Dale sent a message to Matthew S. Levatich – President and Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. – Email Address that said:
Mr. Levatich, My name is Dale , I am the step-father of Brandon Ferreira.
On February 8th of 2015 he was hit by a drunk driver, he broke and dislocated his neck causing a severe spinal cord injury leaving my 22 year old son as a quadriplegic. Since this horrific event we have been told that a quadriplegic first years care will be in excess of 750,000.00 and subsequently 70,000.00 each year after and we would need to do annual fundraising.
We (Our family) has tried to fund-raise to help Brandon get the equipment, the vehicle and medical treatments he will continue to need the rest of his life. I have found many hurdles in this quest and have read many fundraising event strategies, for bowling events, 5-K runs, car shows, dinner events and raffles. We did a small local event and we had some success but nothing substantial enough to help with this overwhelming burden.
I was hoping to start an annual motorcycle raffle because I see the potential to help raise the annual funds needed for his care. I have found that most corporate business all have dedicated charities that they generously give to, this has been one of the toughest problems to overcome. Brandon was not born with this he did not come down with a life altering ailment and he had not been injured serving in the military, all of these have so much more help for someone in those circumstances, there is nothing out there which his situation falls under.
This life changing event has devastated our family , physically ( Brandon), emotionally, psychologically and financially,.
I am kindling asking for some help maybe in the form of a motorcycle donated to start off our annual event, and then each year after we would use some of what has been raised to purchase another Harley Davidson to raffle off, this kind of a kick start would be a tremendous help for our cause, Brandon has a fund held by Help HOPE Live and they are a 501(c)3 and this is where the monies would be held for his medical needs.
I was a Harley Owner since 2001 when I purchased my 1200C which I have sold to help with our finances for the time being, but hope to one day get a new Street Glide or Ultra Classic, so I do know the quality and reputation of the Harley Davidson brand first hand and know many people do participate in this type of fundraiser just for the chance to win their own Harley. I have seen your newer alliance with the UFC I have watched The Ultimate Fighter since it began, and like the fact you sponsor one of my favorite shows, You get a great piece of advertising from them and I'm sure that is one reason you give the winning fighters and the coaches new Harley Davidson Motorcycles. Brandon is one of the biggest FIGHTERS I know. If you were to help us I would be more than happy to make sure to give the Harley Davidson Brand the kudos and attention you would want from making such a generous gift.
I have never made this type of request and hope I am not offending anyone for going about it in this manner, but I am none to proud to ask and would not hesitate to try anything to help my son be able to have a little better life after suffering such a major injury at the hands of someone else.
Mr. Levatich , Have a wonderful day and Thank You for your time and consideration. ho[pe to hear back from you.
Dale
