Summer Events Raise Big Dollars For Area Hospital [PHOTOS]

An area business decided to host a series of events during the summer of 2015. They hoped to raise $20,000 for the University of Iowa Children's Hospital in the process. They ended up raising much more.

Metro Harley-Davidson hosted "Motor Madness" four times this summer and ended up raising $62,500 dollars for the University of Iowa Children's Hospital with a motorcycle giveaway, via a raffle. Metro hosted a wrap-up party last night at Wild Hogs Saloon and Eatery in Walford and Metro Harley-Davidson owner Jarod Bowman announced the amount of money raised and presented a check to a representative from the University of Iowa Children's Hospital in Iowa City.

Bowman gave an emotional speech about his reason for wanting to raise money for the hospital, saying he and his wife were forever indebted to the hospital for their daughter's health. He asked those in attendance how many had been personally affected by the hospital and hands shot up everywhere. Bowman also brought all of his employees up to the stage and recognized them for their hard work hosting the event and raising such a large amount of money. Jarod also pointed out that at the final event, they sold around $9,000 in raffle tickets in the final 30 minutes before the motorcycle giveaway. That put them well over $60,000. Originally, he had hoped the four events would be able to garner $20,000 for the hospital, but obviously more than tripled that total.

There was one other announcement last night. "Motor Madness" will return in 2016. That was met with a roar of approval from the crowd, equaled only by the cheer that went up when Bowman unveiled the check to the crowd. He didn't indicate what the fundraising goal will be next year, but rest assured they'll be looking to exceed the $62,500 of year one.