9/11 FIVE YEARS LATER…Tribute Bike” raffle raises 30G

A memorial motorcycle ride through the crash sites of September 11, 2001 - the day that awakened America to the threat of terrorism - raised approximately $30,000 by raffling off a custom-made Harley Davidson &#82209/11 Tribute Bike.”
The ride is the brainchild of Ted and Lisa Sjurseth, from Leesburg, VA, the founders of America's 9/11 Foundation, Inc. The raffle funds will be used to provide college scholarships to the family members of police, fire, and EMS workers who risk their lives daily to protect Americans, their homes and businesses.
Accompanied by police escorts, 1,200 motorcycle riders departed from Somerset, Pennsylvania, the crash site of Flight 93, on August 17, arrived at the Pentagon on August 18, and raffled off the custom-made Harley Davidson motorcycle in New York City, ending with a visit to ground zero, on August 20.
The 9/11 commemorative ride has become an annual event growing from its initial ridership of 250 people in October 2001 to its most recent 1,200 participants. Their mission is to raise funds to support the men and women in the fire and police departments, and those in rescue units risking their lives daily, to protect American homes and businesses.
The &#8220Tribute Bike” features intricate details of the 9/11 tragedy. Stainless steel images of the World Trade Center Twin Towers are built into the chin spoiler of the motorcycle. On the oil tank is an image of the Pentagon just under the riders' seat and an image of the Statue of Liberty is depicted on the gas tank. The bike, with an estimated retail value of $100,000, went to the purchaser of a single raffle ticket in Gaithersburg, MD.
Rich Snyder, Vice President of the Foundation's New York division and a retired New York firefighter who was on duty at the World Trade Center on 9/11 was exhilarated by the ride and remains proud that the foundation met all their goals, raising scholarship money and attracting more riders from the southern and western parts of America.
However, Snyder does feel that the memory of 9/11 is fading in the memories of New Yorkers. He felt New Yorkers were somewhat indifferent and blase? about the riders. This is in complete contrast to the sentiment expressed elsewhere, &#8220in middle America” where Snyder says the memory of 9/11 is still very much alive. Moreover, one of missions of the foundation is &#8220to never forget 9/11.”
The foundation is still calculating the exact amount of money raised outside of the raffle, as bikers paid a $100 to register for the ride. Previous surplus funds have gone to provide water and fuel to police and fire department during Hurricane Katrina. The America's 9/11 Foundation began sponsoring a Walk-a-Thon in 2005 and plans to create other events to help support America's finest and bravest.