I have taken part in my FD's annual voluntary toll road for Muscular Dystrophy for 27 of the 29 years; the only time I have missed it was being on vacation during the day of the event. This year, betwen out golf tournament, the toll road and the ski muster, we collected over $20K for MDA.
MDA is the chosen charity of the International Association of Fire Fighters. My own Local supports the Susan B. Komen 3 day walk for the cure, the PanMass Challenge for cancer research, the Multiple Sclerosis ride for the cure, Duble Trouble + one for Cystic Fibrosis research and other charities.
Flash and Kris... you can choose to support the charity of your choice.. nobody is forcing you to support MDA.
Part of success in anything one does is paying it forward.