NORTHERN INDIANA — The Muscular Dystrophy Association of Northern Indiana announced today its 2016 MDA partnership with Bellman Oil has raised a record-breaking $55,000 this year to help free kids and adults from the harm of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases.

In March, Bellman Oil partnered with MDA for its annual Shamrock Campaign and raised $18,000, an increase of more than $4,800 from last year.

Local convenience stores participated in the nation’s largest St. Patrick’s Day fundraising program, in which customers purchased an iconic paper MDA shamrock for $1, $5 or a larger contribution at checkout. Each shamrock was signed by generous customers and prominently displayed in each store, symbolizing strength, independence and life for MDA families in the community.

Saturday, June 11, more than 150 people gathered in the early morning to participate in the Bellman Oil 5k Spud Run at the Potato Creek Festival, with proceeds benefiting the MDA of Northern Indiana. Last year, the Spud Run raised more than $4,000. This year, the community went the extra mile and raised $6,000.

Bellman Oil didn’t stop there. Once again, they partnered with MDA for the 26th annual CITGO/MDA Golf Outing at Whispering Pines Golf Club, North Liberty, Tuesday, June 21. This event included a longest drive contest, hole-in-one contest, par-three challenge and the “great putt” contest.

Prizes included golf balls, golf bag, cash cards, gift certificates and other prizes. Last year, the golf outing raised more than $27,000 and this year’s event raised more than $31,000, with proceeds benefiting MDA.

“Bremen and North Liberty residents, retailers and their customers and employees have gone above and beyond to make a meaningful difference for people whose everyday freedoms — like walking, talking and even breathing — have been taken away by neuromuscular diseases. I can’t imagine where MDA and the families we serve would be without the help, support, and invaluable partnership we have with Bellman Oil,” said fundraising coordinator Clarissa Fenker. “It is because of their generosity that the MDA of Northern Indiana is able to provide lifesaving research and support to help these individuals and their families live longer, grow stronger and experience a world without any limits.”

Funds raised help provide life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and clinics, including MDA Care Centers in Elkhart and Fort Wayne. They also help send more than 40 local kids to “the best week of the year” at MDA Summer Camp at no cost to their families at Camp Potawotami, Wolcottville.