MDA Shamrocks fundraising campaign takes the field for 2023
Shamrocks sold at spots across US support patients, disease research
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Thousands of retailers across the U.S. are helping the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) kick off MDA Shamrocks, its annual fundraising campaign in support of those living with muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and other neuromuscular disorders (NMDs).
Money raised through the effort — said to be the nation’s largest St. Patrick’s Day fundraising campaign — will go to the MDA to advance patient care, further advocate for patients and their families, and accelerate research into these diseases and their treatments.
During the campaign, which runs through March, participating retailers will sell shamrock pinups to patrons for $1, $5, or a larger amount of their choosing. Customers may also round up the cos of their purchases at check out. Stores will exhibit the shamrocks in support of the more than 300,000 people in the U.S. living with an NMD.
Annual MDA Shamrocks campaign has raised more than $343 million to date
“For more than four decades, the MDA Shamrocks campaign has raised over $343 million dollars and funded innovative research, care, and life-changing experiences such as MDA Summer Camp,” Jeremy Kraut-Ordover, the MDA’s chief development officer, said in a press release. “We are extremely grateful for the generosity of retailers who partner with us year after year, and their loyal customers.”
Participating retailers include Applebee’s, CITGO, Discount Drug Mart, Energy North Group, Fareway Stores, Fastlane Convenience Stores, Fastrip, Festival Foods, Florida Turnpike Services, Haffner’s Energy, Han-Dee Hugo’s, and Hardee’s Paradigm Investment Group.
They are joined by retailers including Jackson Bevco, KFC PAK Foods, Kwik Fill Fleet Fueling, Marketplace Foods, New York Community Bancorp, Pak A Sak, Price Chopper Supermarkets-Market 32, Sampson-Bladen Oil Company, Shaw’s, Speedee Mart, Superior Grocers, and U-Stop Convenience Shops.
Other retailers interested in joining the campaign can visit the MDA Shamrocks website for information, as should anyone wanting to find a participating retailer or make a donation.
Nyheim Hines, a running back for the National Football League’s (NFL) Buffalo Bills, is returning for a second year as the MDA’s national spokesperson. Hines has long supported the organization through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign and other MDA events.
“It’s an honor to continue raising awareness for the MDA Shamrocks campaign as the 2023 MDA national spokesperson,” Hines said. “The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s mission is deeply personal for my family. As I watch my mother live with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, I see that being part of the MDA community comes with incredible support and hope for families for new treatments, better care, and a brighter future.
“When we unite our voices, we can save lives. As I continue to say, ‘Together we fight!'”
The National Association of Letter Carriers and Distributive Education Clubs of America, longtime MDA partners, are again backing the organization by selling MDA Shamrocks at schools and other venues.
The MDA’s Let’s Play gaming community also is offering a virtual campaign fundraiser that features rewards designed by community members.
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