LAS VEGAS, Sept. 04, 2006 — Harley-Davidson Motor Co., based in Milwaukee, presented contribution checks representing their year-round fund-raising efforts for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during MDA’s 41st annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon Sept. 3-4.

Representatives from Harley-Davidson delivered contributions of $5 million to MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis and Telethon co-hosts during the legendary 21½-hour fund-raising broadcast. The Telethon reached some 50 million viewers via 190 MDA “Love Network” television stations and was seen worldwide, thanks to RealNetworks, on the Internet.

The funds raised by the company are in addition to the final total in pledges and contributions received from the public during the Telethon.

Jim McCaslin, Harley-Davidson’s president and chief operating officer, represented the company on the Telethon broadcast and presented donations gathered year-round by Harley-Davidson dealers and H.O.G. chapters across the country.

McCaslin is an MDA national vice president.

WDJT in Milwaukee covered the presentation live. The Telethon originated from the South Coast Hotel in Las Vegas.

“I deeply appreciate the fund-raising efforts of the dealers, employees and customers at Harley-Davidson.  Their heartfelt assistance will fuel MDA’s fight against muscular dystrophy,” Lewis said.

“Money raised by Harley-Davidson will help MDA continue to advance its research, service and information programs, enabling us to bring greater help and hope to the families MDA serves.”

Harley-Davidson, a leading producer of motorcycles worldwide, is celebrating its 26th year as an MDA national sponsor.  The Harley-Davidson family of dealers, employees, customers and riders raise money for MDA year-round with motorcycle rides and other events like the Black & Blue Ball. Thousands of Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners participate in rides to benefit MDA each year.

The company began its partnership with MDA in 1980 with a program called Bikers Fight MD.  On that year’s Telethon, Harley-Davidson representatives presented their first check to MDA for $185,000.  Since 1980, Harley-Davidson’s family of dealers, customers, employees, suppliers and H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) chapters have raised more than $55 million for “Jerry’s kids.”

“We’re proud to celebrate our 26th anniversary at the Telethon this year to commemorate our partnership with MDA,” said McCaslin.  “Giving to MDA and finding a cure for muscular dystrophy is important to the Harley-Davidson family.”  

MDA is a voluntary health organization working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. MDA maintains 235 clinics nationwide for adults and children affected by neuromuscular diseases, including clinics at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran and the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual contributors.