On November 18, 2005, members from the Reading Firefighters were once again invited to attend the prestigious Black and Blue Ball to benefit Muscular Dystrophy. Held inside the showroom of Classic Harley Davidson in Leesport, a major supporter of local MDA activities, the event featured fine dining, a silent auction and a chance to win big at the simulated gaming tables.
The silent auction was one of the highlights of the evenings activities, bids were offered on a variety of items, ranging from a getaway weekend to a full house cleaning by a local sponsor. A live auction was also held after dinner. Among the items up for bid was another Children's Dream Birthday donated by the Reading Firefighters, and
several opportunities to send a child affected by Neuromuscular Diseases
to Summer Camp. Reading members combined their efforts to help send three children to the Summer Camp.
The dream birthday party package was again a hot item. Bidding between several guests continued until the item was finally won for nearly double the proceeds of last year, and by the same couple. The party is to be held in December.
All monies raised at this event benefit the local Berks chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Services include the purchase and repair of wheelchairs leg braces and communication devices; free clinics, family support groups, a summer camps for children and research to find the causes and cures for more than 40 neuromuscular diseases.
