HomeMy WebLinkAboutBack-Up DocumentsAbout Us
We're here to transform the lives of people affected by neuromuscular disease.
MDA History
MDA's legacy of progress has always started with families at the heart of all we do. For
more than 65 years, we have been committed to saving and improving the lives of kids
and adults living with muscular dystrophy and related life -threatening diseases. We are
proud of our rich history and grateful to the dedicated families and supporters who have
made today's progress possible. The victories of our past will lead to tomorrow's
treatments and cures.
How MDA Started
In June 1950, Paul Cohen, a prominent New York business leader living with muscular
dystrophy, invited a group of individuals to meet in his Rye, New York, office. Each had
a personal connection to muscular dystrophy, and the gathering focused on the urgent
need to raise funds to advance research seeking treatments and cures for muscular
dystrophy. The group — so vested in the fight against neuromuscular diseases —
formed the organization that became the Muscular Dystrophy Association. That year,
MDA's first research grant for $1,500 was awarded to neuromuscular disease pioneer
Ade. T. Milhorat, M.D.
Celebrities & Our Historic Telethon
MDA Families in the Spotlight
One of MDA's first goals when it started in 1950 was to recruit celebrities who could
help promote the newly created Muscular Dystrophy Association to the American public.
Founder Paul Cohen met with renowned comedians and entertainers Dean Martin and
Jerry Lewis to urge them to become champions for the cause. They agreed.
On Dec. 28, 1951, Martin and Lewis concluded their popular NBC network television
show with a special appeal to support muscular dystrophy research. The comedic duo
made a second national appeal the following month during its Jan. 4, 1952, network
radio program.
Early to recognize the power of television to bolster awareness and raise income for
MDA, Cohen pioneered the establishment of local telethons featuring a variety of stars
to raise money. Thanks to early hosting commitments from top stars, including Robert
Alda, Dick Van Dyke, Captain Video and Virginia Graham, MDA successfully broadcast
five local telethons in two years.
The MDA Telethon Begins
On June 29-30, 1956, Martin and Lewis co -hosted their first MDA
telethon from New York City's famed Carnegie Hall. Jerry Lewis hosted subsequent
telethons in 1957 and 1959. In 1966, the first MDA Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon was
broadcast by a single station in New York (WNEW-TV). The telecast was so successful
that MDA selected Labor Day weekend for all future telethons. Then, with help from
broadcasting icons Sylvester "Pat" Weaver and Robert M. Bennett, MDA created a
"Love Network" of stations that in 1971 facilitated the nation's first networked telethon.
Throughout the decades, the legendary Labor Day broadcast originated from different
locations including New York, Las Vegas and Hollywood. The most successful
fundraising event in the history of television, the show, with Lewis as its iconic host and
with help from a legion of top celebrities and entertainers, raised nearly $2 billion during
the years.
Thanks to unwavering public support of MDA's research and service programs through
the telethon, pledges and other fundraising efforts, MDA became the first nonprofit
organization to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Medical
Association "for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of
humanity."
Biggest Names in Show Business Show Their Support
appeared on the MDA telethon, including: Alan Alda, Jason Alexander, Woody Allen,
Jack Benny, Milton Berle, Carol Burnett, Richard Burton, Johnny Carson, Johnny Cash,
Billy Crystal, Doris Day, Robert DeNiro, Patty Duke, Jimmy Fallon, Don Francisco of
"Sabado Gigante," Jackie Gleason, Whoopi Goldberg, Woody Harrelson, Neil Patrick
Harris, Larry King, Burt Lancaster, Jack Lemmon, Howie Mandel, Dr. Phil McGraw,
Eddie Murphy, Bob Newhart, Paul Newman, Rosie O'Donnell, Gregory Peck, Regis
Philbin, Ray Romano, Mickey Rooney, Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, William Shatner,
Martin Short, Ed Sullivan, Barbara Walters, Betty White, Robin Williams and Oprah
Winfrey.
Consider musical acts, too, and it's easy to see why the telethon is so much a part of
American history. The telethon audience has enjoyed thousands of hit performances by
a diverse range of artists, including: Alabama, Count Basie, The Bee Gees, Tony
Bennett, Clint Black, Jon Bon Jovi, Garth Brooks, Mariah Carey, Ray Charles, Cher,
Kenny Chesney, Chicago, Phil Collins, The Commodores, Perry Como, Sammy Davis
Jr., Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Josh Groban, Faith Hill, Enrique Iglesias, Julio
Iglesias, Alan Jackson, The Jackson 5, Billy Joel, Elton John, Quincy Jones, Tom
Jones, KISS, Eartha Kitt, Cyndi Lauper, John Lennon, Tracy Lawrence, Paul
McCartney, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, John Mellencamp, Willie Nelson, Oak Ridge
Boys, Donny and Marie Osmond, Dolly Parton, Tom Petty, Queen, Debbie Reynolds,
LeAnn Rimes, Kid Rock, Kenny Rogers, Carlos Santana, Spice Girls, Ringo Starr,
Rolling Stones, Sugarland, Randy Travis, Tina Turner, Eddie Van Halen, Clay Walker,
Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder and Wynonna. Even the King of Pop, Michael Jackson,
Paula Abdul, American Authors, Backstreet Boys, Luke Bryan, Carole King, Kenny
Loggins, Bret Michaels, Pitbull, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Ryan Seacrest, Carrie
Underwood, will.i.am. and many others performed on the MDA Telethon.
Despite the many celebrities that graced the telethon stage, some of the most riveting
telethon moments came from courageous individuals and families taking the stage.
From MDA National Goodwill Ambassadors, including Ben Teraberry, Mike Neufeldt,
Kelly Mahoney, Ben Cumbo, Sarah Schwegel, Mattie Stepanek, Luke Christie, Abbey
Umali, Bryson Foster and Reagan Imhoff; to other families sharing how MDA makes
concrete differences in their lives; to MDA-funded researchers and clinicians describing
why public support of MDA is so vital. A big part of the telethon's success was letting
people speak from the heart about the importance of the fight against muscular
dystrophy and related diseases.
The End of an Era
On May 16, 2011, Jerry Lewis announced his retirement as host of the annual MDA
Labor Day Telethon. MDA will be forever grateful to Jerry Lewis, a world -class
humanitarian, for his indefatigable and inspiring work on behalf of kids and families with
neuromuscular diseases, and for the countless dollars his commitment helped raise for
critical research and services.
Throughout the decades, the broadcast industry evolved, bringing major changes in
demographics and viewer habits, as well as rising production costs for live televised
events. That meant the telethon needed to evolve too. In 2011, the 21%-hour show was
streamlined to a more viewer friendly six -hour format. The following year, the show was
streamlined further as a three-hour prime -time broadcast special that included
performances and celebrity appearances from Hollywood, Nashville and New York. It
also proudly featured a new name, the MDA Show of Strength Telethon.
In 2013 and 2014, the MDA Show of Strength Telethon became a two-hour
entertainment -packed event carried exclusively on the ABC Television Network. The
Show of Strength conveyed the same message of hope and progress as always while
reaching out to younger viewers and supporters to strengthen MDA's mission going
forward.
On May 1, 2015, MDA made the difficult decision to end its historic telethon tradition.
After careful consideration and analysis and as families and supporters began looking
for new ways to support and get involved with the organization, MDA once again
evolved with the times to create new opportunities through social media and other
digital channels to inspire the nation in support of the fight against muscular dystrophy.
Watch classic telethon footage on the MDA Telethon YouTube channel.
Transforming Lives
MDA is committed to transforming the lives of people affected by muscular dystrophy,
ALS and related neuromuscular diseases through innovations in science and
innovations in care.
As the largest source of funding for neuromuscular disease research outside of the
federal government, MDA has committed more than $1 billion since our inception to
accelerate the discovery of therapies and cures. Research we have supported is directly
linked to life -changing therapies across multiple neuromuscular diseases. MDA's MOVR
is the first and only data hub that aggregates clinical, genetic and patient reported data
for multiple neuromuscular diseases to improve health outcomes and accelerate drug
development.
MDA supports the largest network of multidisciplinary clinics providing best in class care
at more than 150 of the nation's top medical institutions. Our Resource Center serves
the community with one-on-one specialized support, and we offer educational
conferences, events, and materials for families and healthcare providers. Each year
thousands of children and young adults learn vital life skills and gain independence at
summer camp and through recreational programs, at no cost to families.
Pioneering Partners
In the early 1950s, several important sponsors became long-standing allies of MDA,
including the Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America, the National Association of
Letter Carriers (NALC) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
The NALC quickly established a nationwide door-to-door campaign for MDA and
continues to support MDA as a national sponsor today.
In the same time frame, a group of families affected by muscular dystrophy approached
Local 718 fire station in Boston to ask professional fire fighters to help fight muscular
dystrophy. Responding enthusiastically, the fire fighters took to the streets with their
boots in hand to ask greater Boston to make donations that would be used to fight
muscular dystrophy.
The Fill the Boot campaign was an instant success, with the IAFF membership passing
a resolution to support MDA's fight against muscular dystrophy until treatments and
cures are found. More than 60 years later, IAFF continues its tradition as the top
fundraising organization for MDA today, raising more than $26 million each year to help
MDA families live longer and grow stronger.
� TreasuryR��mwmmum."""w"rwm
OGDEN UT 8420I-0029
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION
% 8TEPHEN P EVANS VP FINANCE
6400 E GRANT QD STE 170
TUCSON AZ 85715-3800
In reply refer to: 4077987774
Mar, 20v 2018 LTR 4188C O
13-1885552 UUODOO DD
00024798
BODC: TE
Employer ID Number: 15-1885552
Form 990 required: Yes
�
Dear Taxpayer: |
This is in response to your request dated Jan, 22, 2018, regarding �
your tax-exempt status. |
We issued you a determination letter in July 1952" recognizing
you as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)
(3).
Our records also indicate you're not a private foundation as defined
under IRC Section 509(a) because you're described in IRC Sections
509[a](1) and 170(b)(1)(4)(vi).
Donors can deduct contributions they make to you as provided in IRC
Section 170. You're also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests,
legacies, devises, transfers" or gifts under IRC Sections 2055, 2108^
and 2522.
In the heading of this letter, we indicated whether you must file an
annual information return. If a return is required, you must film Form
990, 990-EZ, 990-N, or 990-PF by the 15th day of the fifth month after
the end of your annual accounting period. IRC Section 8033(j) provides
that, if you dnn,t file arequired annual information return or notice
for three consecutive years, your exempt status will be automatically
revoked on the filing due date of the third required return or notice.
For tax forms, instructions, and publications, visit www.irs.gov or
call 1-800-TAX-FORM [1-800-829-3878].
If you have questions, naII 1-877-029-5500 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
local time, Monday through Friday (Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific
Time).
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION
STEPHEN P EVANS VP FINANCE
6400 E GRANT RD STE 170
TUCSON AZ 85715-3800
4077967774
Mar. 20, 2018 LTR 4168C 0
13-1665552 000000 00
00024799
Sincerely yours,
tct Q�C el-- • 6��3 rzieL
Stephen A. Martin
Director, EO Rulings & Agreements
02-01-' 19 11 :05 FROM- T-860 P0001 /0001 F-963
Form w-9
(Rev, December 2014)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Request for Taxpayer
Identification Number and Certification
Give Form to the
requester. Do not
send to the IRS.
1 Name (as shown on your incO1Yie tax return). Name is required on this line; do not leave this line blank,
Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc.
2 Business nameldisregarded entity name, if different from above
3 Check appropriate box for federal tax classification; check only one of the following seven boxes:
❑ Individual/sole proprietor or i] C Corporation it S Corporation ❑ Partnership ❑ Trust/estate
single -member LLC
❑ Limited liability company. Enter the tax Classification (C.,C corporation, $_$ Corporation, P=partnership) ►
Note_ For a single -member LLC that is disregarded. do not check LLC; check the appropriate box in the line above for
the tax classification of the single -member owner.
P. ❑ Other (see instructions)
4 exemptions (codes apply only to
certain entities, not individuals; see
instructions on page 3);
Exempt payee code (if any) 5
Exemption from FATCA reporting
code (if any)
+CCWnin mern,a7n0 the v.3}
5 Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.)
222 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 1 500
6 City, state. and ZIP code
Chicago, IL 60606-6000
Requester's name and address (optional)
7 List account number(s) here (optional)
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN}
Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. The TIN provided must match the name given on line 1 to avoid
backup withholding. For individuals, this is generally your social security number (SSN). However, for a
resident alien, sole proprietor, or disregarded entity. see the Part I instructions on page 3. For other
entities, it is your employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have a number, see Now to get a
TIN on page 3.
Note. If the account is in more than one name, see the instructions for line 1 and the chart on page 4 for
guidelines on whose number to enter.
Social security number
or
Employer identification number
3
6
6
5
5
5
2
Certification
Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:
1. The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me): and
2. I am not subject to backup withholding because; (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, ar (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure 10 report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am
no longer subject to backup withholding; and
3. i arn'a U.S. citizen or other U,S. person (defined below): and
4, The FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that I am exempt from FATCA reporting is correct,
Certification instructions. You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding
because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage
interest paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and
generally, payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. Sea the
irr truCti0na
SignMere
on page 3.
Signature of I4r.k
U.S. person ►
General Instructions
Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise noted.
Future developments. Information about (teueloprnenta affecting Form W-9 (such
as legislation enacted after we release it) is at wWw.irs.90v/fW9,
Purpose of Form
An individual or entity (Form W-9 requester) who is required to file an information
return with the IRS must obtain your correct taxpayer identification number (TIN)
which may be your social security number (SSN), individual taxpayer identification
number (ITN), adoption Taxpayer identiliCation number (ATIN), or employer
identification number (EIN), to report on an information return the amount paid to
you, or other amount reportable on an information return. examples of information
returns include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Form 1099-INT (interest earned or paid)
• Form 1099-DIV (dividends, including those from stocks or mutual funds)
• Form 1099-MISC (Various types of income. prizes, awards, or gross proceeds)
• Form 1099-B (stock or mutual fund sales and certain other transactions by
brokers)
• Form 1099-5 (proceeds from real estate tranSaCtiOns)
• Form 1099-K (merchant card and third party network transactions)
Date
• Form 1098 (home mortgage interest), 1098-E (student loan interest), 1098-T
(tuition)
• Form 1099-C (canceled debt)
• form 1099-A (acquisition or abandonm,ent of secured property)
Use Form W-9 only if you are a U.S. person (including a resident alien), to
provide your correct TIN.
!f you do not relum Form W-9 to the requester with a TIN, you might be subject
to backup withholding. Sea What is backup withhofding7 on page 2.
By signing the filled -out form, you:
1. Certify that the TIN you are giving is correct (or you are waiting tor a number
to be issued),
2. Certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, or
3. Claim exemption from backup withholding if you are a U.S. exempt payee. If
applicable, you are also certifying that as a U.S. person. your allocable share of
any partnership income from a U.S. trade or business is not subject to the
withholding tax on foreign partners' share of effectively connected income, and
4. Certify that FATCA codes) entered on this form (if any) indicating that you are
exempt from the FATCA reportin, 3g correct. See What is FATCAreporting? on
page 2 for further information.
Cat. No. 10231X Form W-9 (Rev. 12-2014)