CONTACT: Laureen Lucas, The Company of Others, 713-867-3248 or Cell 832-671-8787; [email protected]
or Laura Ying, The Company of Others, 713-867-3178 or Cell 713-962-9300; [email protected];
Gena Hyde, Regional Director, Communications, National MS Society, 713-394-2956; [email protected]
For Immediate Release
Cyclists Pedal to Create World Free of MS
in 31st Annual BP MS 150
Country’s Largest Charity Bike Ride Benefiting Multiple Sclerosis Aims to Raise $20 million
HOUSTON, Feb. 17, 2015 – An estimated 13,000 cyclists, in addition to thousands of volunteers and
supporters, from around the world will unite for the 31st Annual BP MS 150 Bike Ride, benefiting the National
Multiple Sclerosis Society, on April 18-19, 2015. The annual two-day, 180-mile trek from Houston to Austin is
the largest fundraising event of its kind in North America, and the largest fundraiser for multiple sclerosis in the
world. Ride organizers aim to raise $21 million in 2015 to help support cutting-edge research and provide
programs and services to individuals and families impacted by MS.
Since the ride’s inception in 1985, the event has seen monumental growth and change, but has remained
focused on one vision: creating a world free of MS. While the minimum pledge amount is $400 per rider, many
participants exceed this amount with the average rider contributing more than $1,200. Last year the Society’s
Club 300, which makes up the top 300 individual BP MS 150 fundraisers, accounted for $5.1 million of the total
funds raised in 2014.
“Every year we’re moved by the incredible enthusiasm of the cyclists, volunteers and supporters who join the
Society in doing something about MS now,” said Kelli Dreiling, Vice President of Development of the National
Multiple Sclerosis Society. “Our goal is to help people affected by MS live their best lives now as we stop MS in
its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever. In the last three decades, the BP MS 150 has
generated nearly $205 million in fundraising which helps fuel our impact in reaching this goal.”
The BP MS 150 is a fundraising event, not a race, and therefore attracts seasoned and novice cyclists. To
maintain safety on the road and uphold the integrity of the ride, the BP MS 150 limits participation to 13,000
cyclists. The event is also supported by 3,500 volunteers.
For the 15th consecutive year, BP will serve as title sponsor of the annual ride. BP and Team BP riders have
contributed more than $15 million for MS research and programs and maintain the largest BP MS 150 team
with an average of 600 members.
“BP has been a proud sponsor of the BP MS 150 for 15 years, and we remain just as excited to be a part of
this great event and worthy cause as we were in the beginning,” said Richard Morrison, BP regional president,
Gulf of Mexico. “I know Team BP, as the largest team and fundraiser, will be back again in force this year, and
I strongly encourage anyone still thinking about riding to sign up – and help keep moving us all closer toward
creating a world free of MS."
Cyclists will begin the journey in Houston on Saturday, April 18, and finish in downtown Austin in front of the
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum near the State Capitol on Sunday, April 19, following an overnight
celebration in La Grange. The BP MS 150 is one of five outstanding fundraising rides in Texas hosted by the
National MS Society. These rides are regarded by cyclists as the premier rides in the state, with experienced
management, well-coordinated routes and special attention to rider safety and comfort. There are more than 20
BP MS 150 recommended rides to help cyclists prepare for the event. Visit BPMS150.net to learn more about
the route, register to ride, volunteer or donate. The 2015 registration fee is $130. Riders must meet the $400
minimum fundraising requirement prior to picking up their registration rider packets. To engage with others
-more-
Page 2/2, 2015 BP MS 150 Press Release
interested in the ride and passionate about the movement of creating a world free of MS, visit
facebook.com/BPMS150BikeRide, follow the ride on Twitter @BPMS150 and use the hashtag #BPMS150.
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system, interrupts the flow
of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Symptoms range from numbness and
tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person
cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS.
Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more
women than men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 2.3 million worldwide.
About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of
everyone affected by MS. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change
through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world,
and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives
forward. In 2014, the Society invested $51.5 million to advance more than 380 research projects around the
world in order to stop MS in its tracks, restore function that has been lost and end MS forever. Through its
comprehensive nation-wide network of programs and services, it also helped more than one million people
affected by MS connect to the people, information and resources needed to live their best lives. The Society
is dedicated to achieving a world free of MS. Join the movement at www.nationalMSsociety.org.
About BP
Over the past 10 years, BP has invested more than $90 billion in the U.S. – more than any other energy
company. BP is a leading producer of oil and gas and provides enough energy annually to light nearly the
entire country for a year. Employing more than 18,000 people in all 50 states, BP supports around 200,000
additional jobs through all of its business activities. For more information, go to www.bp.com/us.
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