Gardere Surpasses $2 Million Fundraising Mark For National Multiple Sclerosis Society

June 15, 2012 - PRLog -- DALLAS/HOUSTON – With the participation of nearly 140 members of the Gardere Gearheads team in this spring’s annual Bike MS: SAM’S CLUB Ride, the attorneys and staff at Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP have surpassed the $2 million lifetime fundraising mark for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

On May 5, 2012, the Gardere Gearheads commenced the Bike MS: SAM’S CLUB Ride at Dr Pepper Park in Frisco, Texas. After pedaling 152 miles, the group finished the course the following day at Texas Motor Speedway.

The annual ride presents a unique team building opportunity for Gardere, with 2012 marking the Firm’s eighth year of participation in the North Texas event. Gearhead team members gathered to train and develop fundraising strategies months prior to the ride, which helps further the fight against multiple sclerosis.

Attorneys, staff, family members, clients, and friends of the Firm worked together to make this one of the most successful events yet. Of special note was team member Claude Treece, Gardere’s Operating Partner, who rode in both the 183-mile BP MS 150 from Houston to Austin in April and the Bike MS: SAM’S CLUB Ride in May.

This year, the fundraising total for the Gardere Gearheads has exceeded $121,000 and continues to grow. Combined with the Houston-based Team Gardere, a top 20 fundraiser in the BP MS 150, the Firm’s combined contribution for 2012 exceeds $291,000. Gardere’s lifetime cumulative contribution for both events has surpassed $2.1 million.

“I, and each of the Gearheads, had the blessing of being able to do something that many with multiple sclerosis can only dream of – riding a bike 150 miles,” says Gardere Gearheads Captain Keith Novick. “From this perspective, it was our privilege to participate in Bike MS.”

Gardere’s participation in the rides began about 12 years ago as a show of support when Firm attorney John Pearson was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. One of the team’s most dedicated members, Mr. Pearson has ridden with the team each year.

For additional information regarding the Bike MS: SAM’S CLUB Ride, the BP MS 150, and photos from both events, visit Gardere’s Community page.

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, an Am Law 200 firm founded in 1909 and one of the Southwest’s largest full-service law firms, has offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and Mexico City. Gardere provides legal services to private and public companies and individuals in areas of corporate, litigation, energy, tax, real estate, financial services, government affairs, hospitality, intellectual property, labor and employment, and environmental. For more information, contact Kristin Butler at 214.999.4843 or kbutler@gardere.com.