Hearts on Fire: KMC H.O.G. Ride Supports Burn-Injured Youth

Harley Chapter Presents $17k Check and Offers Motorcycle Rides to Campers

NEW BERLIN, Wis., Aug. 27 -- August 18th, a motorcycle parade -- with members from the Kettle Moraine Harley Owners' Group Chapter (KMC H.O.G.) along with staff from Hal's Harley-Davidson, friends and family -- presented a check for $17,446, representing year-long fundraising efforts to offset the cost of the camp for as many Wisconsin kids as possible and offered motorcycle rides with photo mementos to burn-injured campers. The group departed from Hal's in New Berlin for the chapter's 8th annual Hearts on Fire ride to the Wisconsin Alliance for Fire Safety's Summer Camp for Burn Injured Youth in East Troy. Hal's Harley-Davidson sponsors both the Kettle Moraine Chapter and this heart-warming ride.

"We're very proud to support the Fire Alliance's Burn Camp. Most of these kids face challenges that many of us can never imagine. To put a smile on a child's face and offer them an experience that lets them be themselves is gratifying for all of us," reflects Kirk Topel, owner of Hal's Harley-Davidson in New Berlin.

This year's ride was record breaking with 207 bikes participating, escorted by the Waukesha Sheriff's Department along with the City of New Berlin, Town of Pewaukee and the Town of Summit police to Camp Timber-lee in East Troy. Cheering campers lined the roadway as the motorcycle group paraded into the campsite. Bikers not only offered rides but also lent their helmets, leathers and other accessories for candid photos that captured the thrill of the ride.

70 kids ranging in age from 7-17 attend the 15th annual Summer Camp for Burn Injured Youth at Timber-lee supported by 50 volunteer staff--fire fighters, camp counselors, burn unit nurses, and medical and activities staff -- and major underwriters including Wisconsin Fire Service, Columbia/St. Mary's Regional Burn Center, the University of Wisconsin Health Center and more.

Mary Gengler, Executive Director of WAFS states, "We just couldn't do it without the help we receive from Hal's Harley-Davidson and the Kettle Moraine H.O.G. chapter. For so many years, they have hosted events to raise money for our camp... and they come to camp each year to interact with the kids."

Ron Gasser of Vernon, a seven year veteran of the ride and this year's co-chair along with his wife Melinda, noted that KMC has initiated some extreme fundraising efforts for the burn camp.

"Burn camp is an inspiration to these kids--emotionally and mentally," notes Gasser. "For one week out of the year, they are not outcasts; they do not have to worry about covering their scars or sitting in the back of the room."

Hal's Harley-Davidson in New Berlin was founded in 1978 by Hal Topel, with a business philosophy of "service first" and treating customers as family. Hal's son, Kirk Topel is a second generation owner, continuing the dealership's focus on developing lasting customer relationships through exceptional service.