Yamaha Sponsoring True American Heroes Weekend For Third Consecutive Year

For the third consecutive year, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., will be the title sponsor for the Yamaha True American Heroes Weekend, a fundraising event held at Kenny Roberts’ legendary ranch in Modesto, California, to benefit “Welcome Home Heroes” and the Cpl. Michael D. Anderson Jr. Memorial Foundation. The announcement was made by Bob Starr, General Manager of Communications for Yamaha’s Motorsports Group.

True American Heroes Benefit Concert

On Thursday evening, May 8 at 7:30 PM, the Weekend kicks off with the True American Heroes Benefit Concert featuring The John Corbett Band playing live at the Fat Cat in Modesto, CA. Tickets for the concert are $20 when purchased in advance online or $25 at the door. The admission price includes three drinks, and all proceeds will go to Welcome Home Heroes.

True American Heroes Benefit Dinner

The centerpiece of the Yamaha True American Heroes Weekend is the Benefit Dinner, which will be held on Friday, May 9 beginning at 4:00 PM at Kenny Roberts’ ranch. King Kenny will be joined at the Dinner by guests Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts Junior, Mert Lawwill, and Kurtis Roberts.

Also joining King Kenny and the other five motorcycle-racing superstars at the Dinner will be actress, friend, and number-one Kenny Roberts fan Bo Derek. Derek attended last year’s dinner and had such a good time that she R.S.V.P.ed early to attend this year’s dinner.

Other Hollywood notables joining Bo Derek this year include actor and country singer John Corbett, along with Kevyn Major Howard, who is best known for his role as “Rafterman” in the movie “Full Metal Jacket.”

Distinguished guests attending the Dinner include Bruce Brown and his son Dana. Bruce is best known as the producer, director, and narrator of the iconic 1971 Oscar-nominated film “On Any Sunday.” Also, representatives of America’s military elite, including Sergeant Major Jon Cavaiani (U.S. Army, retired) who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valorous action in the Republic of Vietnam, will be among the invited guests at the dinner.

Seating for the True American Heroes Dinner is very limited, and tickets are $500 per person. To attend, call Michael at 209-765-9317 or email your inquiry to Info@KennyRoberts.com or Info@TrueAmericanHero.org.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at 1150 9th Street in Modesto is the official hotel of the Third Annual True American Heroes Dinner. Guests can call 209-526-6000 and make room reservations under “Welcome Home Heroes.” Or, to make reservations online, go to http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-modesto-DSTO-DT/index.html and use code “WHH”.

Guests will be transported from The DoubleTree to the Roberts Ranch where they’ll get a personal tour of Kenny’s private museum located right at the ranch, followed by central California’s finest ranch barbecue.

True American Heroes Benefit Auction

After the True American Heroes Dinner on Friday night, Justin Trick from Mulrooney Auction Company will conduct a live auction right at King Kenny’s ranch to benefit Welcome Home Heroes. Featured items up for bid will include Team Roberts memorabilia, other signed racing-related items, and lots of additional motorsports merchandise.

10th Annual Cpl. Michael D. Anderson, Jr. Memorial Ride

As a special follow-up to the True American Heroes Dinner, the 10th Annual Cpl. Michael D. Anderson, Jr. Memorial Ride will be held the next day on Saturday, May 10. Kenny Roberts and several other American motorcycle racing heroes are scheduled to ride in the event aboard Star Motorcycles provided by Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. The ride is free and open to the public, and hundreds of Marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen are expected to attend.

From its start in Modesto to its completion in the historic mining community of Jamestown, the Memorial Ride will be escorted by motorcycle units from the Modesto Police Department, the Stanislaus Sheriff’s Department, and the California Highway Patrol, ensuring a safe and uninterrupted run through central California’s spectacular Mother Lode foothills.

Visit TrueAmericanHero.org for more information.

By Troy Siahaan