A Great Effort for a Great Cause: MDA Golf Tournament Raises Over $4,000
August 30, 2008 — Congratulations to the Hibbing Fire Department Local 173 and Virginia Fire Department Local 390 for this year's annual Justin and Darin Murrer Golf Tournament for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Through the efforts of these two local unions, $4,300 was raised. According to tournament co-organizer Kristi McCormick of the Hibbing Fire Department, 18 teams participated in the event, which was held August 8 at the Virginia golf course. A team from Chisholm captured first placed, followed by one of the teams from the Hibbing Fire Department. The team from radio station WTBX of Hibbing came in last and was given a special trophy.
Efforts like this golf tournament really show another true level of caring by our region's firefighters. Organizing such an event is a team effort and special thanks goes to Kristi McCormick and her counterpart Kevin Poffs at the Virginia Fire Department. All of those who organized or participated in the tournament can take pride in their efforts.
I would be remiss here if I didn't mention the great effort put forth every year by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) when it comes to MDA. In this region alone, the local IAFF unions in Cloquet and Duluth and for that matter, throughout Minnesota, bring in thousands of dollars through the "Fill The Boot" fundraiser.
A special note of congratulations goes to the Duluth firefighters, whose efforts were questioned by one member of the city council. The councilor raised concerns because the fire crews were conducting the "Fill The Boot" effort while on duty. All I can say to that is, "give me a break!"
In closing, this year, the Muscular Dystrophy Association brought in a record $65 million, that's $1.2 million more than last year. We all know that would not have happened without the dedicated efforts of organizations like the IAFF and our local union firefighters. A great job everyone! You done good!