A group of Reading Firefighters attended the Annual MDA Black and Blue Ball on Friday November 17th, this is the 4th year for the event which has been held at Classic Harley Davidson since it's inception. The evening is comprised of guests from area businesses and others involved in raising contributions for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Dressed in their finest black dinner wear, or their most casual blue denim and leather, participants dined on fine cuisine after bidding on items donated by area sponsors during a silent auction. After dinner, a live auction was held and firefighter Keith Eschelman was handed a microphone to take bids on a dream birthday party at a City firehouse donated by the Reading Firefighters. The prize package had been offered in two prior years and was awarded to the same bidder both times.
This year, the bidding between two different individuals became intense and went on for some time. By the time the bidding was over, $2500.00 was raised for the MDA. There was no loser in the competition however. After the award was presented, the other participant offered another $2200.00 for a second party.
The member firefighters pooled their funds to once again help send a youth to summer camp for three days. Several full weeks of Summer Camp were auctioned off and fortunately for kids afflicted with this debilitating disease, they were plentiful. Some of the members also walked away with items they won during the silent auction. A great way to contribute to this worthwhile cause, plans have already been made for the 2007 Black and Blue Ball.
Donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association help to cover medical costs, fund research and send clients to summer camp. The IAFF is a major contributor to the MDA and along with sponsor Harley Davidson helps to support the annual Ride for Life held each May. Thanks to the MDA and to the Reading Firefighters for allowing us to attend this event and to Classic Harley Davidson for hosting a quality event.
