Minneapolis
- As part of its annual summer sales meeting and its
presence at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Polaris Industries, Victory
Motorcycles and the company's dealers donated $154,125 to the Wounded Warrior
Project (WWP). The donation was part of Polaris' continuing relationship with
the WWP, an organization that raises awareness and aids injured servicemen and
women. Earlier this year, Polaris also gave away three special, blacked-out Ranger
RZR XP 4 900 side-by-side vehicles to WWP veterans.
"Our relationship with the Wounded Warrior Project allows
Polaris and our dealers to support the men and women who selflessly sacrifice
for our nation through their military service," Scott Wine, Polaris Industries
CEO, said. "We consider it an honor and a privilege to partner with the Wounded
Warrior Project, an organization that lends a hand to those who merit it most.
We hope this donation helps these brave men and women return to the rich,
active lives they truly deserve."
On the opening night of the company's summer sales meetings,
Polaris announced it would donate $25 to WWP for each rider that rode an
all-terrain vehicle or side-by-side at the Polaris demo track, a winding set of
man-made dirt trails intended to provide dealers with a chance to experience
riding the latest Polaris products. That promise led to $44,500 in donations,
powered by more than 1,700 demo rides.
The following week, at the 72nd edition of the legendary
motorcycle rally at Sturgis, a year-long effort from Polaris-owned Victory
Motorcycles and its dealers culminated when Steve Menneto, Polaris' vice
president of motorcycles, announced that Victory would contribute an additional
$100,000 to WWP. The money represented an incredible number of demo rides
conducted throughout the year at Victory dealerships as the brand challenged
consumers with the phrase "Ride One and You'll Own One," then backed it up with
the promise of donations to WWP for each ride.
In addition to donations made by Polaris and Victory, the company
offered dealers the opportunity to contribute to WWP as well. More than 100 Polaris
dealers combined to generously add $9,625 of their own money, bringing the
donation total to $154,125.
To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.com.