The winner of the 2011 Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide Ultra Classic motorcycle raffled off by Guide Dogs of America (GDA) is Tim Tietz of Huntington Beach, CA, a 29-year member of IAM Local Lodge 1484.
Tietz, a journeyman refrigeration mechanic at International Transportation Service in the Port of Long Beach, said he usually doesn’t buy raffle tickets. But when he and his brother rode to the Desert Heat motorcycle event in Palm Springs last month, he bought five tickets at the GDA booth set up there.
“I received a call Saturday night from [GDA President] Dale Hartford,” explained Tietz, “and I just couldn’t believe I won. I thought ‘this has to be a joke.’” Tietz called his brother, who went on GDA’s website and verified that the drawing had just been held. Tietz said he still had doubts until he saw his name on the website yesterday.
“My daughters are really excited,” said Tietz. “It won’t hit me ‘til I’m riding it home.” Tietz said he thought GDA was a good program, and added, “I’m happy the IAM supports them.”
The Tri-Glide Ultra Classic motorcycle was donated by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company and customized by Legends Vintage Motorcycles as a fundraiser for GDA. All proceeds from the raffle go directly to Guide Dogs of America and their mission to provide professionally-trained guide dogs, free of charge, to blind and visually-impaired individuals.
