Springtime may evoke images of blooming flowers and sunny days, but for all of us at the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Jiffy Lube® Co-Op, springtime means it is time for our annual MDA Shamrock fundraiser!. Through March 17, when our customers purchase a Shamrock from their neighborhood Chicagoland Jiffy Lube® location, they can be confident that 100% of their donation goes directly to MDA to help fund much needed research and send kids to MDA summer camp, where kids experience awesome adventures in an environment where barriers don’t exist.
What began as a small fundraising effort at a local pub in 1983 has evolved into a nationwide event with over 20,000 business partners today. Over the last 38 years, the MDA Shamrock program has helped raise more than $330 million for MDA, providing support to families affected by neuromuscular diseases.
About the MDA
The story of the MDA begins in June of 1950, thanks to a prominent New York City business leader, Paul Cohen, who was living with muscular dystrophy. Realizing that more awareness was needed to help fund research, Cohen assembled a group of like-minded individuals to form what would become the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Cohen also realized that, in order to get the word out about the charity, he would have to enlist the help of celebrities. After meeting with comedians Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, both agreed to help promote the charity’s message.
Just six years later, the pair hosted the first MDA Telethon to raise money and awareness for the organization. In 1966, the first MDA Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon was so successful that Labor Day weekend was selected to be an annual tradition. In 1971, the telethon was broadcast nationwide for the first time. Over the next 34 years, the annual telethon was responsible for helping to raise over $2 billion for MDA.
Since its inception, MDA has evolved to include support and research for not only muscular dystrophy, but also ALS and related neuromuscular diseases. The money raised helps to fund research into better treatments, therapies, and the hope for an eventual cure for these debilitating diseases. The MDA also supports a 150-location network of specialized clinics for people affected by neuromuscular diseases, and each year sends thousands of children and young adults to summer camp, teaching them vital life skills through recreational programs, at no cost to families.
How We Help
Jiffy Lube is proud to be one of the MDA’s Impact Partners. Since 2012, the Jiffy Lube network has raised almost $7 million for the organization, helping to fund research and send kids to MDA Summer Camp. “Jiffy Lube franchisees and our team members are passionate about giving back to the community,” said a rep for the Chicagoland Co-Op. “And, we are extremely grateful to our customers who join us in making a difference in the lives of those affected by neuromuscular disease by donating to the Shamrock program.”
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