6th Annual Midwest Hawgs for Dogs set for June 10th

April 25, 2006  The 6th annual IAM Midwest Territory "Hawgs for Dogs" Mississippi River run will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2006. 

Check-in will take place at Wilwerts Harley-Davidson located at 145 North Crescent Ridge in Dubuque, IA 52003.  The "all Harley-Davidson ride" will stop at several checkpoints along the way where riders will be able to draw a possible winning poker hand for prizes.

After the day of riding, Saturday night events include a wonderful dinner.  All the food and beverages will be supplied.  After dinner, sit back and relax for an evening of prize drawings, award presentations and some music.

Discount hotel accommodations will be available for all run participants.  Registration kits will provide all required numbers, locations and prices.

The 250 mile ride will benefit Guide Dogs of America and training "guide dogs" for the blind.

The registration fee this year is $35 for riders and an additional $35 dollars for passengers.  Upon receipt of your registration fee, a rider's packet will be sent to you.  The packet will include information on Guide Dogs of America, pledge forms and additional needed information. Pledge fundraising can be completed individually or as a team of rider and passenger.

The minimum required pledges are $100 dollars for GDA.  Participants will receive t-shirts, run pins, and door prize opportunities for $250 in pledges. Collect $450 in pledges and receive a commemorative gift.  Those collecting $1,000 or more in pledges will receive a special commemorative gift and be eligible for prizes to be announced

Many companies offer matching gifts to employees who participate in charitable events.  You could double your pledge or donation.  Ask your sponsors and your personnel department if they have a matching gift program in addition to sponsoring you.

There will be a Sunday morning breakfast for the long ride home.  All proceeds will go to Guide Dogs of America.  The breakfast will be held at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles from 8 a.m. until 12 noon.  The Eagles Club is located at 1175 Century Drive in Dubuque.

The main hotel for the event is the Heartland Inn which is located at 4025 McDonald Drive, Dubuque, IA.  The phone number for the hotel is (563) 582-3752.  When calling Heartland Inns for reservations, ask for the "Hawgs for Dogs" block.

Other area hotels are: Best Western - 563.556.7760, Days Inn - 563.583.3297, Comfort Inn - 800.228.3006, Fairfield Inn - 563.588.2349, Glenview Motel - 563.556.2661, Julien Inn - 563.556.4200, and the Holiday Inn - 563.556.2000.

For more information, call Wayne Laufenberg (IA-NE) at 563.583.0122, Russ Wittkop (IL-IN-WI) at 920.406.1501, Steve Cohan (MN-SD-ND) at 952.496.1199 and Steve McDerman (MO) at 314.731.0603.