September 2, 2005
Milwaukee - Harley-Davidson today announced a $1 million donation from the Harley-Davidson Foundation to the American Red Cross Hurricane 2005 Relief Fund. In addition, the Company will donate a 2006 model year touring motorcycle to be used as a fundraiser on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Beginning Sept. 6, celebrity guests will be able to autograph the motorcycle, which will then be up for bid on eBay. A similar Tonight Show fundraiser to benefit Tsunami relief efforts raised $810,000 earlier this year.
“As the impact of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation continues, our thoughts go out to all of those affected by this disaster,” said Jim Ziemer, chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. and president of the Harley-Davidson Foundation. “Our primary concern is the welfare of all the people in the area, including our extended family of customers, dealers and employees on the Gulf Coast.”