Raleigh outfits the MS Bike Tour in style It started two years ago with a former employee and his cycling team. Raleigh America supplied the bicycles for the riders, several of whom have MS, and through that sponsorship, developed a commitment to the cause.
As if the classy new look wasn’t enough, the bicycle company also donated four Supercourse road bikes as fundraising and raffle prizes. At its annual meeting earlier this fall, the Chapter recognized Raleigh’s contribution by designating the company as Corporate Partner of the Year. “What Raleigh did for us was single-handedly take on the prize structure for the MS Bike Tour,” Chapter President Patricia Shepherd-Barnes said before presenting the award to Reed Pike, Raleigh’s director of marketing. “It was very nice to be recognized as Corporate Partner of the Year,” Reed said later. “But the real honor was working with volunteers and staff and helping to make the event a success.” Reed said Raleigh’s increased involvement was aimed at getting even more of the cycling community involved in the scenic, two-day MS Bike Tour, which has grown in stature as it has quadrupled in size. Among those on the course this year were the 12 riders, including Reed, in Raleigh’s own corporate team. Raleigh America is a division of Raleigh Bicycles and one of the five top bicycle companies in the United States. The Chapter’s cycling event, Reed says, has become the Kent-based company’s largest philanthropic effort. “It’s local; it’s a bicycle ride, and it’s something that, over time, we’ve just developed a passion for,” he says. Honoring the stand-outs of 2007 At the Greater Washington Chapter’s annual meeting earlier this fall, we recognized a few of the many supporters and Chapter members who make a difference in the lives of so many. Hats off to: BRENT CURRAN, Merriman Berkman Next MS Bike Tour Team, 2007 Distinguished Service Award Read more MS Connection articles
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