Harley-Davidson Presents $3 million to MDA during 2011 Telethon

Contributions total $79 million since 1980.

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Sep 04, 2011, 10:30 ET

MILWAUKEE, Sept. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Harley-Davidson's family of customers, dealers, employees and suppliers has presented a contribution of $3 million during the 2011 Muscular Dystrophy Association Labor Day Telethon. Today's contribution marks the 31st year Harley-Davidson has supported MDA, and brings its cumulative fundraising to $79 million.

Mike Kennedy, Harley-Davidson Motor Company's Vice President, North America Sales, along with representatives from the company's top U.S. fundraising dealerships, presented the check to MDA.

"I am proud to represent the entire Harley-Davidson family today who continue to come together to Make a Muscle and Make a Difference for the families living with neuromuscular diseases," said Kennedy. "For 31 years, thousands upon thousands of members of the Harley-Davidson family have given their time, their love and their dollars to help fulfill the dreams of a brighter future for everyone with muscular dystrophy."

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

Joining Kennedy on the telethon broadcast were representatives from dealerships that hosted top MDA fundraising events this year. These dealers include the Pennsylvania Eastern Harley-Davidson Dealers Association, which holds the single largest MDA fundraising event in the country – the annual Ride for Life. The 2011 event raised nearly $1 million. Also participating in the broadcast were representatives from Kutter Harley-Davidson in Janesville, Wis; Motor City Harley-Davidson in Farmington Hills, Mich; and Sauk Prairie Harley-Davidson in Sauk City, Wis.

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 website at www.harley-davidson.com.

SOURCE Harley-Davidson Motor Company