 neuromuscular diseases.
The MDA Lock-Up is a unique way to raise funds. The BOSS Soldiers place local and civic business leaders under “arrest.” After being arrested, community donations will break the jailbirds out of jail. For these jailbirds, their holding place was BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse where they socialized and enjoyed lunch.
“BOSS has supported the MDA charities for two years,” said Sgt. Clint Duran, president of the Fort Bliss BOSS program, who joined the MDA with more than 10 troops acting as chauffeurs for managers, business owners and community members.
“The business owners were arrested and charged with having a big heart. A fun warrant was issued for their arrest,” said Kelsey Golackson, MDA representative. “Participants are selected by a referral system from others who believe that they would enjoy the event.”
In attendance were representatives from Capco Plastics, Mesilla Valley Transportation, Alliance Riggers, Ysleta Elementary School, Villas Custom Homes, Tigua Indian Reservation, Catholic Diocese of El Paso, Aarons Furniture, the Del Valle High School, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse and many more.
According to Kathleen Born, MDA El Paso executive director, the actual day of the lock-up was a fun celebration, where each person supported families who live right here in the El Paso community. The MDA office covers El Paso and Southern New Mexico, which includes almost 450 clients and their families.
“Bail of $1,600 sends two children to a week-long summer camp, which offers a wide range of activities designed for kiddos with limited mobility or who use wheelchairs,” said Golackson. “Many campers consider this to be the best week of the year.”
All funds collected during the event support children attending the summer camp at Manzano Mountain Retreat in Torreon, N.M., from July 26 through Aug. 2. They have an opportunity to engage in a variety of activities such as: boating, swimming, horseback riding, hockey, basketball, crafts, talent shows and much more.
During a week at camp the children are also provided with health care professionals, nurses, physical therapists and trained volunteers, with no cost to their families.
“I can’t pay [the MDA] back in money for all they did to support my wife. I can pay them back in time and support,” said retired Air Force Master Sgt. Jeff Parrish, while supporting the MDA fundraiser in remembrance of his late wife. She passed away from Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The MDA camp invites people wishing to sponsor a child to visit the camp and see how the funds support the children. For organizations wishing to donate supplies or sponsor an activity call a MDA representative at 584-6355.
| Date Taken: | 03.13.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 03.21.2013 12:26 |
| Story ID: | 103873 |
| Location: | EL PASO, TX, US |
| Hometown: | EL PASO, TX, US |
| Hometown: | LAS CRUCES, NM, US |
| Hometown: | TORREON, NM, US |
| Hometown: | WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, NM, US |
| Web Views: | 113 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Jailbreak raises funds for Muscular Dystrophy, by SGT Ida Irby, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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