Felins USA Helps Milwaukee MDA Ball Raise Over $1 Million for MDA at 25th Anniversary Black-N-Blue Ball

Andrew and Lori Barrieau receive Personal Freedom Award at MDA Black-N-Blue Ball

MILWAUKEE, WI, May 21, 2018 - The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) of Southern Wisconsin celebrated the 25th anniversary of their Black-N-Blue Ball on May 18. Combined with a celebration of the 115th anniversary of presenting sponsor Harley-Davidson® Motor Company, the event raised a record $1.2 million net for research and care of 43 neuromuscular diseases and ALS.

Andrew Barrieau, Felins’ president and CEO, and wife Lori were the third recipients of the Personal Freedom Award, presented by Wille G. Davidson, recipient of the inaugural Award and grandson of Harley-Davidson co-founder William A. Davidson. The award is given to those who have exemplified extraordinary dedication and contributions to the MDA. The Barrieaus have been active members on the Black-N-Blue Steering Committee for over a decade and chaired the event in 2012, seeing it grow from less than $500 thousand to over $1 million the past three consecutive years. “It always amazes me to see how the 37th largest city in the USA shines so bright with caring hearts and incredible generosity,” said Barrieau of the event. “The MDA is committed to delivering care for those afflicted with muscular dystrophy and their families … Lori’s brother Steve has ALS and the MDA provides more resources to fund research for the ALS community than any other organization.”

Barrieau first brought Felins to the Black-N-Blue Ball in 2006. Since, the motorcycle-themed ball has become an annual tradition for the team. “Felins’ involvement with the Black-N-Blue ball has been amazing,” said Ben Vlieger, Felins’ marketing director. “It’s inspirational to be involved with an event that continues to grow and subsequently help so many people. Andy’s passion and enthusiasm for the MDA cause is truly contagious.”

The event, which features a full night of entertainment including a silent auction, children’s art auction, live auction and motorcycle raffle, has become one of the largest charitable event of its kind in the nation, attracting nearly 1,300 guests each year. “Every MDA patient will tell you what they want most, more than anything, is a cure,” explains Barrieau. “More progress has been made toward cures in the last ten years than the past fifty combined! The Black-N-Blue Ball helps make a difference!”

 

Felins USA, Inc. has manufactured bundling machines since 1921. The company specializes in sustainable packaging solutions that reduce waste and optimize productivity, offering machines for paper and plastic banding, tying, shrink wrapping, stretch wrapping, and rubber banding. For more information, call 414-355-7747 or visit www.felins.com.

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