February 3, 2005

ON VOLUNTEERS AS THE LIFEBLOOD OF MDA

MDA began as a grass roots initiative in the 1950s, fueled by a wellspring of volunteer activity in local communities nationwide.

Today, MDA’s programs in research, health care services and summer camp are administered nationally through our headquarters here in Tucson, Ariz. However, a great part of MDA’s mission continues to be carried out on a local grass roots basis, thanks to vigorous volunteer support in every part of the country.

There are some 162 MDA chapters throughout the United States, including Puerto Rico. These voluntary bodies comprise prominent and dedicated individuals from local communities whose outstanding efforts complement those of MDA field staff.

In the coming weeks, MDA’s local chapters will be holding their annual meetings, planning activities and strategies to advance the Association’s goals during 2005, including a multitude of volunteer-driven fund-raising events to benefit MDA.

Volunteers make it possible to have MDA fund-raising events such as this Great Walk in Springfield, Mass.

Local fund-raising events take the form of everything from car washes to bake sales, from stargazing nights to kid’s carnivals. Other favorite MDA events – such as MDA Lock-Ups, in which members of the community are willingly held under “arrest” until they raise ”bail” to benefit MDA – would not be possible without the dedicated volunteers who make themselves available and work in cooperation with MDA staff.

Volunteerism is also a key component in many events carried out by MDA sponsor organizations, from the International Association of Fire Fighter’s streetside “Fill the Boot” campaign to ride events participated in by owners of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Even with the committed efforts of MDA staff and MDA-funded clinic directors and researchers, MDA’s work would come to a halt without the sustained help of 1 million MDA volunteers nationwide.

Fortunately, our volunteer army continues to thrive, thanks in large part to the ongoing inspiration and leadership of MDA’s national chairman and number-one volunteer, Jerry Lewis. Jerry, who’s recently been making the talk show rounds and seems more vibrant and fit than he has in a number of years, is looking forward to hosting our 40th annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon later this year.

The Telethon, broadcast on some 200 MDA “Love Network” stations, is itself heavily reliant upon the efforts of volunteers, not only for manning of phone banks but also for a variety of other Telethon functions from transportation to food services.

Young people continue to be a huge part of MDA’s national volunteer force, participating in numerous fun events, including Superdances, festivals, "spirit weeks" and other exciting happenings to raise money for MDA.

	Volunteers at MDA summer camp often develop special emotional bonds with the campers.

The magic of MDA summer camp is especially dependent upon the caring spirits -- and strong backs -- of young volunteers who provide one-on-one care for MDA campers for week-long sessions each year. Volunteers who have undertaken this challenging task will tell you that the MDA camp experience is like no other on Earth, and that the joy that comes from giving happiness to these special children is a remarkable reward in itself.

I’m delighted that the young person who served as our 2004 MDA national youth chairman, 16-year-old singer and recording artist Billy Gilman, is taking on that position once again in 2005. In between outstanding musical performances on the 2004 Telethon, this wonderfully talented young man did a superb job acknowledging fund-raising contributions from representatives of youth organizations nationwide, while talking about the importance of youth activity to MDA’s mission.

And while young people play a crucial part in MDA activities, MDA is grateful for the volunteer help of individuals of all ages.

MDA’s need for volunteers – both fresh faces and faithful friends from past years – is going to intensify as MDA’s numerous programs for 2005 get underway.

Please consider getting involved in MDA volunteer activity. You can start by calling your local MDA office. Or investigate the volunteer options listed on MDA’s Web site.

Either way, please act soon. Remember, MDA’s strength lies in its volunteers. And that means you!

With every best wish...

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