Hanover Residents Create 'Tree of Life' to Raise Money for MDA

Langhorne, Pa, December 19, 2015—A Langhorne, PA, motorcycle dealership recently turned its showroom floor into a makeshift art studio and gallery. Brian Bentley of Brian’s Harley Davidson invited three young people living with Muscular Dystrophy to paint the “Tree of Life.” The paintings will be auctioned during his March 2016 Black and Blue Ball to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)

Among the young artists was Anastasia Corp, 13, of Hanover, York County, PA. Corp was diagnosed with Ocular Myasthenia Gravis, a type of muscular dystrophy in that weakens her eye muscles, when she was three-years-old.

“She doesn’t let her disease stop her from being a ‘normal’ child,” says her mother Karen Corp. A straight ‘A’ student, the young artist enjoys cheerleading, chorus and show choir. The Muscular Dystrophy Association Ambassador has helped educate people about the disease with Bentley (through public speaking and media events) since 2008. Mrs. Corp says Anastasia’s condition is in remission, but could come back suddenly or get worse with a trauma—such as a car accident or having a baby in the future.

Bentley is hoping to inspire other businesses to get involved by donating goods and services to auction at his benefit this spring. Brian’s Harley Davidson already received a few gifts, including a pair of $1,000 diamond earrings. Doylestown Gold Exchange and Jewelers will hide the single pair of expensive earrings among 50 glasses of wine, 49 of which will contain identical $30 cubic zirconia earrings. “We hope when businesses like this are considering their end-of-year charitable-giving for tax deductions, they’ll consider supporting these kids,” says Bentley.

To donate items for auction, or provide a financial sponsorship, visit www.phlblacknblue.org, or call 215-752-9400.

Open to the public on Saturday, March 19, the cocktail and dinner charity ball features live and silent auctions, a DJ dance party, and performance by Motivational Speaker and Comedian, Brett Leake. Leake was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy in 1991. Cost is $130 per person. Proceeds benefit MDA.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Brian’s Harley-Davidson’s website at www.brianshd.com, or call 215-752-9400.