Back in 1980, all it took for Harley-Davidson to form a rich and lasting relationship with MDA was a suggestion.

The company approached MDA with an idea for a fund-raising program it called “Bikers Fight MD.” That same year, at the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon, Harley-Davidson presented what would be the first of many wonderful contributions in the fight against neuromuscular diseases: a check for $185,000.

Since that auspicious date nearly three decades ago, Harley-Davidson’s magnificent family of dealers, customers, employees, suppliers and H.O.G. chapters have raised more than $65 million for “Jerry’s kids.” In 2007 alone, they contributed $5.1 million.

Every year, Harley-Davidson riders volunteer their time to visit nearly 100 MDA summer camps held for thousands of "Jerry’s kids" across the country. The riders host barbecues, give sidecar rides, provide temporary tattoos and let the admiring youngsters sit on their motorcycles. These riders help make what is already called the “best week of the year” a truly unforgettable experience for kids with muscular dystrophy.

Today, what began as a charitable idea has become something much more personal — a matter of the heart, and soul. Harley-Davison riders know there’s no greater high, no richer reward than the feeling they get from making a child happy — and giving that child hope.