"Fill the Boot" raises $80,000 for MDA

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE)  During this year's three-day "Fill the Boot" campaign, the Fort Wayne Fire Department raised $81,021.30 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

When the last penny was counted and the total was announced, Fort Wayne Fire Department Firefighter and IAFF Local 124 MDA Chairman Randy Zion was ecstatic but not surprised. 

“Every year during the ‘Fill the Boot’ we are humbled by the generosity and support the community gives us during the campaign. We hope that each citizen who donates drives away with the same sense we have while we are collecting - when you work together we make a difference,” said Capt. Zion.

On Friday, Zion and Fire Police City County Federal Credit Union representative Marla Esterline presented the check to local MDA Executive Director Ashley Zumstein.

“Collecting over $80K in three short days is truly amazing," Zion added. “On behalf of IAFF Local 124 and the Fort Wayne Fire Department I would like to personally thank everyone for their efforts. This collection emphasizes the continued dedication and commitment the firefighters and the community have toward MDA’s mission.”

You can watch this year's MDA Show of Strength on Sunday, September 2 from 8 - 11 p.m. NewsChannel 15's Heather Herron and Pat Hoffmann are once again hosting the local portion of the broadcast.