Michigan ALS Patient Who Traveled 2,400 Miles on Route 66 Will Present $272,000 Check to CEO of The ALS Association at Santa Monica Pier

--The ALS Association:

WHAT:   John "J.J." Bouma, Jr., chairman of the board of directors
        of The Bouma Corp., a nationally-recognized commercial
        construction company, and an ALS patient, rode a 2006
        Chevrolet Corvette cross-country along historic Route 66 with
        a caravan of Corvettes from Michigan to California for "J.J.'s
        Cruise 66 for ALS" and will present a check totaling more than
        $272,000 to The ALS Association (ALSA).

WHERE:  Santa Monica, Calif., (Santa Monica Pier) 

WHEN:   Wednesday, May 24, 2006 from 2 - 4 p.m., Pacific Time

WHO:    Bouma has the bulbar form of ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's
        disease) that has affected his speech. He will present the
        check to ALSA West Michigan Chapter's Board President Mike
        Melcher and ALSA National President/CEO Gary A. Leo.

WHY:    Bouma and a caravan of Chevrolet Corvettes rode across
        country to raise awareness and funds for ALS. Photographer
        David DeJonge accompanied Bouma for the trip and took photos
        of Bouma and other ALS patients who reside in the states along
        Route 66 for a book and photo exhibit to raise funds for ALSA.
        Bouma, and his wife Pam, set an initial goal of raising
        $66,000 through a direct mail campaign and in-person donations
        to be used for patient services for Michigan residents with
        ALS and research for a cure. They have exceeded this goal by
        more than $206,000. Every day, an average of 15 people are
        newly diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative
        disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and
        spinal cord. An estimated 30,000 Americans currently have ALS.
        The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health
        organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. As the
        preeminent ALS organization, ALSA leads the way in research,
        patient and community services, public education, and advocacy
        -- giving help and hope to those facing the disease. ALSA's
        nationwide network of chapters provides comprehensive patient
        services and support to the ALS community.