Casey’s is helping to break down barriers for kids with Muscular Dystrophy.
On Aug. 1, 2016, Casey’s General Stores launched a campaign to raise money to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) send kids with muscular dystrophy and related diseases to MDA Summer Camp. MDA Summer Camp is a life-changing, barrier-free week of fun and friendship, and it comes at no cost to the families of the attendees.
From Aug. 1 to Sept. 5, all Casey’s General Store locations are selling pinups for $1 and $5 contributions to MDA, with the goal of helping send more than 900 local kids to MDA Summer Camp through their local office locations. This year’s pinups also include a “buy two, get one free” coupon for 7UP products.
“Casey’s General Store is proud to partner with MDA once again to help give local kids with life-threatening diseases the opportunity to experience a world of unlimited possibilities at MDA Summer Camp,” said Casey’s General Store president and CEO Terry Handley. “For the past decade, we’ve been proud to be part of the progress that’s making a real difference for MDA families. With help from our generous customers and associates, we hope to help even more of these individuals live longer and grow stronger by making this year’s summer camp pinup sales the most successful yet.”
At MDA Summer Camp, kids with muscle-debilitating diseases have the chance to take part in customized activities designed so everyone can fully participate, including activities like swimming, horseback riding, zip-lining, adaptive sports, camp dances and much more.
In 2015 Casey’s General Stores raised $1.4 million during the summer camp pinup program. Funds raised help support MDA’s efforts to make each camp fully-accessible and medically-safe for its campers. They also help provide meals and snacks for each child, 24-hour medical staff on site and lodging for the full week.
“Kids with muscular dystrophy face daily challenges that can make ‘just being a kid’ difficult,” said MDA executive vice president and chief development officer Ann McNamara. “But Casey’s General Store is helping to change that through their support of our summer camp pinup program. Together, we will continue to give many more kids a chance to experience the magic of MDA Summer Camp and the independence of being away from home in an environment where barriers don’t exist.”
Since first teaming up with MDA in 2006, Casey’s General Store and its customers have raised more than $5.75 million through its pinup programs in support of MDA’s shared mission to find treatments and cures for people whose abilities to move have been compromised by neuromuscular disease – including everyday abilities like walking, running, hugging, talking and even breathing.
In addition to summer camp pinup sales, Casey’s contributions from year-round local events help support MDA families, including the Casey’s General Store Muscle Team Dinner and Auction on Wednesday, November 2, 2016. Casey’s employees regularly participate in MDA Lock-Up events and also are involved in providing activities and volunteering at MDA Summer Camps across the Midwest.