Youthful MDA Goodwill Ambassador Assumes New 2008 Spokesperson Role

Main Category: Muscular Dystrophy / ALS
Article Date: 10 Jan 2008 - 3:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Luke Christie, who has served two very active terms as National Goodwill Ambassador for MDA, takes on a different ambassadorial role next year.

The vivacious 14-year-old resident of Due West, S.C., will serve as MDA Harley-Davidson Goodwill Ambassador for the motorcycle manufacturer's 105th anniversary celebrations and MDA fundraising efforts throughout the country in 2008.

MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis said Christie is a natural talent for the new position. "Luke has two years of solid spokesperson experience under his belt," Lewis said. "I know he'll do great work for Harley-Davidson's efforts in behalf of MDA."

An MDA national sponsor since 1980, the Harley-Davidson family of dealers, riders, suppliers and employees has raised more than $65 million to support MDA's continuing battle against neuromuscular diseases.

Christie is no stranger to working with the top-selling motorcycle maker in America. In addition to his other travels spreading MDA's message of hope, this year he:

represented the Association at some of the largest regional Harley-Davidson fundraiser rides;
served as emcee at Harley's annual Dealer Appreciation Party at the 20th annual Ride for Life;
spoke to the company's top fundraising dealers at their Summer Dealer Meeting; and
greeted top Harley-Davidson dealers and executives at the 2007 Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.

In 2008, activities at which the youthful ambassador will be involved include the 15th anniversary of Harley's Black-n-Blue Ball and its 105th Anniversary Celebration.

The latter event includes a 25-route "Ride Home" for thousands of cyclists, culminating in a huge celebration in Milwaukee (site of Harley-Davidson headquarters) on Labor Day. Highlights of the event will be broadcast on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

Harley-Davidson President and COO Jim McCaslin said the company is lucky to have Christie as part of the team. "Luke is an amazing young man and we're looking forward to having him represent MDA at Harley-Davidson's 105th Anniversary events."

MDA is a national voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education.

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

For more information about the MDA/Harley-Davidson partnership, visit mdarides.org. For additional details of the company's 105th anniversary, see its Web site at http://www.harley-davidson.com.

http://www.mdausa.org