The 28th annual MDA Ride for Life event, held on May 1-3, raised more than $1.1 million to benefit families affected by muscular dystrophy and related life-threatening diseases.
Located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains in Philadelphia, Camelback Resort hosted hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts, who rumbled into its all-new Lodge/Waterpark venue for the nation’s largest charity motorcycle ride hosted by the Eastern Harley-Davison Dealers Association (EHDDA).
“Hosting MDA Ride for Life during our opening weekend was extra meaningful for everyone here at Camelback. Not only was it the first event that we’ve ever hosted at the new Lodge and Indoor Waterpark, but we were also able to meet some of the amazing families that MDA serves who benefit from this iconic event,” said Art Berry, owner of Camelback Resort. “It’s an honor to partner with such a worthy cause that raises critical funds to help fuel MDA’s fight for muscle health and can’t wait to host this incredible event again next year.
MDA Ride for Life XXVIII participants arrived at the revered Pocono Raceway on May 2 to officially kick of this year’s event, putting their kickstands up for the Ride for Life Thunder Parade, another event first.
The Ride for Life experience later continued on the grounds of Camelback Resort where day-long live music festivities commenced on two stages. Participants were also able to browse the many unique vendors at the event, food and drink stations, as well as adrenaline pumping activities, including a mountain coaster, a 1,000-foot zip line that soars over the entire event grounds and the East Coast Extreme Stunt Show.
MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Reagan Imhoff, 9, who is serving her second term as the face and voice of MDA, also made her first appearance at the legendary event to thank Ride for Life participants for the incredible difference they’re making for families like hers. Reagan also got the chance to show off her artistic talents during closing ceremonies to present top fundraiser Mike Dimov, of Susquehanna Valley Harley Davidson, with a custom piece of artwork that she painted herself.
Top Ride for Life XXVIII Fundraising Awards Include:
Highest Individual Fundraisers:
1) Mike Dimov, Susquehanna Valley Harley-Davidson, $55,555
2) Jon Burcaw, Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson, $33,221
3) Denise Welsh-Barndt, White’s Harley-Davidson, $28,839.00
Top 5 Fundraising Harley-Davidson Dealerships:
1) Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson – $277,169
2) Classic Harley-Davidson -$225,084
3) Brian’s Harley-Davidson -$93,494
4) White’s/Iron Valley Harley-Davidson – $90,000
5) Susquehanna Valley Harley-Davidson – $75,776
Since 1988, Ride for Life has raised more than $19 million for MDA with over 50,000 participants. All of the money raised stays in a five state area to help support MDA’s life- enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and clinics, and make MDA summer camp possible so kids with muscle disease can enjoy “the best week of the year.”
For more information about Ride for Life XXVIII, visit mdarideforlife.org or call the local MDA office at (610) 391-1977.
For up-to-date information about Ride for Life XXVIII, follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/mdarideforlife) and Twitter (@MDARide4Life).
