San Diego, September 29, 2011 -- Pardee Homes reports that more than $19,000 was raised by their Challenge MS Walk: Southern California team for research into the cause and cure of multiple sclerosis. The Pardee team which included volunteers from all levels within the company, including a senior vice president, retirees and one dedicated employee who has MS, participated in the three-day, 50 mile walk along the San Diego coastline from Carlsbad to downtown San Diego.
“Team Pardee Homes is still working hard for MS after eight years of participation in this challenging event,” said Judi Bruner, marketing coordinator and team captain for Pardee Homes. “Our team is always up for this challenge and we look forward to a strong campaign again next year in our efforts to raise money earmarked for cutting-edge medical research and important local MS programs.”
The Challenge Walk MS raised close to $1 million overall, with Pardee Homes ranking as top corporate team. In addition to Pardee’s success at fundraising, the company also sponsored the most popular rest stop of the three-day event, where Pardee employees cheered on walkers, passed out refreshing California Quivers® fresh fruit ice beverages and welcomed two special visitors--Pardee’s President and CEO, Mike McGee, and Larry Burrows, Senior Vice President of Weyerhaeuser Wood Products and ‘Volunteer Champion’ for Weyerhaeuser, Pardee’s corporate parent.
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Team Pardee Homes was excited to welcome Burrows to watch them in action after the company won a corporate “Win for Others” challenge earlier this year that
encouraged volunteer recognition through Weyerhaeuser’s ‘Giving Funds’ Facebook page. The winning company, Pardee Homes, was treated to a day of Mr. Burrow’s service at the nonprofit of their choice, and that choice was the Challenge Walk MS.
“We were truly inspired by Mr. Burrow’s dedication and willingness to roll up his sleeves and cheer MS walkers on as they climbed the final hill of the first day’s walk,” said Sandra Kitashima, corporate communications manager. “It is a good feeling to know that our parent company and our president, Mike McGee, are so supportive of our efforts. With eight years of commitment to the National MS Society through participation in the Challenge Walk, we feel we have really made a valuable contribution to moving closer to a world free of multiple sclerosis having raised more than $310,000 overall for the MS Society.”
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The Pardee Homes team members were among some 215 walkers who participated in the challenge to help bring the National Multiple Sclerosis Society closer to a cure. The Society’s research efforts have resulted in improved diagnosis, important new treatments and enhanced rehabilitation for all forms of MS.
“Corporate teams like Pardee Homes are vital to the Society because they inspire others to donate, volunteer and even join the walk themselves,” said Rich Israel, president of the Pacific South Coast Chapter. “We value Pardee Homes’ many years of participation in the Challenge Walk and thank them for serving as ambassadors of the National MS Society as they help increase awareness and move us closer to a world free of multiple sclerosis.”
“Pardee Homes’ employees are known for working together to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Mike McGee, Pardee Homes’ president and CEO. “Our team demonstrated incredible commitment, just like they do every day on the job for Pardee Homes. It was an honor to cheer them on, along with the hundreds of other walkers, who are so selfless in their efforts to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.”
For more information go to www.pardeehomes.com
or for more information about Challenge Walk MS visit www.myMSchallenge.com.
