Shamrocks for MDA Set Fundraising Record with C-store Help

TUCSON, Ariz. -- The Muscular Dystrophy Association had the luck of the Irish on its side for this year's St. Patrick's Day-themed fundraiser, breaking last year's record of over 20 million Shamrocks purchased, the association announced.

More than 15,000 locations, including a record number of convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Valero Corner Stores and Walgreens, sold paper Shamrocks in February and March to raise money for the MDA, which battles the progressive muscular disease. Raised funds are also used to send children with MDA to a weeklong summer camp.

"Thanks so much to the local retailers selling and displaying thousands of MDA Shamrocks mobiles in their businesses during February and March," said MDA executive director Mary Ann Matus. "Their wonderful support and the generosity of their customers means families affected by muscular dystrophy in our community will continue to receive vital medical and health care services, and also benefit from worldwide research seeking treatments and cures."

This is the 29th consecutive year that MDA has raised money through the Shamrocks, which are purchased and displayed at local businesses. In 2010, more than 20 million customers supported the fundraiser by buying a Shamrock.

"It's absolutely astounding how America responds when more than 100,000 cashiers, sales associates and servers at so many top retail and restaurant locations ask customers to buy and sign Shamrocks to help local families with muscle diseases," said MDA board member and MDA Shamrocks Against Dystrophy chair Maureen McGovern.

Some participating locations will continue to sell Shamrocks through the end of March. People can also text "Irish" to 2022 to donate $5 via their cell phone bills. Mobile donors will receive a confirmation e-mail and a link to a special Shamrock wallpaper in thanks for their contribution.