PHILADELPHA, May 11, 2015 — Opening weekend at Camelback Lodge and Indoor Waterpark helped bring huge success to the 28th annual MDA Ride for Life event held on May 1-3, which 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, 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 featuring regional bands ranging from Southern rock, rock and blues. 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.

Festivities were highlighted by an exclusive concert for Ride for Life participants and resort guests featuring The Marshall Tucker Band, known for Southern rock hit “Can’t You See.”

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.

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, 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).

ABOUT EHDDA

The Eastern Harley-Davidson Dealers Association is comprised of 28 authorized dealerships located in New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Northern Virginia, Pennsylvania and southern New York. The members, many of whom are second and third generation owners, are dedicated to every aspect of professional service for their Harley-Davidson and Buell customers. They provide factory authorized training for their staff and technicians and, through their years of experience, are a valuable resource to answer your motorcycle questions. EHDDA members are some of the most charitable in the country raising well over $2,000,000 annually for a variety of community causes.

About MDA

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is the world’s leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to saving and improving the lives of people with muscle disease, including muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular diseases. It does so by funding worldwide research to find treatments and cures; by providing comprehensive health care services and support to MDA families nationwide; and by rallying communities to fight back through advocacy, fundraising and local engagement.

Visit mda.org and follow us at facebook.com/MDAorg and @MDAorg. Learn more about MDA’s mission by watching this video.