Hospice & Harleys Hot On Fox News New York

Hospice & Harleys Hot On Fox News New York

Last night's prime time television appearance by a group of New Zealand Harley riders in New York has resulted in a huge international profile for Palmerston North’s Arohanui Hospice. Roger Clausen and four friends made an appearance on the world renowned television station FOX NEWS WNYW 5 in New York, at the peak viewing time of 10.40pm. Their unique appearance lasted for almost 10 mins. The opportunity for the Kiwi group to appear on the program was engineered by Harleys Across America media advisor Kev Loughlin, who established strong personal links with the network after he saw how popular the nightly news program was in New York.

Mr Loughlin then convinced the Assignment editors at the huge American news network to have Mr Clausen and his group of Harley riders all appear with their bikes on the program. The television network expressed particular interest in the Hospice appeal, and they wanted to offer their millions of viewers the opportunity to make a donation to the cause, via the Internet, said Mr Loughlin. Accordingly the Kiwi group went to the New York studios of Fox News, and preparations were made for a semi choreographed arrival of each of the 4 bikes, their riders and a passenger to be filmed live to air, with comments from Roger Clausen.

Such was the interest by the news, sports and weather anchors on the station that the appearance by the Kiwi riders took on an era of spontaneity, and became a lot of fun for everyone. There was a great atmosphere existing among all the production crew, said Mr Loughlin. The weather anchor sat on Roger's bike and did the forecast; he wore the Hospice jacket, discussed Palmerston North, the ride across America, the Hospice, and the appeal. And to top it all off they ran the Harleys Across America website across the screen inviting viewers to make a donation direct online. This huge profile for the Hospice may have a significant impact on the final appeal total, said Mr Loughlin. It’s believed to be the biggest achievement yet by any New Zealand organisation in arranging for a major US television network to put high profile on New Zealand in their news programs. The website for making donations to the Hospice Appeal online is www.stephenparsons.houseoftravel.co.nz/harley then click on Newsletters, then click on Roger Clausens website, to make a direct donation online.

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