HARLEY RIDERS AND MDA

On June 10-13, more than 100,000 motorcycle riders roared into Milwaukee to celebrate the 95th Anniversary Reunion for Harley-Davidson.

Harley riders, famous for their unreserved affection and concern for youngsters with neuromuscular diseases, knew that funds raised through the anniversary celebration, kickoff parties and related events in other cities went to help MDA.

The Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company is a national sponsor of MDA and has supported the Association for 18 years through rides and other events.

NBC "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno was in Milwaukee to lead the anniversary parade on June 13, while dozens of other celebrities, including actors Peter Fonda and Larry Hagman, mingled with the crowd. Pam Tillis, Joe Walsh, the Doobie Brothers and Tim McGraw were just a few of the performers on hand to entertain.

NFL Films was commissioned to record the 95th Anniversary bash. Videos will be available at Harley-Davidson dealerships in the fall, with proceeds going to MDA.

AMERICAN EXPRESS DOLLAR SPECIAL

Using your major credit card is a smart, easy way to make a pledge during the 1998 Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon. But to be really smart, use your American Express card when you call, and American Express will donate an additional dollar to MDA.

For another smart move, make your pledge early, then sit back and enjoy the show, which airs live for 21½ hours starting at 9 p.m. EDT on Sept. 6.

ALS CLAIMS KAY POSTON

In July, Kay Poston, wife of beloved television actor Tom Poston of "Newhart" fame, died after waging a long battle against ALS.

Kay and Tom appeared on the Telethon several times in recent years to talk about ALS. A former dancer, Kay acknowledged her frustration at losing control over her own body. However, she never lost heart and was inspired by the great number of people who supported MDA in the war on ALS.

"I am so struck by the kindness and the generosity I have seen," she said to Jerry Lewis on the 1997 broadcast.

MDA APPOINTS NEW VOLUNTEER LEADERS

At its recent annual meeting in Los Angeles, three new members were elected to MDA's Board of Directors.

Chosen for one-year terms were Suzanne "Sue" Lowden, president of the Santa Fe Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas; Andrew P. Potos of Mequon, Wisc., a partner in Excel Tool & Die of Saukville and a former president and general manager of WITI-TV6, a longtime Telethon station; and Jeanne Y. Russell of New York, senior vice president of Fiduciary Trust Co. International of New York, which manages equity and balanced portfolios for institutions and individuals.

Key MDA lay leaders who were re-elected included Jerry Lewis, national chairman; Robert M. Bennett, president; Lois R. West, chair of the Executive Committee; Victor R. Wright, treasurer; and Timmi Masters, secretary.

JERRY LEWIS RECEIVES HONORARY DEGREE

MDA National Chairman and Telethon star Jerry Lewis received an honorary doctor of public service degree in May from the University of Louisville. Speaking before the 2,000 assembled graduating students, Lewis urged them to "contribute to a better world."

Previously, Lewis had received honorary degrees from Mercy College and Emerson College, and special honors from Boston University's School of Law.

BAYLOR CENTER GETS MAJOR RESEARCH GIFT

The MDA/ALS research and clinical center at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston recently received a substantial monetary gift to speed ALS research.

The center, which operates under the direction of leading ALS clinician Dr. Stanley Appel, has been renamed the Ronny and Linda Finger MDA/ALS Center. The rededication is in honor of the gift donors, Houston businessman and MDA National Vice President Ronald J. Finger and his wife, Linda.

The center will complement the activities of the Vicki Appel MDA Neuromuscular Clinic at Baylor, named after Dr. Appel's wife and colleague who died last year of cancer.

QUEST WANTS YOUR HALLOWEEN PIX!

Quest is still hoping to scare up fun pictures that show you or your child in a creative Halloween costume incorporating a wheelchair or scooter. Send your photos by Sept. 4 along with your name, address, phone number, child's name and age, and brief description of how you made the costume to: Editor, Quest, 3300 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718. We'll publish the best ones in October and return all photos in November.