Sioux Falls, S.D. (KELO AM) - Hot Harley Nights was held July 10-13 in Sioux Falls. The event organizers are proud to announce that a check will be written to Make-A-Wish® South Dakota for $172,763.04. This total does not reflect the in-kind donations that total over $174,000 plus the countless hours J&L Harley-Davidson and local organizers invest organizing, planning and preparing for this large event. The 19-year running total for Hot Harley Nights is well over two million dollars donated to Make-A-Wish South Dakota! This money will be used to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses throughout the state of South Dakota.
Over 1200 participants from 15 different states registered for the casino run. The motorcycle parade included over 4500 motorcycles and was enjoyed by thousands of spectators. Hot Harley Nights had 62 corporate sponsors plus 90 additional companies/individuals that contributed in some way. Over 550 Make-A-Wish volunteers made the event possible. An estimated crowd of over 35,000 people enjoyed the free Saturday evening festivities at the Falls Park West venue.
“We are excited to announce the results of this year’s event. Not only does this event raise a significant dollar to make wishes come true for ill children, but it also positively showcases Sioux Falls’ hospitality and generous nature of local businesses and the community.
This is a great visible event for our city and I want to thank the huge number of people who make the event happen. We are very grateful to everyone who participated and they should be proud to know that the funds will stay in South Dakota and make many children’s wishes come true. Nothing compares to the power of a wish!” said Char Roth, Chief Financial Officer at J&L Harley-Davidson, event organizer and proud Make-A-Wish Wish Granter.
Planning has already begun on the 20th Annual Hot Harley Nights to be held July 9-12, 2015.