Dear Scott,
On behalf of Make-A-Wish South Dakota, I would like to assure you that our relationship with J&L Harley-Davidson and Hot Harley Nights is stronger than ever. We are fortunate as an organization to have such a great community partner that collectively has raised more than $2.25 million over the last 20 years to help make wishes come true for kids facing life-threatening medical conditions across the state. Hot Harley Nights is supported by many businesses and organizations in Sioux Falls as well. The community comes together for a fun regional event, while also helping us toward our vision of granting every eligible child’s wish.
We are also excited to be partnering with Maxwell’s Food Equipment, another great community supporter who believes in our mission and wants to make a difference in the lives of kids. We like the boldness of Aaron Montecuello and others involved as they strive to raise $1 million over the next few years. He approached us wanting to partner with Make-A-Wish because he, like everyone involved with Hot Harley Nights, believes in our mission and want to give back to help others.
Both of these events are planned by outside committees and community members with good intentions in mind. We are fortunate to live in an area where businesses and individuals give back to nonprofits, such as Make-A-Wish, but also the hundreds of other local charities. You just have to look at the recent results of the Sioux Empire United Way Campaign to know that people here care deeply about helping others. Your article is puzzling as most nonprofits have several events and partnerships throughout the year and Make-A-Wish is proud to partner with both.
Please join us at either event this year – Maxwell’s Million Dollar Dream is May 14 and Hot Harley Nights is July 7-10 – and join us in helping to make more wishes come true!
Paul R. Krueger
President and CEO
Make-A-Wish South Dakota
Maxwell Food Equipment is jumping in the game of charity fundraising for Make-A-Wish;
The goal is to raise a million dollars through fundraising events over the next two to three years. Those will include huge family fun events, like the one comin gup on May 14 with food trucks and a food battle. Montecuollo said private donations are also accepted, which people can give by contacting him at Maxwell Food Equipment. He says he’ll keep raising money as long as he can and doesn’t foresee his relationship with Make-A-Wish ever ending.
A family focused event to raise money for the organization is a great idea, but one has to ask, with such a big event like Hot Harley Nights, does Make-A-Wish have the energy to endorse both?
It’s no secret that many people are NOT a fan of Hot Harley Nights, while many support raising money for a worthy cause, the beer soaked event (coined as the 2nd Sturgis by organizers) rattles house windows for three days in our town and has been criticized by many because J & L Harley Davidson uses the Make-A-Wish endorsement to raise (profit from) thousands of dollars privately in various events and sales at the dealership, while giving just a portion of the lion’s share to the organization.
Not sure if there has been a falling out between the two organizations, but I do know that J & L recently teamed up with Badlands Pawn for some other events around Sturgis and maybe J & L bailed on the charity instead of the other way around?
I guess time will tell.
Dear Scott,
On behalf of Make-A-Wish South Dakota, I would like to assure you that our relationship with J&L Harley-Davidson and Hot Harley Nights is stronger than ever. We are fortunate as an organization to have such a great community partner that collectively has raised more than $2.25 million over the last 20 years to help make wishes come true for kids facing life-threatening medical conditions across the state. Hot Harley Nights is supported by many businesses and organizations in Sioux Falls as well. The community comes together for a fun regional event, while also helping us toward our vision of granting every eligible child’s wish.
We are also excited to be partnering with Maxwell’s Food Equipment, another great community supporter who believes in our mission and wants to make a difference in the lives of kids. We like the boldness of Aaron Montecuello and others involved as they strive to raise $1 million over the next few years. He approached us wanting to partner with Make-A-Wish because he, like everyone involved with Hot Harley Nights, believes in our mission and want to give back to help others.
Both of these events are planned by outside committees and community members with good intentions in mind. We are fortunate to live in an area where businesses and individuals give back to nonprofits, such as Make-A-Wish, but also the hundreds of other local charities. You just have to look at the recent results of the Sioux Empire United Way Campaign to know that people here care deeply about helping others. Your article is puzzling as most nonprofits have several events and partnerships throughout the year and Make-A-Wish is proud to partner with both.
Please join us at either event this year – Maxwell’s Million Dollar Dream is May 14 and Hot Harley Nights is July 7-10 – and join us in helping to make more wishes come true!
Paul R. Krueger
President and CEO
Make-A-Wish South Dakota
Most charities have high salaries with bonuses like Wall Street. There’s lots of travel to exotic locations and liberal expenses. The United Way for example is 80% overhead. Not much reaches those that funds are meant for. It’s disgusting and I don’t contribute. I do buy meals when I hear a stomach growl or help a single mom once in awhile. It’s not deductible but the best way to reach those in need. I’m implying that J&L saw this and reacted. Look at their revenue but how often do you hear of someone helped?