When Michael Murphy of Seymour, Iowa, was handed the keys to the E85-powered "Renewable Energy Chopper" during the halftime of the September 15th Iowa vs. Iowa State football game, he wasn't the only beneficiary of the "Join the Ride, Iowa" raffle. The Iowa Farm Bureau donated all proceeds --$113, 357.51 -- from the summer long campaign and raffle (tickets were $10 each) to the American Lung Association of Iowa's Clean Air Choice program. The custom designed motorcycle, valued at $100,000, was created by the Teutel family, the colorful stars of the "American Choppers" cable television series. Two episodes on the making of the Renewable Energy Chopper are scheduled to air on The Learning Channel on October 11 and October 18.

Accepting the check on behalf of the American Lung Association of Iowa was Roger Kuhle, chairman of the Des Moines-based nonprofit's Leadership Board. Also participating in the halftime ceremony was Jessica Zopf, program manager for the Clean Air Choice program, a public-private partnership which focuses on reducing air pollution in Iowa and other upper Midwest states through the use of cleaner fuels and better vehicle technologies.

"The moment I saw this bike being unveiled at the Iowa Speedway in Ames by Paul Sr. and his sons Paul Jr. and Mikey, I knew people would be lining up to buy a ticket to win this one-of-a-kind, environmental-friendly motorcycle," said Harold Wimmer, CEO of the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest. "I want to thank everyone who bought a ticket, and especially thank the Iowa Farm Bureau for their generosity and support. We will use the money to help promote the use of cleaner-burning fuels such as E85 and biodiesel in Iowa."

For more details on the Lung Association's program, E85 fueling outlets or flex-fuel vehicles that can use E85 or gasoline, visit CleanAirChoice.org or call the American Lung Association of Iowa at (515) 309-9507.

Pictured left to right: Craig Lang, President of the Iowa Farm Bureau and Michael Murphy of Seymour Iowa.

The Iowa Clean Air Choice Team is a group consisting of General Motors, Iowa Biodiesel Board, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Kum & Go, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Siouxland Energy.

If you have questions regarding lung health, please contact the American Lung Association Helpline at 1-800-548-8252 or visit the Lung HelpLine. Our registered nurses, respiratory therapist, and smoking cessation specialists are standing by to take your call 7 am to 9 pm (CST).

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