Yamaha Sponsors Sixth Annual
True American Heroes Weekend Hosted By Kenny Roberts;
Donates Yamaha FJ-09 Motorcycle To Benefit Auction
Modesto, CA – For the sixth consecutive year, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., is proud to sponsor the True American Heroes Weekend, a fundraising event held at Kenny Roberts’ legendary ranch in Modesto, California, to benefit “Welcome Home Heroes” and the Cpl. Michael D. Anderson Jr. Memorial Foundation.
Yamaha has also donated a brand-new FJ-09 Supersport Touring motorcycle to the True American Heroes Benefit Auction. The FJ-09 has been customized and transformed into a “KR Special” Adventure Rally bike, complete with classic Yamaha yellow-and-black livery, off-road lighting package, and much more.
The bike was designed and fabricated by Team Roberts, with parts and technical assistance provided by Saddlemen; Cycle Gear; Öhlins USA; Buchanan’s Spoke & Rim, Inc.; Don Serrano Custom Paint; AltRider.com; Braap Shop Yamaha; Honda Kawasaki of Modesto; Clearwater Lights; Black Tie Transportation; Motodemic; Motion Pro; Higdonion.com; Cognito Moto; Thad Wolff; John Stark; Matt Borup; Glenn Stasky; Justin Gray; Daniel Martinez; and Brian Turfrey. Stay tuned for a photo and more details about this one-of-a-kind motorcycle next week.
Co-sponsoring the Sixth Annual True American Heroes Weekend is Wells Fargo, and the event will be attended by Wells Fargo Relationship Manager Paul Puma.
True American Heroes Benefit Dinner
The centerpiece of the Sixth Annual True American Heroes Weekend is the Benefit Dinner, which will be held on Friday, May 12 beginning at 4:00 PM at Kenny Roberts’ ranch.
Guest Of Honor for the Dinner is United States Navy Lieutenant Commander Kristopher J. Nastro of the “Kestrels” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-137).
Master of Ceremonies for the Dinner is actor, long-time motorcyclist, and American Motorcyclist Association Board of Directors Member Perry King.
Special Guests at the Dinner include four-time Motorcycle Grand Prix World Champion Eddie Lawson, Motorcycle Grand Prix World Champion Kenny Roberts Junior, six-time AMA Motocross National Champion Broc Glover, three-time AMA Motocross National Champion Marty Smith, three-time AMA Grand National Champion Bubba Shobert, actress and number-one Kenny Roberts fan Bo Derek, and actor Kevyn Major Howard, who starred in the blockbuster movie “Full Metal Jacket”. There will also be a special video message from three-time Motorcycle Grand Prix World Champion Wayne Rainey (who is unable to attend the Dinner in person because of his MotoAmerica commitments at VIRginia International Raceway).
Seating for the True American Heroes Dinner is very limited, and tickets are $600 per person. To attend, call Michael Utt at 209-765-9317 or send an email to [email protected] or [email protected].
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at 1150 Ninth Street in Modesto is the official hotel of the Sixth Annual True American Heroes Weekend. To make room reservations, go to:
http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/D/DSTO-DT-KRW-20170508/index.jhtml
Guests will be transported from The DoubleTree to Kenny Roberts’ ranch where they’ll get a personal tour of Kenny’s private museum, followed by dinner catered by celebrated chef Alan Greeley, owner of The Golden Truffle in Costa Mesa, CA.
True American Heroes Benefit Auction
After the True American Heroes Dinner on Friday night, Steve Haworth, Auctioneer, will conduct a live auction right at King Kenny’s ranch to benefit Welcome Home Heroes. Along with the brand-new Yamaha FJ-09 KR Special Adventure/Rally bike up for bids, the Auction will also include Team Roberts memorabilia, other signed racing-related items, bronze statues, paintings, and other motorsports merchandise.
13th Annual Cpl. Michael D. Anderson, Jr. May Day Memorial Ride
As a special follow-up to the True American Heroes Dinner, the 13th Annual Cpl. Michael D. Anderson, Jr. May Day Memorial Ride will be held the next day on Saturday, May 13. The Ride will begin in the parking lot of Mitchell’s Modesto Harley-Davidson, 500 North Carpenter Road
Modesto, CA. Registration is from 7 to 9:30 AM, and kickstands go up at 10 AM.
Kenny Roberts and several other American motorcycle racing heroes are scheduled to ride in the event aboard motorcycles provided by Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. The ride is free and open to the public, and hundreds of Marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen are expected to attend.
From its start in Modesto to its completion at Ironstone Vineyards in historic Murphys, CA, the Memorial Ride will be escorted by motorcycle units from the Modesto Police Department, the Stanislaus Sheriff’s Department, and the California Highway Patrol, ensuring a safe and uninterrupted run through central California’s Gold Country.
At the Memorial Ride’s conclusion at Ironstone Vineyards, there will be a special Salute To Peacemakers, Peacekeepers and Protectors, along with live music and a barbecue.
About Welcome Home Heroes
Welcome Home Heroes is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation organized to provide assistance to local Central California veterans of the U.S. military in their transition from active duty to private life. Last year, the True American Heroes Dinner and Cpl. Michael D. Anderson, Jr. Memorial Ride raised more than $135,000. Visit TrueAmericanHero.org or WelcomeHomeHeroes.org for more information.