Goal of at least $7,500 is set for the three-day fundraiser this
year
By Rachelle Gines Staff Writer
Gilroy – Using the actual boots they wear to fight fires, Gilroy firefighters will be standing at the intersection of Camino Arroyo and Renz Lane, using their boots as containers to collect money to fight muscular dystrophy.
Starting Thursday, Gilroy Fire Department Capt. Mark Ordaz said his department and almost every fire department in the United States and Canada will participate in the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s “Fill-The-Boot” Campaign.
“It’s a pretty worthwhile way to give back to the community,” Ordaz said. Ordaz has been with the Gilroy Fire Department for 18 years and said he has headed the department’s participation with the MDA campaign since 2000.
Ordaz said he hopes to reach a goal of least $,7500, $1,000 more than last year’s two-day total of $6,500 when firefighters were stationed by Nob Hill Foods on First Street. With three days for this year’s campaign, Ordaz said he is optimistic of reaching this year’s goal.
“A goal of $10,000 would be great, but if we at least reach $7,500, we could be on television to present the check,” Ordaz said, explaining that if the goal is reached, he and other firefighters would be able to present a check to the San Jose Chapter of the MDA.
From Thursday through Saturday, Ordaz said 12 firefighters in fire-fighting attire will stand on the intersection strip and solicit donations for the MDA while motorists are stopped at the light.
Other fire volunteers and family members will also be in the Lowe’s parking lot soliciting donations. Ordaz added that anyone can get their picture taken on a fire truck, and that firefighters will e-mail a copy to their e-mail address.
The Gilroy Fire Department is also organizing a MDA Softball Tournament, Ordaz said. Anyone interested in joining can call firefighter David Gutierrez at 390-3606.
Rachelle Gines is an intern attending San Francisco State University. Reach her at 847-7158 or rg****@************ch.com.
