FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Iron Maidens Named 2007 MS Motorcycle Ride Top Fundraising Team

HARTFORD, Conn. In July, more than 1,200 bikers rumbled down Connecticut roadways in the 2007 MS Motorcycle Ride to support the National MS Society and its mission to find a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS). The Iron Maidens & Our Band of Brothers, captained by Karen Butler, has been named the 2007 top fundraising team, raising more than $3,300, the greatest amount raised by a MS Motorcycle Ride team in its seven year history. Team Murdercycles & Friendz, captained by Sean Booska, raised more than $1,500 and team Lewis Brothers, captained by Scott Lewis, raised $365. Individual top fundraisers included Karen Butler, a resident of Manchester, Conn., who raised $1,990, and Betsy Welch, a resident of Little Falls, N.J. and member of the Iron Maidens team, who raised $965. The 2007 ride raised more than $38,000.

"After buying my Harley in 2006, I decided to saddle up for that year’s event but never considered forming a team or raising funds," said Butler, who oversees the chapter’s communications department. "I’m not a fundraiser and am shy when it comes to asking for contributions. However, because MS has affected my family and because it has adversely affected so many with whom I’ve crossed paths through my affiliation with the chapter, I am devoted to the mission to find a cure. I am also very passionate about motorcycles and riding. Simply sharing with friends, family, colleagues and business associates my passion for riding and desire to help those with MS enabled me to unabashedly and enthusiastically ask them all to join me in the fight to find a cure. It was great fun to hit the road for a great cause, and I encourage other bikers to saddle up and join me in raising funds next year."

Led by Grand Marshals Kevin Hogan, anchor and reporter with WFSB Eyewitness News Channel 3, and State Senator Edith Prague on July 22, bikers started from TSI Harley Davidson/Buell located in Ellington, Conn. and followed a 40-mile route to the Hebron Lions Fairgrounds in Hebron, Conn.

More than 6,000 Connecticut residents have multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease. There currently is no cure. Funds raised through chapter events, such as the MS Motorcycle Ride, ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those in Connecticut affected by MS.

Event partners included TSI Harley Davidson/Buell in Ellington, WFSB Eyewitness News 3, The Rock 106.9 WCCC, IGA, Connecticut Cruise News, The Law Offices of Trantolo & Trantolo, Hot Leathers, All Wheels Motorparts and Teva Neuroscience.

9/7/07

CUTLINE: West Hartford resident and Iron Maidens member Sue Petruzzi (left) rides her 2007 Harley-Davidson Low Rider along side Iron Maidens team captain Karen Butler, a resident of Manchester and riding a 2006 Harley-Davidson Street Bob, in the 2007 MS Motorcycle Ride held Sunday, July 22. The annual event attracted more than 1,200 bikers and raised more than $38,000. Funds raised in Greater Connecticut Chapter events, such as the MS Motorcycle Ride, ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and the continuation of programs and services offered by the chapter to the more than 6,000 Connecticut residents battling the potentially debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis.

Karen E. Butler
Vice President of Communications
Greater Connecticut Chapter
tel +1.860.714.2300
cell +1.860.997.4487