Jul 23, 2009
MS Motorcycle Ride Grand Marshal Revved Up And Ready
Sean O'Leary, Communications Specialist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MS Motorcycle Ride Grand Marshal Revved Up And Ready
HARTFORD, Conn. – In what is quickly becoming a rite of summer, WFSB Channel 3 Eyewitness News anchor Kevin Hogan will once again serve as grand marshal for the 2009 MS Motorcycle Ride.
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| Channel 3 Eyewitness News anchor Kevin Hogan addresses the crowd at the 2008 MS Motorcycle Ride. Hogan will again serve as the grand marshal for the 2009 MS Motorcycle Ride Sunday, Aug. 2, at the Cadillac Ranch in Southington. This year’s ride features a 50-mile route through Connecticut’s scenic countryside and ends with boot scootin’ festivities, lunch by Outback Steakhouse and a performance by award-nominated band Lick. |
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter hosts the 9th annual MS Motorcycle Ride on Sunday, Aug. 2. The 2009 ride, featuring boot scootin’ festivities, lunch by Outback Steakhouse and a performance by award-nominated band Lick, will start and finish at Cadillac Ranch in Southington.
Hogan is marking his fifth year as the MS Motorcycle Ride grand marshal as he initially saddled up to ride in 2005.
“Riding is a passion,” said Hogan. “It’s great when we can bring the biking community together for a worthy cause. There is no cure for MS. When we band together great things can happen. Each person’s support and contribution to the cause helps to make a difference in the lives of those in our state living with multiple sclerosis.”
In addition to being a staple at the MS Motorcycle Ride, Hogan has been a fixture in Connecticut homes providing the news for more than 30 years. In 1979, Hogan began anchoring morning programs in New Haven on WELI-AM with veteran broadcaster Ron Rohmer. A year later, he became news director at radio stations WAVZ and WKCI in New Haven, during which time he won several broadcast awards from the Associated Press and the Radio Television News Director’s Association.
In 1997, Channel 3 Eyewitness News selected Hogan to take on the role of special correspondent to cover the Pope John Paul II’s historic trip to Cuba, after which time he became a permanent part of the Eyewitness News team, working as an anchor and reporter.
Hogan is currently an anchor for Channel 3 Eyewitness News and is the station’s New London bureau chief.
Multiple sclerosis is a potentially debilitating autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown and there currently is no cure. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, loss of mobility and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.
Funds raised through chapter events, such as the MS Motorcycle Ride, ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to more than 6,000 Connecticut residents living with the unpredictable and potentially debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis.
The ride traverses a 50-mile route through Connecticut’s breathtaking countryside and quaint back roads. The ride features a cookout and finish line activities that include live music, vendors, drawings for prizes and much more.
Pre-registration is $30 per biker and $20 per passenger. Registration the day of the event is $35 per riders and $25 per passenger. Registration fees include the finish line cookout by Outback Steakhouse. There is a $10 per person fee for those who do not wish to ride but who would like to take part in the finish line festivities to include the cookout. Event day registration begins at 9:30 a.m. The ride kick starts from Cadillac Ranch at 11 a.m. Cadillac Ranch is located at 45 Jude Lane in Southington. Learn more by visiting: www.caddyranch.com.
The 2009 ride is expected to raise about $50,000. Bikers are encouraged to form motorcycle teams and raise funds. For more details on the 2009 MS Motorcycle Ride, please tune to WFSB-TV Channel 3 Eyewitness News or Country 92.5 FM or go to www.ctfightsMS.org.
7/23/09
Sean O'Leary
Communications Specialist
National MS Society - Connecticut Chapter
659 Tower Avenue, First Floor
Hartford, CT 06112
tel 860.913.2550, ext. 249
soleary@ctfightsMS.org
www.ctfightsMS.org