BIKES: Ride For Life XXIII Raises Nearly $1 Million

The nation’s largest annual charity motorcycle ride has now raised more than $15 million since 1986 to help MDA speed research seeking treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases.

Harley-Davidson Communications | Posted May 11, 2010 Bromall, PA

The event was organized by a group of 38 Harley-Davidson dealers from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. (Photo: Harley-Davidson)

The Muscular Dystrophy Association today announced that Saturday’s Harley-Davidson Ride for Life 23 surpassed the prior year’s success by raising more than $978,000 to advance MDA’s lifesaving mission. The nation’s largest annual charity motorcycle ride has now raised more than $15 million since 1986 to help MDA speed research seeking treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases.

Perennial Ride for Life steering committee chairman Brian Bentley, of Brian’s Harley-Davidson in Langhorne, helped MDA successfully transform the event with new venue; plus new branding to attract the next generation of riders, including a new logo and other marketing materials. Months of hard work by Brian and the entire Ride for Life steering committee paid off with about 1,000 motorcyclists participating in the 2010 Ride for Life.

“MDA truly is blessed to have so many dedicated motorcycle enthusiasts involved in the fight against neuromuscular diseases affecting more than 1 million Americans,” said Gerald C. Weinberg, MDA President & CEO. “For 30 years, Harley-Davidson, plus its dealerships and HOG chapters have been finding creative ways to help MDA raise money and to inspire the families we serve. Every summer, for example, Harley-Davidson enthusiasts rev up MDA summer camps with special visits that often include side-car rides for campers.”

Organized by the Eastern Harley-Davidson Dealers Association (EHDDA) - a group of 38 Harley-Davidson dealers from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia - the 2010 event attracted new sponsors, including VF, which hosted the ride-day breakfast; Boyer’s Market; and 20Nine Design, which contributed all of the rebranding work for the event. The event also continued to benefit from the involvement of long-time Ride for Life sponsors including: EAST PENN Manufacturing Co., Inc.; Rider Insurance; the International Association of Firefighters; VF Imagewear; Harley-Davidson Financial Services; Manheim Specialty Auctions; and Harley-Davidson Dealers Systems.

Ride For Life participants began the 2010 fundraiser at VF Outlets in Reading. They enjoyed a scenic ride to the EAST PENN Manufacturing facility in Lyon Station, passing safely through 35 intersections temporarily closed by local law enforcement agencies also interested in helping make the ride a successful benefit for MDA. At EAST PENN Manufacturing, participants were entertained by a stunt show by Team Bubba Blackwell.

The 2010 event concluded at Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa. with a Rider Appreciation Party (dinner; entertainment by performance artist Michael Israel; awards; live music from Southern rock band Smokin Gunnz; motorcycle games; and a special meet-n-greet with MDA’s National Youth Chairman Luke Christie, 16, plus with 11-year-old MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Abbey Umali.)

When it came time to measure fundraising success, Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson, in Orwigsburg led the pack of dealers by raising $235,966 for MDA. Classic Harley-Davidson in Reading finished second with $117,498 raised. White’s Harley-Davidson in Lebanon finished third with $72,595 raised.

About MDA
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association, which was the nonprofit to be recognized by the American Medical Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award (“for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity,”), also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

About The Eastern Harley-Davidson Dealers Association

Since 1988, the Eastern Harley-Davidson Dealers have raised over $15 million dollars for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The group’s 38 authorized dealer members represent one of the most charitable groups in the country. For a complete list of dealers, visit the Eastern Harley-Davidson Dealers Association website: www.RideWithUs.org