FY2012 Arlington Fire Department Annual Report FY 2012 | Page 23

Page 23 COMPASSION 2012 MDA and other charitable events This year’s Muscular Dystrophy Association drive proved to be the most successful year yet. Crews stood at multiple locations from 10:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m., for three consecutive shifts collecting donations for MDA. The 2012 Fill the Boot Campaign raised $58,520.23 surpassing the goal of $50,000.00. AFD members participated in multiple fund raising efforts for charities of all types. These efforts usually involved Association charitable drives, individual member initiatives or sport team efforts by both Fire and Police teams. From coat drives, to Special Olympics, to United Way, to Breast Cancer fund raising, to individual need or holding a fitness educational event for kids, the AFD team made a difference and had fun doing it! 15 AFD members climbed 110 stories in full bunker gear to raise $3,324 for the Texas Line of Duty Death Taskforce and the Twin Towers Orphan Fund. On the morning of September 8, 2012, 343 firefighters (including 15 Arlington firefighters) from around the North Texas region, converged at the Renaissance Tower in downtown Dallas, donned their protective gear, and climbed 110 stories into the sky to honor the sacrifices of the 343 FDNY firefighters who perished eleven years ago this September. The climb was not only an opportunity to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of our brave brothers in arms, but also a chance to raise money for those who gave their lives after this unforgettable time in history. Through pledges raised by the climbers, the Texas Line of Duty Death Taskforce and Twin Towers Orphan Fund received $3,324 from the Arlington team. This was the second largest donation raised for the families of our fallen. Combined, the 343 participants were able to raise a total of $55,638. DUTY / HONOR / COMPASSION 23 / EXCELLENCE Working Together to Make Arlington Better.