Eleven-year-old MDA National Goodwill Ambassador to make first Harley-Davidson appearance for the Association
MILWAUKEE, April 26, 2012 — Motorcycle enthusiasts throughout Milwaukee are suiting up in “black” leather and ‘blue’ jeans to celebrate the 19th annual Black-N-Blue Ball at the Frontier Airlines Center on Friday, May 4 to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
This one-of-a-kind social event couples a passion for motorcycles and charity — without the stuffy tuxedos or cocktail dresses — and gives area business and community leaders a chance to expose their alter egos on the road to a cure for neuromuscular disease.
“The Milwaukee Black-N-Blue Ball is an annual highlight for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts and an example of our long commitment to MDA,” said Harley-Davidson External Communications Director Maripat Blankenheim. “Black-N-Blue gives local community and business leaders an opportunity to meet and reconnect with MDA families affected by muscle diseases. We’re proud that we can come together in our hometown to raise funds and awareness of muscular dystrophy.”
Television personality/producer and MDA National Vice President Jann Carl will host the event, with help from FOX6’s Ted Perry. Live entertainment will be provided by one of southeastern Wisconsin’s favorite classic rock cover bands, Stray Voltage.
Event highlights include a bike raffle to win a Harley-Davidson 2012 Heritage Softail Classic, as well as live and silent auctions showcasing hundreds of Harley-Davidson collectibles, merchandise and memorabilia, a Rolex watch, an exclusive Mexico vacation package, plus much more.
Guests also will get a chance to meet the newest addition to the MDA family — 2012 MDA National Goodwill Ambassador, 11-year-old Bryson Foster of Concord, N.C.
The social and friendly fifth-grader has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). He is an honor roll student, a self-proclaimed sports fanatic and has his own weekly sports talk program at school. When he grows up, Bryson wants to be the quarterback or head coach for the Bengals, or a sports broadcaster.
Foster is determined to make a difference by sharing his positive attitude and “words from his heart” with Black-N-Blue Ball attendees. He’ll address the more than 1,000 event guests about his new Ambassador role and explain what it means to him to be able to represent MDA families affected by neuromuscular disease.
A large part of the Black-N-Blue Ball’s success is the result of corporate support from Harley-Davidson Motor Company and other local and national corporate sponsors, including: CITGO Petroleum Corporation, American Airlines, DCI Marketing, GS Design, Jason Inc., Miller Compressing Company, syncreon, Associated Bank, CDW, Delphi Foundation, Kido, Penske, VF Licensed Sports Group and Viva International.
This year’s event is led by Honorary Road Captains Andrew and Lori Barrieau of Felins USA Inc., and Co-Honorary Road Captains Mike and Jennifer Hansen of Anderson Seal Inc.
Since 1994, the Black-N-Blue Ball has raised more than $6.3 million to benefit MDA programs and services.
Funds raised at MDA’s Black-N-Blue Ball will benefit local families served by the Association. MDA offers comprehensive medical services at the local Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, as well as valuable support groups, comprehensive health care, advocacy and education.
For more information about the 19th annual Black-N-Blue Ball, visit MilwaukeeBlack-n-BlueBall.com or contact MDA Divisional Director of Business Development Lisa Lodde at (262) 432-6798 or llodde@mdausa.org.
