Life is unpredictable. You never know who you’re going to meet, what they have to offer, or where it could take you. As a bit of a risk taker, when an opportunity presents itself I am known to jump on it. So, when I got wind that a connection of mine had access to the Jay Leno Tsunami Relief Harley, I was all in.
A little bit of history …
This stunning white Harley was originally featured on the Jay Leno set. As visitors came on his show, they would admire his ride and then sign their name. All said and done the motorcycle now has 67 signatures, including famous personalities such as George H.W. Bush, William J. Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, and future president, Donald Trump.
In 2005 this highly sought after Harley was purchased by Waste Management, Inc. for a whopping $800,100. All of the proceeds went to the Red Cross International Disaster Fund to benefit Tsunami victims in Southeast Asian. Later that year Waste Management, Inc. decided to auction the bike off again. This time to support the Bush Clinton Katrina Fund. The highest bidder was John O’Quinn, an avid car collector, Houston attorney, and passionate philanthropist. The price tag … $1,000,000.
In 2009, John O’Quinn passed away in a tragic car accident and the majority of his assets went to auction. Years later this infamous bike has found it’s way to Cincinnati. And through the power of social media, I was lucky enough to stumble upon it.
And the brainstorming began …
This particular motorcycle is unlike any other bike. It has a remarkable story. And, it’s helped so many people all around the world. At first glance my mind started spinning. How could I merge jewelry and motorcycles to support another good cause?! Lightbulb, Room 750!
If you haven’t been to our store Room 750 is a space at Yelton Fine Jewelers that is dedicated to high-end jewelry as well as giving back to charities that we believe in. The theme of the room changes every quarter and the current theme is “Rock & Roll Into the New Year”, so the bike was a perfect fit!
Well, everyone, the bike arrived last Saturday. All I have to say is … WOW. It’s a beauty, and it’s so cool to see so many famous signatures all in one place. We feel so lucky to have it at the store and we hope that we can help find its next owner. That’s right, the Harley is for sale! Any reasonable offer will be entertained, and as a bonus, Yelton will make a charitable donation to any organization that the buyer chooses!
Stop by the store, check out Room 750, admire this gorgeous bike, and help us pay it forward.