Harley-Davidson 2010 MDA Contributions Reach $3.3 Million

Recent contribution helps celebrate 30 years of supporting MDA and brings the cumulative total to more than $76 million

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Sep 06, 2010, 03:30 ET

MILWAUKEE, Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The Harley-Davidson family of customers, dealers, employees and suppliers presented a contribution of $3.3 million to the Muscular Dystrophy Association today during the annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon. The 2010 contribution marks the 30th year Harley-Davidson has supported MDA, and brings its cumulative fundraising to more than $76 million.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company's Vice President, Channel Strategy and North American Sales, Jeff Merten, presented the check to the MDA on behalf of those who raised funds throughout this past year. "Today, what began as a charitable idea has become a much more personal journey," said Merten during the telethon broadcast. "This year, thousands upon thousands of members of the Harley-Davidson family gave their time, their love and their dollars to help fulfill the dreams of a brighter future for kids with muscular dystrophy."

Harley-Davidson fundraising activities for the Muscular Dystrophy Association included pledge rides, dealer fundraisers, motorcycle raffles, Black and Blue Ball fundraising dinners and commemorative pin sales. Funds raised support MDA summer camps, life-saving research and comprehensive medical care for children and adults with neuromuscular disease. These efforts have again placed the company among the top corporate donors to MDA this year.

Joining Merten on the telethon broadcast were representatives from the Eastern Harley-Davidson Dealers Association, which holds the single largest MDA fundraising event in the country--the annual Ride for Life. The 2010 event raised more than $965,000. Also participating in the broadcast were representatives from Kutter Harley-Davidson in Janesville, Wisconsin; Mitchell's Modesto Harley-Davidson in Southern California; and Sauk Prairie Harley-Davidson in Sauk City, Wisconsin. All of these dealerships also hosted top MDA fundraising events this year.

Harley-Davidson has been a national sponsor of the Muscular Dystrophy Association since 1980. This longstanding partnership started with the simple notion of "Bikers Ride for MD" and has resulted in millions of dollars being raised to help MDA and the children and adults it supports. For more information on the Harley-Davidson and MDA relationship visit www.mdarides.org.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

SOURCE Harley-Davidson Motor Company