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Muscular Dystrophy Association Launches Nation's Largest St. Patrick’s Day Fundraising Campaign
Thousands of retailers will participate with in-store MDA Shamrocks pin-ups and roundups; and a new online limited-edition MDA Shamrocks t-shirt designed by Matt Plummer, member of the MDA Board of Directors, will be available throughout the campaign to raise awareness for rare neuromuscular diseases.
New York, NY, January 29, 2024 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) today launched the nation's largest St. Patrick's Day fundraising campaign, MDA Shamrocks. Thousands of retail locations across the country will be raising funds to empower the lives of children and adults living with muscular dystrophy, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), and related neuromuscular diseases. Funds raised go towards accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of families who live with a neuromuscular disease. To find a participating retailer, donate, or to become a participating retailer, visit: MDA.org/Shamrocks.
During the Shamrocks campaign, retailers will offer customers the option to round up their purchase or donate $1, $5 or more as part of the MDA Shamrocks campaign. Customers who donate can write their names on the iconic paper Shamrock pinup to be displayed in stores, showing support for MDA’s research, care, recreation, and advocacy programs.
“We are 42 years deep into partnerships with MDA Shamrocks retailers and have already raised over $346 million dollars, which has funded extraordinary breakthroughs in research, care, and supported transformational experiences for kids at MDA Summer Camp,” said Morgan Roth, Chief Marketing Officer, MDA. “We are truly in the era of treatments for rare neuromuscular diseases thanks to support from the MDA Shamrocks fundraising campaign from our longstanding retail partners. We are grateful to the employees who embrace the program every year, and the customers who continue to demonstrate that they are here for their neighbors living with rare neuromuscular diseases across the country."
Online Fundraising
Online fundraising for this campaign will feature a specially designed MDA Shamrocks t-shirt. With a donation of $35 or more, the public will receive this limited-edition t-shirt while supplies last by donating MDA.org/Shamrocks2024. The shirt, designed by Matt Plummer, volunteer member of the MDA Board of Directors, who lives with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 3, finds hope and empowerment in that progress. The 36-year-old creative director and brand manager at The University of Texas Permian Basin has a strong personal passion for contributing to the advancement of rare disease awareness and treatments.
“The MDA Shamrocks campaign is important to me because it’s something that is essential to the success of the organization and our families,” Plummer said. “To be part of that by providing this design is something that I’m truly proud of. It was a great process working with Muscular Dystrophy Association on this design because they allowed me to explore some different styles and really utilize my creativity in tandem with their brand in order to create something that was really special for both of us,” he continued. “Even just 5 to 10 years ago it seemed impossible that we would have treatment opportunities for SMA and other neuromuscular diseases. Because of MDA’s efforts and advocacy, we are now in an era where more treatments are available than ever. As a father, it’s more important to me than ever to be as healthy and strong as possible. These efforts to expand research and provide treatments help me realize that dream and realize how important every single day is.” Read more in this MDA Quest Media story: Raising Rare Disease Awareness by Design - Quest | Muscular Dystrophy Association (mdaquest.org).
Additional Shamrocks Fundraising Engagement
Longstanding partners at the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) are once again supporting the mission by participating in MDA Shamrocks selling shamrocks at schools, in the local community, at branch and chapter meetings, and at fundraising events across the country. MDA is thankful for the support of NALC and DECA throughout the year.
The MDA Let’s Play online community is also engaging in the MDA Shamrock campaign with a virtual fundraiser. Limited time rewards designed by community members will be available for donors. Link to more information here: tiltify.com/mda/shamrocks-2024
Public Service Announcements
View Public Service Announcements for MDA Shamrocks here: :30, :15.
MDA thanks key partners for their past and continued support of the MDA Shamrocks campaign including CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Applebee's, Clifford Fuel, Country Fair, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), Discount Drug Mart, Energy North Group – Haffner’s, Fareway Stores, Inc., Fastrip, Festival Foods, Florida Turnpike Services, Hardee's Paradigm Investment Group, Jackson Bevco, KFC – SRG, KFC PAK Foods, Kwik Fill Fleet Fueling, Marketplace Foods, Minuteman Foods, National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC),Price Chopper Supermarkets-Market 32, Sampson-Bladen Oil Company, Inc – Han-Dee Hugo's., Shaw's, Superior Grocers, Team Schostak, Whitehead Oil Company - U-stop Convenience Shops, and more.
About Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. For over 70 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of our families. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org and follow MDA on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
