Press Release: Harley-Davidson Revs up Its Support For 31st Annual Bikers Roundup
MILWAUKEE (July 30, 2008) – The roaring sounds of motorcycle engines will be heard in Greensburg, PA from July 30 through August 2 as thousands of motorcyclists and enthusiasts make their way to the 31st Annual National Bikers Roundup. An estimated 150,000 African American motorcyclists from around the country make it an annual ritual to attend the event to reconnect and commune with fellow motorcyclists and to celebrate the history and rich culture African Americans have shared for motorcycles and the sport of motorcycling.
“Harley-Davidson values and embraces all opportunities to improve its relationship with diverse customers. This year marks our eleventh consecutive year of involvement with the Annual National Bikers Roundup. The event has been a great medium for us to build upon the existing relationship we have with our customers,” said Lynn Bonner, director of market outreach, Harley-Davidson.
Event attendees and their families will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of Harley-Davidson themed activities at the Harley-Davidson Experience area that includes:
- Harley-Davidson and Buell Free Demo Rides
- Harley-Davidson “Hot Model™” Competition
- Harley-Davidson MotorClothes Fashion Show
- Tribute to Minorities in Motorcycling Display
- Harley-Davidson Tattoo Parlor
- Women’s Riding Sessions
- Harley-Davidson Daily Drawings for Prizes
In addition to these activities, Harley-Davidson will host a meet and greet in honor of “Divas For A Cure (DFAC).” DFAC is a nonprofit organization that is currently traveling 6,000-miles across the country on motorcycles in an effort to raise money for and bring awareness of breast cancer research. Funds raised from the motorcycle run will be donated to the University of Texas M.D -Anderson Cancer Center. Harley-Davidson is a major supporter of the DFAC effort and will acknowledge the riders as they make a stop at the event.
Harley-Davidson is also proud to announce that motorcycle enthusiast and Hip Hop legend Darryl “DMC” McDaniels (of musical group “Run DMC”) is scheduled to be a special guest participating in various Harley-Davidson Experience activities such as the Harley-Davidson Fashion Show and “Hot Model™” competition. Two winners from the “Hot Model™” competition in Greensburg will compete in the finale during Harley-Davidson’s 105th Anniversary celebration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in August 2008 for a chance to be featured in the 2009 Harley-Davidson MotorClothes catalogue.
For more information on the 31st Annual National Bikers Roundup, dates and event times, visit www.nbrkcmo.com. Media requests for interviews and photo ops with Harley-Davidson executives, DMC or Jan Emanuel from Divas For A Cure are available by contacting Charisse Browner at (323) 469.8680 ext 241
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.
In The News - The Bay State Banner
Source: http://www.baystatebanner.com/health19-2008-07-31
(From left): Divas for a Cure Aj Coffee, Elaine Thomas, Jan Emanuel-Costley, Cynthia Marcy and Michelle Hampton rode into Boston Harley-Davidson on Revere Beach Parkway in Everett last Friday. The pit stop and fundraising visit was part the riders’ 6,300-mile road trip promoting their organization’s cause: finding a cure for breast cancer. (Daniela Caride photo)
Jan Emanuel-Costley (left) and Elaine Thomas park their motorcycles in the parking lot of Boston Harley-Davidson in Everett. Their stop, a fundraising event for their nonprofit organization Divas for a Cure, is intended to promote breast cancer awareness in Greater Boston. The riders expect to raise $100,000 for research during their third annual cross-country bike trip, wrapping up Aug. 4. (Daniela Caride photo)The noise of heavy traffic on Revere Beach Parkway in Everett suddenly gave way to the rumble and roar of dozens of motorcycles. Five women rode their bikes into the Boston Harley-Davidson parking lot, surrounded by a group of bikers clad in black and yellow jackets with “BUFFALO SOLDIERS” emblazoned on the backs. The lot quickly filled with leather, chains and attitude.
Onlookers might have thought the whole scene rolled straight out of “Easy Rider” if it weren’t for one thing: Instead of chasing the bikers, Boston and Everett police escorted them.
Flanked by boys in blue and men in black, the five “Divas for a Cure” made a stop in Greater Boston last Friday. The parking lot visit was part of a 6,300-mile road trip to promote their cause — finding a cure for breast cancer.
“We are simply ordinary women trying to do extraordinary things to impact the lives of women in our community,” says Jan Emanuel-Costley, “and change the image of women in motorcycling.”
Emanuel-Costley, a.k.a. “Sunny The Diva,” is the founder and president of Divas for a Cure. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting early detection, education and screenings, as well as supporting continued research. The motorcycle run is the organization’s key fundraiser.
This year’s third annual trip started when the divas departed from Atlanta on July 16, hitting the road toward North Carolina. The trip took them to Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan, with a stop in Canada, before arriving in Massachusetts. Following their Everett stop, the riders set out for New Jersey and to the National Bikers Roundup in Greensburg, Pa. They are scheduled to return to Atlanta on Aug. 4.
Throughout the motorcycle run, the divas stop at Harley Davidson dealerships to host events where people can make donations or register to ride with the group to the next city. At the events, Emanuel-Costley says, the women raise cancer awareness by advising participants to get regular screenings, sharing their personal experiences with the illness and asking for contributions for breast cancer research.
Emanuel-Costley also matches women diagnosed with breast cancer to volunteers who have gone through the battle to bring these women emotional support.
“Our mission is simple,” says Emanuel-Costley. “Breast cancer awareness and early detection are key to survival. I am living proof.”
Now in her 25th year as a cancer survivor, Emanuel-Costley first had a brain tumor at 16. Then, at 22, she found a lump on one of her breasts and says she had to convince the doctors that it could be malignant. Three months later, she had it extracted.
“They kept saying, ‘It’s probably nothing,’” she remembers. “Had I not insisted, I probably wouldn’t be here today.”
Years later, in 1998, Emanuel-Costley was again haunted by cancer. This time, the victim was her aunt, Mary Elizabeth Clemons, who helped raise her. Before Clemons’ death two years later, Emanuel-Costley promised her she would give back to the community. One day in 2005, when someone dared her to go on a cross-country ride, she decided to found Divas for a Cure.
In the ride’s first year, the divas traveled from San Francisco to Florida, up to New York, and back. They raised $25,000. Last year, they went from Los Angeles to Maryland and back, raising $50,000. Each time, the group donated the money to breast cancer research at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
As they reached Massachusetts last Friday, the divas had already raised $44,000. They said they expect to raise around $100,000 this year.
The rewards, they noted, are not only financial.
“This journey has been a treasure of knowledge and growth,” says diva Cynthia Marcy, a.k.a. “Chicago,” a retired former employee of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. “People embrace us everywhere we go.”
“It’s been a blast,” adds rider Michelle Hampton, who runs a travel agency and a truck company in Atlanta, Ga.
Emanuel-Costley, Marcy and Hampton, as well as divas Aj Coffee (“Suga Soldier”) and Elaine Thomas (“Hunter”) are enjoying the trip so much that they say they are already committed to rolling together again next year.
“In the motorcycle community, sometimes we are not as proactive about our health because we are living on the edge,” says Emanuel-Costley. “But the earlier the stage, the better your chances. Ninety-five percent of all breast cancer … is curable.”
For more information on the ride and the group’s fundraising efforts, visit www.divasforacure.org.
July 26 -Boston to New Jersey
Saturday, July 26, 2008
July 25 -Niagara Falls to Boston
Friday, July 25, 2008
July 24 - Detroit to Niagara Falls
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Divas for a Cure rolled into Windsor Thursday.
The fundraising group comprises breast cancer survivors and supporters...
http://canwest.a.mms.mavenapps.net/mms/rt/1/site/canwest-windsorstar-pub01-live/current/launch.html?maven_playerId=starallvideo&maven_referralObject=2600472
July 23 - Milwaukee to Detroit
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Words of Encouragement...
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
-----Original Message------
From: Szobody,Kimberley
To: Jan "Sunny" Emanuel-Costley
Sent: Jul 22, 2008 8:42 AM
Subject: Hello All
I just saw a Divas For A Cure group riding on I-69
in Fort Wayne, Indiana. As a breast cancer survivor,
(I was 32 when I was diagnosed - seven years ago) I
had to see what your organization was about!
Go Divas Go!!!! :>)
Kim Szobody
July 22 - Columbus to Milwaukee
July 21 - Louisville to Columbus
Monday, July 21, 2008
July 20 - Atlanta to Louisville
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Day 4 , July 19th - Atlanta
Received numerous phone calls from the homefront. Les had to reach out to the Extreme poker crew, and I to Mom and the 100+lb puppy. "Ruby is her name and she's 9 or 10 yrs old but she's a puppy at heart. Anywho...we made it to Clayton county HD on time and in style.
The entire day...as HOT as it was, was an event to remember....Hectic... but a good day nonetheless. I even met up with "Hurricane" from Alabama again.
Chase and I won the waterballoon toss on the Fatboy, with Chase sitting on the luggage rack! Picture that if you will. hee hee Chase also won the 50/50. and filled all the Divas gas tanks.
Yep I think I'll keep him.
Dinner at Big Daddy's. It was PACKED with Divas, Soldiers and "GASLIGHT" received his centerman after the dinner was underway. He was a happy man. Yes he left the restaurant to get his centerman sewn on. Back to the room to pack and sleep. We have to hit the road, err kickstands up at 0600 hours.
IN THE NEWS
Friday, July 18, 2008
Heading your way: Divas on motorcycles collecting wigs and raising funds for cancer research! ‘Divas For A Cure’
Located in Southern California, or on the East Coast, or somewhere in between? Then screeching into your city soon will be members of Divas For A Cure, touring the country on motorcycle to collect new wigs for female cancer patients; and to raise funds for the early detection, education and screenings for cancer. Divas For A Cure (www.DivasForACure.org), is a unique non-profit that assists those with limited access to medical information and attention due to socioeconomic conditions. The brainchild of Jan Emanuel-Costley, a cancer survivor and motorcycle enthusiast, Divas For A Cure is designed to provide people with a new and different way to give and support a worthy cause.
Starting on July 16 for three weeks, the brave divas will cover 5000+ miles on their motorcycles, aiming to raise $100,000 and collect 500 new wigs along the way. And Especially Yours® (www.EspeciallyYours.com), the mail order giant for hair extensions, pieces and wigs for African American women, has kick-started their ride with a donation of 100 new wigs! Over the years Especially Yours® has pioneered many new features in its wigs, and put together a special
medical hair loss selection for women with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. For instance the amazing ‘SOFTouch®’ technology, a lightweight, breathable, non-allergenic, silicone-like gel material developed by medical professionals. Exclusive to Especially Yours®, this innovative material allows the wig to fit securely and comfortably on the head – without tape or glue.
“We can't thank Especially Yours enough for supporting us. The new wigs will go to breast cancer patients across the country who have been identified as truly meeting the need,” said Founder & President, Divas For A Cure, Jan Emanuel-Costley "Sunny“.
“The Divas For A Cure motorcycle tour is truly unique and we are delighted to contribute towards this year’s target,” said the President of Specialty Catalog Direct, parent company of Especially Yours®, Jessie Bourneuf.
Divas For A Cure will be accepting new wig donations long after the tour, through to October. (Donations should be sent to Divas For A Cure, c/o Administrative Consulting Services, P O Box 1256, Browns Mills, NJ 08015. Each donation will be 100% tax deductable so include the original receipt and Divas For A Cure will send you a tax deductable receipt.) In October, working closely with the M.D. Anderson Cancer Centre in Houston, Texas, Divas For A Cure will distribute the new wigs to female cancer patients across the US. Starting in November, the website will feature a gallery of photographs of the women wearing the donated wigs. So look out (and listen out!) for, and support the tour: visit http://www.divasforacure.org/ now for details!
- ends -
For further information, photography, interviews, product samples, etc, please contact: an Emanuel-Costley "Sunny", Founder & President, Divas For A Cure,e-mail: info@DivasForACure.org Website: http://www.divasforacure.org/ NJ Office: 609-997-0695
CA Office: 510-891-2300 FAX: 866-850-4461
PRESS RELEASE:
BejeweledBiker.Com Sponsors "Divas For A Cure" Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run 2008
Source:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/07/prweb1108144.htm
BejeweledBiker.com is proud to be a sponsor of the Divas For A Cure cross-country breast cancer motorcycle ride.
(PRWEB) July 16, 2008 -- BejeweledBiker.com is proud to be a sponsor of the Divas For A Cure cross-country breast cancer motorcycle ride.
Kathy Walker, president of Bejeweled Biker stated, "We are proud to contribute to this effort which for the past several years has donated funds to fight breast cancer."
Divas for a Cure (DFAC) is a service-based nonprofit organization dedicated to raising cancer awareness through early detection, education, screenings and supporting research for eradicating cancer. The DFAC 6000 mile ride will take place July 16 to August 6 and will be escorted by the Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club. More details on the route are available online at www.DivasForACure.org.
Last year BejeweledBiker.com employees rode out to a designated check point just east of Roanoke, Virginia, and joined an escort of bikers riding along with Divas For A Cure as they made there way from California toward Washington, D.C. It was such an emotional and worthwhile cause that the company decided to become a sponsor this year by donating a customized, cancer survivor, bejeweled helmet and bejeweled sunglasses to the Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run. This donation will be supplemented by a 25% donation of all proceeds from the sell of the cancer survivor helmet and the cancer emblem sunglasses sold between now and September 30, 2008.
To order your helmet and/or sunglasses visit the Bejeweled Biker website at: www.BejeweledBiker.com.
The helmets and sunglasses are adorned with Swarovski Crystals. Swarovski is the worldwide leader in the manufacturing of cut crystal and famous for its innovative power and technical perfection as well as for the outstanding quality and beauty of it products. Each crystal is hand picked and individually placed onto the helmet. The bonding material used to affix the crystal onto the helmet is impervious to water, gasoline, chemicals and acid-It's also resistant to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Each helmet is made of advanced DOT approved polycarbonate helmet shell, lightweight around 2lbs. (32 ounces). Unique polycarbonate materials allow for snug sleek fit on head; less bulky than normal helmets with maximum protection. All helmets meet or exceed DOT certification.
If you don't own or ride a motorcycle, just order the sunglasses so that you too can be a part of this worthy and much needed cause.
For more information on Divas For A Cure, registration, donation information, dates and event times, visit www.DivasForACure.org.
###
Contact Information
Kathy Walker
Bejeweled Biker
http://www.BejeweledBiker.com
800-506-9808
Day 3, July 18th
Early am for Chase. Found him rummaging through the trailer for helmets and boots, and a spare bag for Chicago. How did he keep it all straight, he is not that organized at home....hmmmn. I still needed shoes for tonight's event at the Vinings Gallery...oh my. Arrived at the Vinings gallery and walked the red carpet.
What a reception! We dined at "Just Loafin" now that's a Hotlanta spot to remember!!! We also met the "Queen of Hearts" our pick up rider.
Day 2, July 17th: Travel from Greensboro, NC to Atlanta, Georgia
Day 3 for "Hunter" and "Chase" 17 Jul 08
HOT, LONG, HOT,HARD, HOT drive into HOTLANTA!!!!
We meet sweet tea of Georgia Buffalo Soldiers at exit 115 (Sugar Hill ...wonder how Suga Soldier got them to name so many places after her) and into the Clarion we rode. It was too hot to do too much but get to the rooms. We had survived our first day of Hotlanta. Yes Chase who was sitting in the air conditioned vehicle was the gentleman and insisted we all go to our rooms and get settled while he delivered our gear.
Great guy...think I'll keep him.
DAY 1, July 16th: - Harley-Davidson of Greensboro, NC "Meet & Greet"
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
PRESS: WFMY News 2, Divas For A Cure Ride Through Greensboro
Greensboro, NC -- Women are hitting the road to battle breast cancer. "Divas for a Cure" rolled into Greensboro Wednesday night. The women ride thier Harley's around the country to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research. Their tour includes stops in Atlanta, Louisville, and Boston. They'll wrap up their tour July 31st in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
They want women to be proactive about their health.
Day 1, July 16th: And They're Off!
Day 2 for "Hunter" and "Chase" 16 Jul 08
We finalized packing and hit the road, off to Greensburg ,N.C. Lights, camera, action, so much press and people you would have thought we were....DIVAS!
We have arrived and the reception was unforgettable. That night we strolled into Nobles for a Michael Jordan "Hoops" reception. Glitz and Glamour, the Divas and Chase fit right in!!
Chase got us there and back in style and with grace.
Get Ready.... Get Set (AJ, Hunter, and Chase Depart
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Day 1 for "Hunter" and "Chase" 15 Jul 08
Packed the Tahoe, sent the 100+lb puppy to Grandma, kissed Mom goodbye and we were off to Browns Mills....New Jersey that is. Harley Davidson and gear.
We met with "Sunny" "Topcat" and "Chicago". Everyone looked great. Acknowledgements were made and off to the local B+B we had a early start and we wanted to keep to our time schedule.
"Divas For A Cure" Making Harley Ride Pit Stop In Triad
URL: http://www.digtriad.com/news/health/article.aspx?storyid=107339&catid=8
Milaukee, WI-- Harley-Davidson is proud to sponsor this year's annual Divas For A Cure (DFAC) Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run.
DFAC is a service based nonprofit organization dedicated to raising cancer awareness through early detection, education, screenings and supporting research for eradicating cancer.
This year's Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run will take place from mid July to early August.
The goal for this year is to raise $100,000. Last year, DFAC raised $50,000.
On Wednesday, July 16th these group of riders will make a stop in Greensboro.
They will be at the Harley Shop on Farragut Street. The reception starts at 5pm-7pm.The "Divas" will be joined by local Harley Riders and Guilford County Sheriff BJ Barnes. The ride will include DFAC Founder and President of the organization Jan Emanuel-Costley, Vice-President Aj Coffee, Cynthia Marcy and Elaine Thomas.
The 6,000 mile ride departed from Brown Mills, NJ to the official kick-off city of Atlanta.
The ride continues from Atlanta to Canada, Canada to the National Bikers Roundup in Pennsylvania, down the East Coast and finally returning back to Atlanta.
For more information please log onto "Divas For a Cure" www.divasforacure.com or Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harleydavidson.com.
Barb's Harley-Davidson New Jersey kicked off celebration for Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Barb's Harley-Davidson New Jersey kicked off celebration for Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run 2008
Barb's Harley-Davidson kicked off the Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run 2008 at their dealership with a Dj spinning everything from Rock, R&B and Soul to County music. The local fire department was on the grill cooking up tasty burgers and hot-dogs with lots of sweet tea and lemonade. It was a wonderful day with an amazing group of people. Many of Barb's customers came out to show their support. The staff at Barb's Harley-Davidson are simply fantastic! It goes without saying that when called upon, you can count on the Buffalo Soldiers. The New Jersey Buffalo Soldiers rolled in 40+ strong lead by Jan Emanuel-Costley, Founder & President of DFAC, TC Costley, National President of the NABSTMC, and Nate Gundy, President - NJBSMC. We had a wonderful day and raised $1,100 with all of your support.
Photos
Divas for a Cure Benefits Breast Cancer Research
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Divas for a Cure Benefits Breast Cancer Research
March 2008
When most of us hear the word "diva" we imagine Diana Ross or Celine Dion waltzing out on a stage.
Well, the Divas For A Cure are a group of outstanding performers in their own right. These Divas are preparing for their third year of riding across the country on motorcycles to raise funds for breast cancer research. Divas For A Cure (DFAC) is a service-based nonprofit organization dedicated to raising cancer awareness through early detection, education, screenings and supporting research for eradicating cancer.
“This year the Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run will take place from mid July to early August and will involve travel that will take the core group of riders from Atlanta to Canada, Canada to the East Coast, and then wind back to Atlanta. The Divas raised $25,000 and $50,000 the first two years of the ride and hope to raise $100,000 this year which will benefit The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
After the ride, we will bring the money to Houston,” said Jan Emanuel-Costley, DFAC founder, “I just couldn’t imagine going anywhere else if I had a choice.”
Organizers selected M. D. Anderson to receive the funds after working very closely with Vickie Shannon, M.D. Anderson professor of Pulmonary Medicine. Shannon was asked by organizers to be their sponsor at M. D. Anderson.
She had not met the fundraising Divas until they arrived at M. D. Anderson last year with their second donation.
“I walked outside here on a Saturday and there was this group of beautiful African-American people wearing black leather,” said Shannon, “This was very different than what M. D Anderson was used to.”
Shannon added that she expected to see donors in three piece suits and stockings. Divas For A Cure changed that stereotype for Shannon. “It just goes to show you that donations come in from all walks of life and from all different kinds of people,” she said, “Sometimes, they come in riding on motorcycles.”
Emanuel-Costley started the nonprofit through encouragement from her boss. Emanuel-Costley went through a personal experience of successfully surviving two tumors in her head and one in her chest. Forming this grassroots organization was a way to channel some of her anger associated with that experience as well as to heal from the loss of her Aunt Mary who died in 2000 after a two-year battle with breast cancer. DFAC strives to reach and educate all communities about breast cancer, she said.
“We try to make sure we are reaching out to all communities, especially the African American and Hispanic communities,” said Emanuel-Costley.
These communities, who actually have the highest incidence rate for breast cancer, she added, tend to be less informed about the disease than white women. “I have met a lot of women at church and other places who have had breast cancer but don’t talk about it,” she said, “I have had so many women come identify with us because we look like them.”
This year’s ride will kick off on July 19 in Atlanta, and it will take 18 days to complete the 5,010-mile journey. The riders will spend about 14 of those days on the ground, will average about 300 to 500 miles a day and will be in the saddle for approximately eight hours a day, said Emanuel-Costley. During the motorcycle run the Divas are scheduled to take part in the Annual National Bikers Roundup held this year in Pennsylvania.
The core group of riders is made up of three Divas who will be accompanied by road captains from the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club. Members of local Buffalo Soldier chapters will escort the riders in and out of their major stopping points. Group and pick-up riders can meet and ride along with the DFAC core riders at any point in the route for a $35 registration fee. For more information about this year’s ride or to pre-register for the event, go to the Divas For A Cure website at www.DivasForACure.org.
