Biography Book September 6th – 9th, 2012 Colorado Springs, Colorado
2012 Tour of Champions Statistics 79 TOC Qualifiers 20 new TOC Qualifiers 20 Female Qualifiers 59 Male Qualifiers 12 Team Captains Total raised by TOCers - $1,462, 540 Average raised per TOCer - $18,513 Youngest qualifier is13 years old and raised $13,430 Oldest qualifier is 76 years old and raised $25,900 Most represented bike teams: ConocoPhillips – 11 Team BP – 7 Houstonian Hammerheads – 6 Team GLO - 5
Attendees are from: Houston - 65 Austin - 5 San Antonio - 4 Dallas - 3 Albuquerque - 1 Amarillo - 1
Table of Contents Qualifiers & Guests Jesus Arellano & Linda Arellano Ron Bartnett & Sheri Bartnett Marshall Bendalin & Barbara Bendalin Chris Berry Jenifer Booth & Patrick Devine David Bumbaugh & Melanie Lacy John Campbell Melanie Capps Melinda Carey & Chris Carey Angie Carl & David Carl George Carter & Eva Biering Guy Clumpner & Julie Kenfield Marshall Cohen & Jan Cohen Craig Davis & Paula Davis Michael Davis Cynthia Dopjera & James Doyle Travis Ehrhardt & Becky Ehrhardt Jeffrey Foltz Keith Grothaus & Mary Lou Grothaus Kurt Haaland Scott Harlan Andrew Herman Stephen High & Andrea Shull Mindi Horwitch Michael Hurd & Lynette Giallonardo Robert Ittner & Linda Ittner Nabil Joubran & Rita Joubran Donald Kendall Jr. & Mike Parmet Larry Knox & Sheri Knox Andy Kogut & William Roberts George Laflin & Pam Laflin Larry Laine & Connie Laine Mark LeBlanc Joe Leone & Dee Leone Mark Livingston & Lisa Livingston Leonardo Magallon & Malena Magallon William Malone & Leona Malone Gregory Marcarelli Hans Mayer & Marge Mayer Don McCormack & Joy McCormack
Cassidy McGowan & Ashley McGowan, & Betsy Gordon Sophia Menyhert & Joy Zita Menyhert Jerry Meyerson James Mills Charles Mims Stephen Moskowitz & Robbie Moskowitz Mark Nail Peter Nowobilski Dorothy Paterson & Karen Nakfoor Philip PauzĂŠ & Linda PauzĂŠ Trey Peacock Bob Pohl Eric Powell & Cynthia Reece Joe Powers & Christina Powers Lisa Rainey & Bart Rainey Cherri Rapp Jan Rapp Zamir Rauf & Norma Dunn Mike Robertson & Becky Robertson Sylvia Rodriguez & Marty Rodriguez Franelle Rogers Jonathan Ross Mike Sailor & Lisa Sailor Larry Sanders & Kim Sanders Randall Shafer & Sandra Shafer Christopher Shaw Margaret Shelton & Mike Randall Michael Short & Jian Ju Lan Short Alison Sparer & Kelly Wahlheim Darcy Stingerie David Tumino Joshua Wheat Brian Williams Lisa Williams & Arthur Williams Loran Wilson & Kelly Bennett Brian Wing & John Adams Pieter Wybro & Barbara Montagnino Ellen Yarrell Karla Zielke
Staff Brenda Buchanan Lisa Dannenbaum-Shaw Kelly Dooley Kelli Dreiling Clarissa Horner Mindy LeBlanc
Taylor Mallia Mark Neagli Debbie Pope Tony Ralf Barry Turner
Jesse Arellano Email Address: jesse.arellano@glo.state.tx.us What city do you currently live in? Manor, Texas Hometown: Granger, Texas Occupation: State Employee - GIS Specialist Employer: Texas General Land Office Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Southwest Texas State University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Team GLO Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Larry Laine If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Larry Laine What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: I raised almost $5000 with a contribution list of 50 friends and business associates. In a fundraising challenge by our Team Leader put out the challenge to the team and committed match the top 2 fundraiser of our team enough dollars to get us to the TOC. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? The Green Machine What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? None as I was injured with a torn meniscus before the ride. With therapy I was able to still do 120 miles of the MS150 Houston to Austin this spring. What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? No Ipod Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? I volunteer with the fire department of my area. I also volunteer to a scholarship organization and help host a golf tournament Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? No What is one of your favorite quotes? "Hard work with integrity will get you there" What is your favorite form of exercise? Golf, Yard work, Spin, walking What is the name of the last book you read? Walk in the Woods What is your favorite travel destination? San Diego, Cafifornia Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I am not sure. I would just be thankful that it was discovered. I am sure that there would be much press.
Linda Arellano Guest of Jesse Arellano Email Address: linda.arellano@lcra.org Hometown: Junction, TX City you currently live in: Manor, Texas Name of college you attended: Schriener College Occupation and Employer: Lower Colorado River Authority Relationship with TOC participant: Wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? no What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? The coolness of Colorado and just the event Jesse qualified for with his fundraising efforts. What is your favorite form of exercise? Aerobic What is your favorite travel destination? San Francisco
Ron Bartnett Email Address: ronbart@swbell.net What city do you currently live in? San Antonio TX Hometown: Saint Louis, MO Occupation: Finance Director Employer: AT&T Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 30 & 28 Name of college you attended: Missouri South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Bike MS: Sam's Club, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway, Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your bike team: AT&T Spinners Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? I volunteer with the Valero Ride to the River Team's committee. Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No What is your connection to MS? I have a number of friends, coworkers and neighbors with MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: I raised money by teaming with AT&T Vendor for jersey sponsorships and an extensive email campaign. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? no :-) What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Ride the Rockies in June: 6 days, 442 miles and 25,000 ft of climbing. So much fun! What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Elton John, Rocket Man Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? no Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? no What is one of your favorite quotes? Get off the couch and do something! What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling! What is the name of the last book you read? Team 7- Eleven When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A drycleaner, like my Dad! What is your favorite travel destination? Mexico (Pacific Coast) Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Sheri Preston...one of my employees who was the first person I ever knew with MS.
Sheri Bartnett Guest of Ron Bartnett Email Address: sheribart@swbell.net Hometown: St. Louis, MO City you currently live in: San Antonio, TX Name of college you attended: Missouri Occupation and Employer: Kindergarten teacher, Coker Methodist Relationship with TOC participant: Wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Yes, I run the team tent. What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Seeing Colorado What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Miranda Lambert, The house that built me. What is one of your favorite quotes? Happiness is a choice! What is your favorite form of exercise? Wine lifting :-) When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Teacher, like my Mom. What is your favorite travel destination? Mexico (Pacific Coast)
Marshall Bendalin Guest Barbara Bendalin Email Address: marshbend@aol.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Phoenix Occupation: Retired Number of children and their ages: 42, 40, & 37 Name of college you attended: University of Arizona South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Team BP Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Superstat Committee, Club 300 Chair, Ambassadors Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? At a Club 300 orientation, Dorothy Paterson informed me what TOC was all about If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Dorothy Paterson If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Last year when TOC was in Scottsdale at the beginning of the rodeo the two Marshalls rode out on their horses. Oh... that was me! What is your connection to MS? Alice T. a friend of ours was living with MS and passed in '98. Most of the protocols were not available then. I ride for her and all the people I have met who are living with MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: E-mail and My Participant Center Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? ChildAdvocates What is one of your favorite quotes? "It is not 'If' but 'when we will find a cure for MS'". What is your favorite form of exercise? Biking What is the name of the last book you read? On Secret Service by John Jakes When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Cowboy Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My Donors, for without them and the other donors thought the world the cure for MS would never have been found.
Chris Berry Email Address: chris.berry@bbvacompass.com What city do you currently live in? Houston, TX Hometown: Port Arthur, TX Occupation: Banker Employer: BBVA Compass Bank Marital status: Married – Terri Number of children and their ages: 2 kids – 21 and 16 Name of college you attended: The University of Texas South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Houston Builders Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? BP MS Website What is your connection to MS? Initially none – just rode the MS150 as a challenge. Over the past 11 years I’ve learned of several friends & acquaintances that have MS.
How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: I gradually built up to $10k over 10 years of riding. Last year I added a new sponsor who has become my largest pledge and put me over the $10k mark in 2012. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? No What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? None What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Probably a song by the Beatles Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? My Church Missions Committee & Youth Activities Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? No What is your favorite form of exercise? Water skiing What is the name of the last book you read? Life by Keith Richards What is your favorite travel destination? Snow Skiing in Utah Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My top sponsors because most have supported me the entire 11 years I’ve been riding.
Jenny Booth Email Address: Stablemind@msn.com What city do you currently live in? Magnolia, TX Occupation: Finance Marital status: Other... Number of children and their ages: Other...22 & 18 Name of college you attended: NMSU South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Houston Oaks Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Love traveling and riding my bike in new places Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? All my bikes have names, don't yours? There is Spook, Black Beauty, Snow White, Shrek, K2, and Patrick has Arbie What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? That would entail using an iPod Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Charities-Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, SIRE therapeutic riding program. Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Facebook What is one of your favorite quotes? There are no coincidences in the universe What is your favorite form of exercise? Duh, biking What is the name of the last book you read? Too incriminating to say.... When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A professional rider (horses) What is your favorite travel destination? The beach or the mountains, depends on the weather Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? All of my supporters, they need to know what they have done to eradicate MS
Patrick Devine Guest of Jenny Booth Email Address: Pdevinelaw@pdevinelaw.com Hometown: Houston Name of college you attended: Rice Occupation and Employer: Lawyer Relationship with TOC participant: Significant other Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Yes If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Houston Oaks
What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? I can't answer that in public What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? You can play music on an iPod? What is one of your favorite quotes? It is terrible to contemplate how few politicians are hung today. - G K Chesterton What is your favorite form of exercise? Biking What's the last book you've read? I don't remember When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Policeman What is your favorite travel destination? Jenny's house
David Bumbaugh Guest Melanie Lacy Email Address: dabumba@att.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Oklahoma City Occupation: Engineer Employer: BP Marital status: Divorced Number of children and their ages: 20 & 18 Name of college you attended: Oklahoma State University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team BP Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Other riders who have attended past ToC events. What is your connection to MS? Through my involvement over the last 15 years doing this ride I have learned much about this disease and also learned of friends and colleagues who are fighting it as well as a couple whose lives were taken by it. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: I have built my supporters over the last 15 years, maximized my company matching and am now sending a newsletter after each year's ride. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? No, but this year I rode a single speed that I decorated with St Arnolds beer labels. What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? None What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Um, I dont have an iPod Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? I posted on FB but it wasnt really effective for me. What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling What is the name of the last book you read? "Fatherhood" by Bill Cosby What is your favorite travel destination? Anywhere that is cooler and less humid than Houston. A place that some good MTB trails to explore or scenic road riding available. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I would send a mass e-mail to everyone who has ever sponsored me to let them know that they made a difference in this world
John Campbell What city do you currently live in? Houston, Texas Hometown: Columbus, Montana Occupation: Director of Operations Employer: Southwestern Energy Marital status: Divorced Number of children and their ages: 25, 16, and 14 Name of college you attended: Colorado School of Mines South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: SWN Riders and Team SWN Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Not much..... I ride and raise! Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Riders in the 300 Club have mentioned it to me. If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Scott Harlan had went the previous year and said I should go for it. I had never qualified before, but have been in the 300 club for the past 5 years, so made the push this year. What is your connection to MS? I didn't have one prior to riding. But since I started riding, I do know several people affected by the disease. Most recently, a young woman who works for my company. She was my motivation this year. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Get your big donas early. When people see that some folks give $500, or $250..... a lot of the $25 donations turn into $50 donations. I also took the time to make it personal. And used the MS web site for tracking my correspondence. I have a list of about 250 people I approach.... and have about 70 that contribute. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? No.... but I often talk to her on the hills.... "yes we can, sweetie. you can do this...." What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? I really didn't. I start riding in December a bit... then pick it up in February and March... and unfortunately, pretty much lay the bike down from after the ride until December again. Yikes! Luckily, I like to do a few other things that keep me semi-fit. What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Zeppelin's "Over the Hills and Far Away" Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? I am a board member and volunteer at Comp-U-Dopt. A fairly new (5 years) Houston based charity that refurbishes computers and gives them to children in the under served communities in Houston. We are approaching the 3000 computer donation milestone this summer and have moved into a new warehouse with an after school program! Check us out at www.compudopt.org. Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Not really.... unless email counts? What is one of your favorite quotes? Carpe diem What is your favorite form of exercise? I started playing ice hockey when my son turned 5 and wanted to join a team. Twenty years later we play on the same team here in Houston and we both absolutely love it! I am also an avid skier. What is the name of the last book you read? Zeitoun When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? I had no idea. But I was starting to watch the Minnesota Vikings (I liked their slogan the "purple people eaters").... so probably a football player. What is your favorite travel destination? Any where where there is 2' of power and a mountain..... and then of course there is Italy. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My supporters. I have one friend in particular that has always been extremely supportive of me riding and she has been a wonderful contributor to my fundraising.
Melanie Capps South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Bike MS: Sam's Club, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway Name of your bike team: Team Ericsson
Melinda Carey Guest Chris Carey Email Address: melindac@wsllc.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Madison, IN | Elmira, NY Occupation: Legal Assistant | Business Owner Employer: WEDGE Services LLC | Commercial Casework Marital status: Married South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Team Sun & Ski Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Vancouver Island, British Columbia ~ it had it ALL!! What is your connection to MS? A co-worker's wife is my Pedal Partner and has been from the 1st year I rode but I've since met or encountered countless others who have been stricken by this disease and I just feel like I'd like to help this great cause. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Beg and plead via email and in person to friends and co-workers who are generous and kind people who are actually happy that I'm doing the ride so they don't have to! Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? Cuss words don't necessarily qualify...or should they? What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Only a few Sunday rides with Sun & Ski who are stellar, fun folks! What is one of your favorite quotes? There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. What is your favorite form of exercise? Running and/or walking so our dog, Abbey, can join us. What is the name of the last book you read? Admittedly 50 Shades and Darker so far.. What is your favorite travel destination? No favorites really; just like to "go places"!
Angie Carl Guest David Carl Email Address: acarl@machaik.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: La Porte, TX Occupation: CPA - Controller Employer: Mac Haik Enterprises Marital status: Married – David Carl Number of children and their ages: 6 ages 32 – 19yrs Name of college you attended: TX A&M
South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: KSBJ - Team Hope Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Jerry Akin If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Ari and Arza Funk – They are Awesome! I ran into them at a table in Memorial Park. I was close to 8,500 and they encouraged me to do it! If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Vancouver Island, British Columbia ~ it had it ALL!! What is your connection to MS? Friends have it How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Build a base – keep asking them and set them up for the next year! Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? No What is one of your favorite quotes? Let go and let God! (Easier said than done) What is the name of the last book you read? What in the world is going on When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Housewife What is your favorite travel destination? Little Cayman Is.
George Carter Email Address: grc07@msn.com What city do you currently live in? Friendswood Hometown: Houston Occupation: Retired Marital status: Divorced Number of children and their ages: 20 plus Name of college you attended: Lamar University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin,, Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back, Bike MS: Cactus & Crude, Midland to Post Name of your Bike Team: bp Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 member , TOC committee , Awards committee Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Ongoing If you're a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? All memories that include the people who are involved with the effort to find a cure for MS.... What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Grand Fondo, Bluebonnet express Fayetteville June ride... Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Junior Achievement , Homeowners. Lamar Chemical Engineering Advisory Board What is your favorite form of exercise? biking golf swimming What is the name of the last book you read? Rising Tide by John Barry When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Still working on that answer Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Eileen Norden....
Eva Biering Guest of George Carter Email Address: bieringe@sbcglobal.net Hometown: Houston City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: University of Houston Occupation and Employer: Executive Assistant - Sunbelt Group L.P. Relationship with TOC participant: Sister Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Seeing friends and Colorado What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? I don't have an iPod What is one of your favorite quotes? A penny saved is a penny earned What is your favorite form of exercise? Walking the dogs, Going to the gym What's the last book you've read? Scarpetta 16 What is your favorite travel destination? Hawaii
Guy Clumpner Guest Julie Kenfield Email Address: Guy.Clumpner@holtcat.com What city do you currently live in? San Antonio Hometown: Lakewood, OH Occupation: Executive Employer: Holt Cat Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 19, 22 Name of college you attended: Ohio University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the Rive, San Antonio to New Braunfels Name of your bike team: Team Holt Cat Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Regional leadership council; national organizational development committee; consultant to San Antonio office If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Riding the Natches Trace What is your connection to MS? Cycling and fundraising. Helping those I know who are directly impacted. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: CharmT idle threatsT good fortune Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? Miya Assisore What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Shuffle Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? No What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling What is the name of the last book you read? The Cats Table When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? 9 What is your favorite travel destination? Home Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My wife, so we could discuss another cause to support.
Marshall Cohen Email Address: Marshall.Cohen@P66.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Marketing Employer: now Phillips 66 Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Bentley University, Waltham MA South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Conocophillips Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Served for 16 years on the MS Board of Director's, Co-Captain to ConocoPhillips Bike Club, help to train thousands to ride safely while having fun through Ready2Roll Cycling. Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Past Participant If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? No favorites - all have been great. Enjoyable meeting passionate, friendly, caring people with a common mission. What is your connection to MS? After learning about this horrible disease and meeting people that battle it everyday as well as the tireless efforts by their respective caretakers, I decided to get involved to make a difference by doing more that just riding. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: E-mail letters and ongoing communication Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? no What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? I have completed 25 consecutive MS150 rides from Houston to Austin. Given the time commitment, have not had time for other Bike MS events. What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Lots of Tom Petty Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? - Registration Director, ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run, - Director, W Harris County MUD #6, - President Homewoner's Association, - VP, Ready2Roll Cycling Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? No What is your favorite form of exercise? Running When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Successful and make lots of money. What is your favorite travel destination? Anywhere with my wife Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My wife and EVERY person that has supported me over the past 25 years.
Jan Cohen Guest of Marshall Cohen Email Address: cohenmjc@comcast.net Hometown: Brazosport Area, Texas City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: University of Houston Occupation and Employer: Human Resources Relationship with TOC participant: Wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Rider and Volunteer
If you are a cyclist in one of our events, do you ride on a team or with friends? Team If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? ConocoPhillips (2012), Now Phillips 66 What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Building new relationships with fellow TOc'ers and reconnecting with old friends. What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Anything Led Zeppelin. What is one of your favorite quotes? "I know, it's only Rock and Roll, but I like it." The Stones What is your favorite form of exercise? Running, cycling and swimming. What's the last book you've read? Half Broken Horses, Jeannette Walls When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? I had no idea, growing up was not something I wanted to do. What is your favorite travel destination? Anywhere for Sand and Sun.
Craig Davis Email Address: cdavis@inexs.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Indianapolis IN Occupation: Corporate Officer Employer: INEXS Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 15, 19, 20 Name of college you attended: Indiana University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin, Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your bike team: CGGVeritas Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Roses at the Finish Line Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? We have participated in several TOC's over the past 12 years If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Martha's Vineyard - pouring down rain - great loop around the island - never worried about sweating . . . . . the spray off the back wheel of the bike in front of you is justification enough to offer to pull for a while longer What is your connection to MS? I have several friends and relatives with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: humor, spandex, pain, guilt Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? never thought of any reason to name it - maybe 'Uncomfortable'? What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? From A to Z and all points in between Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Boy Scouts of America Indiana University Geological Advisory Board Memorial Drive Methodist Church Youth Work Camps Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? just email What is one of your favorite quotes? Actually several from the book Shantaram 'One of the ironies of courage, and the reason why we prize it so highly, is that we find it easier to be brave for someone else than we do for ourselves alone.' 'It's a characteristic of human nature that the best qualities, called up quickly in a crisis, are very often the hardest to find in a prosperous calm.' 'The past reflects eternally between two mirrors - the bright mirror of words and deeds, and the dark one, full of things we didn't do or say.' What is your favorite form of exercise? Any aerobic exercise that requires malty rehydration. What is the name of the last book you read? Under the Dome - Stephen King
When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Probably a geologist - I was deeply engrossed in a major excavation project from Iowa to China via the center of the earth. What is your favorite travel destination? Egypt - Paula and I have been there three times, and still want to go back - would be nice if it settled down a bit before returning though . . . . . Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Rick Trevino - "Hey we don't have to ride this year!"
Paula Davis Guest of Craig Davis Email Address: paula@davistexas.com Hometown: Indianapolis, IN City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: Indiana University Occupation and Employer: Accounts - Southcoast Land Development Relationship with TOC participant: married to the Craig 32 years Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? no If you are a cyclist in one of our events, do you ride on a team or with friends? nope, sorry, tennis is my thing What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Always seeing old friends and meeting new people. The food and wine aren't bad either. What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? love: John Mayer, Train and Match Box 20 songs. What is one of your favorite quotes? "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough" Mae West What is your favorite form of exercise? Tennis, Tennis clinics, Watching Tennis on TV, talking about Tennis over a glass of wine . . . . What's the last book you've read? The 17 Day Diet When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A hair dresser What is your favorite travel destination? India, Italy, and Indonesia
Mike Davis Email Address: bayou_biker57@yahoo.com What city do you currently live in? Livingston, TX Hometown: North Chatham, NY Occupation: Retired Engineer Employer: El Paso Corp. Marital status: Married - Maureen McCardle Number of children and their ages: 39 & 31 Name of college you attended: Syracuse University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Louisiana, Hammand, LA to McComb, MS Name of your bike team: El Paso (now a free agent!) Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Committee, active volunteer for other MS functions. Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Attended the 2011 TOC in Scottsdale. If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Marshall Bendalin and the Club 300 committee kept the pressure on until I hit the qualification level. Last year I had over $6,000 in matching funds from my employer, but since retiring in June, 2011, I did not qualify for matching funds. I made it before the deadline, but will need to start
fundraising earlier next year! If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Scottsdale, AZ was my first TOC, and the entire weekend was awesome. The bike rides on both Friday and Saturday were great, and pool side at the Valley Ho was lots of fun. I have no memories of the hospitality suite, but I must have had a good time! What is your connection to MS? Family, friends and co-workers with MS. I did my first MS150 in New England in 1990, and have now completed 18 rides. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: My family and some friends generously donate to MS in lieu of sending birthday and Christmas presents. I bug all of mine and my wife's co-workers until they donate to shut me up,and my boss let me do a fundraising pizza party for lunch. I e-mail everyone who has donated in previous years, and always send thank you notes and a post ride recap. What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? I'm registered for the Bike MS: Louisiana October 5 & 6, hope to see y'all there! What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? iPod? I must be getting old Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Not at this time. Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? I did include the MS link in Facebook, and was surprised to receive donations from a few remote friends. I will use it again next year. What is one of your favorite quotes? "You're goin' to impress the hell out of them today" by my Dad, his standard wake up line during summers while I was in college, usually after a late night "studying" at the local icehouse. What is your favorite form of exercise? Is sex a form of exercise? If not, road bike riding in Colorado. What is the name of the last book you read? The girl who kicked the hornet's nest When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Definately a man (I hope that I don't offend any of my transgender friends). By six, I decided that I would never grow up. What is your favorite travel destination? Earth, I have absolutely no desire to go to the moon or other planets, even if Virgin Air offers discounted first class tickets. Colorado is my favorite biking destination, but Maui for the beaches. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Greg, my cousin who has suffered with MS for over 20 years, or maybe Doug, a co-worker with MS because he would hear me if I yell it from my desk.
Cynthia Dopjera Email Address: Cdopjera@harperpearson.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Schenenctady, NY Occupation: CPA Employer: Harper & Pearson Company Marital status: Divorced Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Siena College, Loudonville, NY South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Houstonian Hammerheads Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Group rides in beautiful places, coupled with the group dinners and outings. What is your connection to MS? Other What is your favorite form of exercise? Swimming What is your favorite travel destination? Tuscany, Italy
James Doyle Guest of Cynthia Dopjera Email Address: Jdoyle@winstead.com Hometown: Walton NY City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: Fordham Occupation and Employer: Attorney Winstead PC Relationship with TOC participant: Friend Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Time out of Houston in September
Travis Ehrhardt Email Address: travis.ehrhardt@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Fort Worth Hometown: Beloit, Wisconsin Occupation: Personal Trainer for MS clients Employer: Mind Set: Assisted Physical Training Marital status: Married - Becky Ehrhardt Number of children and their ages: 0 South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Bike MS: Sam's Club, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway Name of your bike team: Wheeler Dealers Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Wellness Task Force, Personal Trainer / 2 wellness rooms in the MS ofcies Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? NMSS Staff What is your connection to MS? all my clients have ms How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: My philosophy is to be passionate and it will attract people who want to participate in what you are doing. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? Esperanza, It means "HOPE' in Sapnish What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? none What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Eye of the Tiger Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? yes. Facebook. I posted my training and my fundraising on my Facebook page What is your favorite form of exercise? any movement What is one of your favorite quotes? Give me silence, water, hope. Give me struggle, iron, volcanoes.” – Pablo Neruda What is the name of the last book you read? "Born To Run" by Christopher McDougall When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Teacher What is your favorite travel destination? tropical islands Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? my wellness class
Becky Ehrhardt Guest of Travis Ehrhardt Email Address: becky.ehrhardt@gmail.com Hometown: Laredo, TX City you currently live in: Fort Worth Occupation and Employer: Client Admin / Luther King Capital Mgmnt Relationship with TOC participant: wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Rider If you are a cyclist in one of our events, do you ride on a team or with friends? Team If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Wheeler Dealers What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Being around all the good ideas and good energy of the entire group What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? I will Survive What is one of your favorite quotes? "there is no such thing as false hope" ~Travis Ehrhardt What is your favorite form of exercise? yoga and running What's the last book you've read? 50 Shades of Grey....... When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? wedding dress model What is your favorite travel destination? the beach
Jeffrey W. Foltz Email Address: jwfoltz@earthlink.net What city do you currently live in? Richmond, TX Hometown: Richmond, TX Occupation: Recently Retired Employer: n/a Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: University of Houston South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin, Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your bike team: Team BP Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Through 300 Club If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Mountain Biking in Tahoe. Had never been on a mountain bike before and had a blast! What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: My (nowformer) co-workers were able to get their donations matched by our employer. By making repeated reminders to them, most completed the matching process which added about 40% to my fundraising total. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? no What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? None What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? don't know. Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Yes - Commemorative Air Force / Wings Over Houston Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Yes. FaceBook. Had MS-150 link on main page and referenced it in emails.
What is one of your favorite quotes? Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. What is your favorite form of exercise? swimming What is the name of the last book you read? Liberty & Tyranny When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Pilot What is your favorite travel destination? Anywhere I can scuba dive. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? All of my supporters who have helped make the cure possible! (The first person I would otherwise tell would already know.)
Keith Grothaus Email Address: kgrothaus1@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio Occupation: Real Estate Broker Employer: Caldwell Companies Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 27 and 23 Name of college you attended: University of Cincinnati South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: CGG Veritas Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Just love the people Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Craig Davis If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: He's a nut! If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Probably seeing the whales in Victoria. What is your connection to MS? I have a co-worker with MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Working my butt off - emailing, mailing, harrassing, just working my butt off! What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Just riding on the weekends with friends What is one of your favorite quotes? If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything! What is your favorite form of exercise? bike riding What is the name of the last book you read? Coming Down the Mountain When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A police man What is your favorite travel destination? Seadrift, Texas - fishing Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My wife, who has supported my fundraising efforts all these years!!
Mary Lou Grothaus Guest of Keith Grothaus Email Address: momgrothaus@gmail.com Hometown: Weisbaden, Germany City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: U. of Cincinnati, U. of Oklahoma Occupation and Employer: Speech-Language Pathologist; Alief ISD Relationship with TOC participant: he's my husband Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? no
What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? alone time with my husband What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? one of my daughter's songs - All Hat and No Cattle What is one of your favorite quotes? Let your faith be bigger than your fear! What is your favorite form of exercise? Happy Hour What's the last book you've read? Accused, by Paul Alexander When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A soap opera actress What is your favorite travel destination? Anything on a cruise ship
Kurt Haaland Email Address: kurthaaland@earthlink.net What city do you currently live in? Katy, TX (but working in San Antonio) Hometown: Mount Prospect, IL Occupation: Project Manager Employer: Chesapeake Energy Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 22,20,16 Name of college you attended: University of Illinois South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin, Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your bike team: Team BP & Velo Valero Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Committee Member of Club 300, Ride Marshal Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Attended previous TOC's If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Every TOC has such great memories. My favorite part of every TOC is the ride on Friday morning because it lets us ride through such beautiful country. What is your connection to MS? My wife has MS, so we live with this terrible disease every day. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: I am a top fundraiser for both the BP MS150 and the Valero Alamo Ride to the River. I have no real secret other than ask everyone I meet to donate Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? "Boner" - because the frame is large and stiff What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Anything & everything AC/DC What is one of your favorite quotes? I have two: "Never trouble another for what you can do yourself" Thomas Jefferson "Never mistake motion for action" Ernest Hemingway What is your favorite form of exercise? Bicycling of course! What is the name of the last book you read? Crescent Dawn by Clive Cussler When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? I followed and copied everything my big brother did. At five, I wanted to be just like him What is your favorite travel destination? I've traveled all over the world through Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. My favorite destination is always coming home to the good old USA, specifically back home to Texas! Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I would immediately tell my wife that her life and world is about to change. I'd then call every one of my contirbutors to say "We did it!"
Scott Harlan Email Address: scott.harlan@rocklandcapital.com What city do you currently live in? The Woodlands, TX Hometown: Orange, TX Occupation: Electric Power Employer: Rockland Capital Marital status: Married - Mimi Number of children and their ages: Ages 17 and 20 Name of college you attended: Virginia Tech, U of Delaware South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Team SWN Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Boulder in 2010 -- Amazing bike ride in the mountains. The descent was exhilarating. The banquet included speakers who had first hand experience with the latest treatments. The energy around finding a cure for MS was pervasive. What is your connection to MS? Friend passed away from MS complications. Work associates have family with MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: E-mail to rich friends. But also got sizeable donations from people I did not expect through casual conversations. I talk to lots of people about the ride and some volunteer to contribute without my even asking for a donation. What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Triple Bypass in Colorado What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Born to Run - Springsteen Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? No What is one of your favorite quotes? Don't worry, be happy. What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling What is the name of the last book you read? John Adams biography When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Astronaut What is your favorite travel destination? Colorado mountains Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I would go to Carole Kratkiewicz's grave and tell her that others are no longer going to go through what she had to endure.
Andrew Herman Email Address: acherman@me.com What city do you currently live in? Austin Hometown: Fort Worth Texas Occupation: Director of Technical Support Employer: Texas General land Office Marital status: Divorced Number of children and their ages: 1 Name of college you attended: Austin College / University Of Houston South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team:Team GLO Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? I have been riding in the Houston To Austin BP MS 150 with the General Land Office Team for the past 6 years. Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes
How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Our Team Captain Larry Laine If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Our Team Captain Larry Laine What is your connection to MS? other How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: With the help of Larry Laine, He is most certainly the source of my success. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? My bike is my "baby" Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? I frequently posted my training and fundraising efforts to Facebook What is one of your favorite quotes? Theodore Roosevelt: "When you play, play hard; when you work, don't play..." What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling What is the name of the last book you read? the shack When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A Super Hero! What is your favorite travel destination? Rockport Texas....relaxing and calm Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My Best Friend Jennifer Herman, She is and always will be the source of drive and determination and I always share my good news with her.
Steve High Email Address: steve.high@utexas.edu What city do you currently live in? San Antonio,TX Hometown: Eglin Air Force Base, FL Occupation: VP, IT & CIO Research Employer: Gartner Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 10 year old boy Name of college you attended: University of Texas South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? In the past, I've chaired the SA bike event. I'm presently on the Board of Trustees and the local Leadership Council, been Club 100 in SA for about 10 years, and I love volunteering at Walk MS, and I'll talk to anyone who will listen about MS or with the newly diagnosed or with funders. Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? 7 or 8 years ago I qualified...been fighting to stay on ever since! If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? My favorite memory is the first year I met Chris and Lisa Shaw. We had a great conversation, so, on a lark, I went and rented a 22' sailboat and asked them and a few others from our town to play hooky from a ride and sail San Diego bay together. Best day ever! What is your connection to MS? My beautiful wife, Susan, was diagnosed with MS in 2000. It's not about the bike (as Lance says). I'm in this to raise $ to help treat Susan and research for a cure until this disease is gone, which I believe will happen in the next 5 - 10 years. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: As I train, I write "Tails from the Trail" so my funders are able to follow right along with me. I don't beg them for money, I just update them on my progress, several times a week. Gartner, my employer, matches at 100%, which helps greatly. I receive a couple $1000 donations, but most of my fundraising is $50 $150 donations. I nurture many contacts and talk to them often about my riding pain, what is happening to Susan as a person with MS, and what is happening in research. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? Um. No. But, if it did... like this Higgs Boson, I would call it The Godd@$% Bike, so... like the Higgs Boson, I will simply refer to it as The God Bike. What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? I ride on a bunch of training rides
every year, but I'm a purist relative to MS. I only raise funds for MS. What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Don't Stop Believin' Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? I have a leadership role in the Boy Scouts of America, because of my son's involvement in a Pack. And, I'm a pilot for Angel Flight in which I fly indigent patients to seek medical treatment. Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Yes. I used Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and a website to garner awareness and funds. It worked well! What is one of your favorite quotes? "Do not go gentle into that good night..." by Dylan Thomas Check out the poem. But, go deeper. Check out the band director who wrote a correlated symphony piece that I also got to play in high school under my favorite director who last year went deaf. Where the heck is the righteousness in that? Like those with MS, we should all not go gentle into that good night. What is your favorite form of exercise? 4 oz. curls ;-) Join me on TOC for a glass of wine if you understand this exercise. What is the name of the last book you read? Imagine by Jonah Lehrer When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? An Air Force Test Pilot, because that's what my father did. What a country!? I was able to get a pilot's license although I fly airplanes that everyone believes will return to the planet in the same shape they depart... unlike my father. ;-) What is your favorite travel destination? Destin Beach, Florida...near where I was born...one of my favorites. New favorite: Rocksprings, TX at my new ranch. :-) Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My wife, Susan, would be my first discussion. She is the reason I can even differentiate this disease from Jerry's Kids, and she is the first reason I wanted it to end. I now have many other blessed people to talk to if Susan already knew of the cure.
Andrea Shull Guest of Steve High Email Address: andrea.shull@valero.com What city do you currently live in? San Antonio Hometown: Lordstown, Ohio Occupation: Sr. Commercial Analyst Employer: Valero Energy Corporation Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 1 Name of college you attended: Youngstown State South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin, Bike MS: Sam's Club, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway, Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your Bike Team: Velo Valero Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Volunteered for the past 10 years at MS Camps in Burton, Texas., Kids Discovery Camp in March, Camp Can Do in May, Family Discovery Camp in October Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Thru being the Team Captain for Velo Valero If you're a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? The 25 mile hill climb near Boulder, Colorado What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend and Co-worker with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Attending as a guest Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? Speedy Gonzales What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? San Antonio Tour De Cure, Hotter Than Hell 100, Pedal Thru the Pines, LBJ 100 Mile Bike Tour, Houston Tour De Cure, Tour de Gruene What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? AC/DC Highway to Hell
Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Boy Scouts - no time for anything else Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? no What is one of your favorite quotes? Pain is weakness leaving the body. What is stronger fear or hope? What is your favorite form of exercise? sleeping if that counts. If not biking and hiking. What is the name of the last book you read? The Twilight Saga When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Not sure, too old to remember that far back. :) What is your favorite travel destination? Alaska Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Anyone who has MS.
Mindi Horwitch Email Address: mbamsw@aol.com What city do you currently live in? Albuquerque Hometown: PHoenix Occupation: Social Worker Employer: Presbyterian Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: U of Colorado Boulder South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Bike MS: Pedal los Pueblos, Northern New Mexico Name of your bike team: Team WRW Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? I serve on the bike planning committee. Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Maggie Schold What is your connection to MS? 2 younger sisters have the diagnosis How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Email, personal requests for increases from select people, raffle, handwritten requests from friends. What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Iron Horse, Boulder Sunrise, Tour de Tucson (11/11) Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? I sent a facebook message. Quite honestly I had no luck with it. What is one of your favorite quotes? No act of kindness no matter how great or small is ever wasted. (I can't remember who said it) What is your favorite form of exercise? bicycling What is the name of the last book you read? Bonk by Mary Roach When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? I honestly do not remember What is your favorite travel destination? Italy and New Zealand but I haven't been everywhere so this could change. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? It would be a blast email to all my donors.. I want them to feel a sense of accomplishment that their support went to something so amazing.
Michael Hurd Guest Lynette Giallonardo Email Address: Michael@standardtubeco.com What city do you currently live in? Houston, TX Hometown: Houston, TX Employer: Standard Tube Co. Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Texas Tech University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Team Standard Tube Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Team Captain, Club 300, On the Move Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? My Favorite Memory would be my first year on TOC in Boulder, Co. I had a wonderful time and met so many great people. Mark and Mindy Leblanc invited me to the Avery Brewery where we drank some one of a kind beers and I got to know my new friends. Last year in Scottsdale I went to the casino and hit the Royal Flush on Paigow which made the rest of the trip pretty crazy. Cabanas by the pool with the Partridge Family and the rest of the TOC gang. What is your connection to MS? My Sister and My boss's wife both have MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Everyday I'm HUSTLIN...HUSTLIN... Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? White Lightning What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? The Ride - David Allan Coe What is one of your favorite quotes? " I might not be a smart man, but I know what love is Jenny." What is your favorite form of exercise? Working outside on the ranch or at the house. What is the name of the last book you read? Almost finished with:"THE WORLD IS FLAT" When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? An Astronaut What is your favorite travel destination? Bimini Island, Bahamas Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My Boss, because his wife has been living with MS for more than 20 years and he was riding the MS-150 before I knew what it was
Robert Ittner Email Address: bittner@texasgulfbank.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Midland Occupation: Banker Employer: Texas Gulf Bank Marital status: Married - Linda Number of children and their ages: Nicki-38, Caroline – 27, Braxton 26, Catherine – 24 Name of college you attended: University of Texas BBA/MBA South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Gardere, Wynne Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? When I was told that I qualified for the first time If you're a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Great destinations, wonderful accommodations, getting to know staff and qualifiers better, and being reminded of why we are raising the money.
What is your connection to MS? I have a good friend Jackie Guiloff that has had MS for about 20 years. Since I got started riding, the connections to MS are numerous. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Hard work! I send e-mails with a link but my most success is sending solicitation letters with self addressed envelopes with personal notes. I make an effort to thank everyone. What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Camp for All, Tour de Houston What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Gold Dust Woman – Stevie Nicks Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Archway Academy-an accredited high school for young adults who have had substance abuse challenges Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Not yet What is one of your favorite quotes? There is no better fertilizer for the farm than the owner's footsteps. What is your favorite form of exercise? Tennis What is the name of the last book you read? The Book of Basketball When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? I wasn’t that far advanced in my thinking. What is your favorite travel destination? Italy Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? First would be my wife Linda because I always keep her fully informed and the second would be Jackie Guiloff who has MS.
Linda Ittner Guest of Robert Ittner Email Address: ittnerlinda@att.net Hometown: Houston City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: LSU Occupation and Employer: Asst Director, Lamar Alumni Association Relationship with TOC participant: spouse Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Support staff! What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Hanging with friends we have made on the other TOC trips! What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Anything by Steve Earle. Or Hayes Carll. What is one of your favorite quotes? Carpe Diem! What is your favorite form of exercise? Working out at the gym What's the last book you've read? Wedding in December by Anita Shreve When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A vet What is your favorite travel destination? Italy
Nabil Joubran Email Address: nabiljoubran@yahoo.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Engineer Employer: Pepe Engineer Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 11-12-13 Name of college you attended: Texas A&M University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin
Name of your bike team: Team Fugro Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? MS Society Houston office staff and literature, and from others who attended previously If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Several people What is your connection to MS? Relative: Spouse of person with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Personal contact via e-mail and Facebook and diligent follow-up with constant fundraising updates in person, via e-mail, and on Facebook. Fundraising is mainly done by my wife Rita. What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Eye of the Tiger Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Professional (Engineering) Organizations (local and National) Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Facebook What is one of your favorite quotes? If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything What is your favorite form of exercise? Spinning at the Gym, individually or as part of a class. What is the name of the last book you read? The Outliers When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? President What is your favorite travel destination? Bahamas Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My wife Rita who suffers from MS. Obvious reasons!!
Rita Joubran Guest of Nabil Joubran Email Address: RATROUTJ@HOTMAIL.COM Hometown: Houston City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: Houston Community College Occupation and Employer: Homemaker Relationship with TOC participant: Wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? VOLUNTEER and RIDER If you are a cyclist in one of our events, do you ride on a team or with friends? Team If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Team Fugro What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Networking with other top fundraisers Showing them appreciation for raising funds to find a cure What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? I'm sexy and I know it What is one of your favorite quotes? to those who much is given much is expected What is your favorite form of exercise? Spinning, Strength Training, Cardio When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? a mother What is your favorite travel destination? Canary Islands
Donald R. Kendall, Jr. Email Address: dkendall@kenmontcap.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Managing Director Employer: Kenmont Capital Partners Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 21, 28 Name of college you attended: Hamilton/ Tuck Business Dartmouth South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Houstonian Hammerheads Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS
Michael Parmet Guest of Donald Kendall Jr. Email Address: mparmet@pcm-cpa.com Hometown: Kansas City! Missouri, not lame Kansas City you currently live in: Bellare, Texas (that’s not Houston!) Name of college you attended: Rice University - home of the MOB Occupation and Employer: CPA - Parmet, Chapman & Madsen, PC, CPAs Relationship with TOC participant: Riding buddy Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? MS 150 - IN ONE DAY! If you are a cyclist in one of our events, do you ride on a team or with friends? Team Hammerhead!!!!! Zoooooooom. If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Houstonian Hammerheads - the best! What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Rocks. Clean air. Altitude. Downhill on my bike. Dancing on Saturday night. What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? The Rising by Bruce Springsteen (thanks Lisa!) What is one of your favorite quotes? Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding - from the Old Testament. What is your favorite form of exercise? Rock n' Roll biking with buds! What's the last book you've read? Unbroken (tough read!) When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? To be somebody. Then I wanted to be an aerospace specialist. Then I wanted to be some form of a mutant hero. Now I just want to be 5 again. (or Maybe 22 and weigh 160 pounds). What is your favorite travel destination? Auckland - Great wine, biking and people
Larry Knox Email Address: knoxl@comcast.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Nashville, TN Occupation: Geologist Employer: BHP Billiton Marital status: Married - Sheri Number of children and their ages: 32, 28 Name of college you attended: Vanderbilt University and University of Missouri South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Southwestern Energy Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Committee Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? MS information for the MS 150 If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? The Nashville, TN trip (full disclosure notice: I grew up in Nashville) and the Bonanza Ranch Dinner in Sante Fe, NM. What is your connection to MS? Started riding for the fun of it, learned about what it really is, then became aware of many persons I know with it. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: 1) I am fortunate to have a lot of very generous contributors. 2) Set riding goals to meet or I have to match contributions 3) Contribute myself and match 4) Offered to have a mohawk cut in my hair if $20,000 were reached. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? no. What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? The Triple Bypass What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Theme from "The Magnificent Seven" Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? No. Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? No. What is one of your favorite quotes? "Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been" - Mark Twain What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling What is the name of the last book you read? Boomerang When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A pilot What is your favorite travel destination? Yellowstone National Park Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My wife, Sheri. She has always supported my efforts for the MS 150, all the riding, the fundraising, our contributions. Every year she takes me to the start and picks me up in Austin at the finish. I could not do this without her.
Sherilyn (Sheri) Knox Guest of Larry Knox Email Address: ssknox@aol.com Hometown: Nashville, TN City you currently live in: Richmond, TX Name of college you attended: Belmont University Occupation and Employer: Teacher Lamar CISD Relationship with TOC participant: Wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? No What is your favorite form of exercise? Curves-Zumba What's the last book you've read? Night Circus When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Teacher What is your favorite travel destination? Hawaii
Andrew Kogut Email Address: ajk965@aol.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Miami Occupation: Self Employeed Employer: BMK Music Services Number of children and their ages: 15 South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Sam's Club, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway, Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your bike team: Team Granite-Petrobras Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Bothering people until they donated !! What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Don't Change -
William Roberts Guest of Andy Kogut Email Address: wroberts5@mac.com Hometown: Houston City you currently live in: Houston Occupation and Employer: Design/Build, CORE Group, Iconstrux Marital Status: Single Number of children and their ages: 2 Relationship with TOC participant: Friend If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Team Granite What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Thunderstruck What is one of your favorite quotes? If it is to be- It is up to meT What is your favorite form of exercise? Gym time, weights What is the last book you read? An Ice Cream CookBook When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? An airline pilot What is your favorite travel destination? Anywhere in Mexico
George Laflin Email Address: glaflin@peplp.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: New Orleans Occupation: Energy Executive Employer: Pinpoint Energy Partners Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 15 and 18 Name of college you attended: University of Tulsa, Harvard Business School South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: FMC Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS
Society? Club 300, Volunteer for events Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? The people. I love my fellow TOCers and have made many awesome friends from this group. What is your connection to MS? My brother and two cousins have MS. They are my primary motivation to ride. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Lots of hard work. I send out about 500 email requests for support and get about 200 supporters. But it takes a lot of diligence to the process to make it happen. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? Only during and the ride to Austin. It is not something that I can share. Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? I am an Adjunct Professor at the MBA school at Rice University. Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? No... What is one of your favorite quotes? It is not the size of the dog in the fight; it is the size of the fight in the dog. What is your favorite form of exercise? Basketball What is the name of the last book you read? Biography of Jesse Jones When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? POTUS What is your favorite travel destination? Anywhere with good weather, few mosquitoes and good scenery. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My brother!
Pamela Laflin Guest of George Laflin Email Address: pllaflin@comcast.net Hometown: Houston, TX City you currently live in: Houston, TX Name of college you attended: Oklahoma State Occupation and Employer: Retired bond manager Relationship with TOC participant: Spouse Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Breakpoint volunteer with kids What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? So many things to savor - time with George; cool weather, scenery, friends and food! Choose one...no way. What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Something old by Bob Marley, Tracy Chapman, piano favorites. Should have my kids help me update my iPod. What is one of your favorite quotes? Life is a glorious banquet, a limitless and delicious buffet. Maya Angelou What is your favorite form of exercise? Walking/hiking. Like canoing/kayaking. What's the last book you've read? Isaac's Storm. Erik Larson When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A truck driver. Can you imagine anything better than having everything you need riding right behind you in your cab, and going all kinds of places? What is your favorite travel destination? Mountains somewhere.
Larry Laine Guest Connie Laine Email Address: lainelarry@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Austin Hometown: Austin Occupation: Deputy Land Commissioner Employer: Texas General Land Office Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 34,31,28,25 Name of college you attended: University of Houston South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Team GLO Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? From other top fundraisers If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Nashville Tennessee, sights there and parkway we rode on. What is your connection to MS? My nephew has MS and one of my direct reports husband has MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Lot's of good contacts willing to donate and match dollars for this cause. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? no What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? none What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? don't have one Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Texas Capitol Fellowship Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? yes, facebook, webpage and lot's of emails. What is one of your favorite quotes? Work is how we make ourselves useful to others. What is your favorite form of exercise? cycling What is the name of the last book you read? The Bugles are Silent When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Had no idea What is your favorite travel destination? Anywhere there is a Beach Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My wife, because she is so supportive of my efforts.
Mark LeBlanc South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin, Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your bike team: Houston Oaks/ the WellFit Group
Joe Leone Email Address: txleone@earthlink.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Youngstown, Ohio Occupation: Vice President Employer: Shell Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 22 and 26 Name of college you attended: Caltech South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: ConocoPhillips Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Past participant If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? The rodeo last year was fun, but so was the entire event. What is your connection to MS? Fortunately I don't have any close friends or family who is afflicted with MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Generous friends and co-workers. What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Probably something by Pink Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? The United Way Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? To a limited extent What is your favorite form of exercise? Running What is the name of the last book you read? A Life Without Limits by C. Wellington What is your favorite travel destination? Too many to name, but Australia, Alaska, Costa Rica, and the Galapagos Islands are a few. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Keith Lynch, a friend of mine with MS.
Dee Leone Guest of Joe Leone Email Address: txleone@earthlink.net Hometown: Boardman City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: YSU Occupation and Employer: Writer Relationship with TOC participant: Spouse What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? The scenery What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? What's an iPod? What is one of your favorite quotes? "Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed." ― Terry Goodkind What is your favorite form of exercise? "Wogging" - jogging at a walking pace in water What's the last book you've read? Divergent When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Six? A Disney Princess? A teacher? Someone who could remember that far back? What is your favorite travel destination? The Rhine, anywhere with ruins/castles
Mark Livingston Email Address: mlivingston@heidrick.com What city do you currently live in? Bellaire Hometown: Dedham, Maine Occupation: Executive Recruiter Employer: Heidrick & Struggles Marital status: Married – Lisa Livingston Number of children and their ages: 2 and 5 Name of college you attended: Maine and South Carolina South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Houstonian Hammerheads Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Wayward member of the Superstar Committee. Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Past involvement If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? The talk by the Physician/Researcher in Nashville, TN. Most impacful discussion ever of why we ride – to get to a cure. On the fun side, climbing the mountain in Boulder. What is your connection to MS? None How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: I have an aggressive matching program that my wife and I fund. Offered to shave my head if I collected over $25,000 3rd party donations. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? None. But if it did, it would be “Wish he were as fast as I am”. What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Zube Park on weekends. Death Ride in California. Major training rides in Austin and Salinda, CO. Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Just the “raising the kids” foundation Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Not particularly well, but my wife did a great job of uploading photos from my head-shaving party. What is one of your favorite quotes? IADIP - It's another day in paradise. Motto of Dr. Bob Breedlove - killed in the 2005 edition of Race Across America (RAAM), Just the most positve outlook on life you could ever want. What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? The Logical Song - Scooter electronica What is your favorite form of exercise? Crazy intervals on the bike. What is the name of the last book you read? Blink When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Astronomer What is your favorite travel destination? A ski mountain, anywhere in the world. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My sons. They miss their Dad and Mom when we are away on all of our training rides. They sacrifice more then we do for our rides.
Lisa Livingston Guest of Mark Livingston Email Address: lisahlivingston@hotmail.com City you currently live in: Bellaire Name of college you attended: University of South Carolina Relationship with TOC participant: Wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Ride If you are a cyclist in one of our events, do you ride on a team
or with friends? Yes If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Houstonian Hammerheads What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? being around adults What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Florence and the Machine What is your favorite form of exercise? cycling What's the last book you've read? A short history of private life When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? veterinarian What is your favorite travel destination? Europe
Leonardo Magallon Guest Malena Magallon Email Address: lmagallon@dodi.com What city do you currently live in? Katy Hometown: Panama Occupation: Network Analyst Employer: Diamond Offshore Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 10, 14 Name of college you attended: University of Houston South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Diamond Offshore Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? My ex-boss, the CIO of Diamond Offshore died shortly after we finished the Chappel Hill ride and because friends, family and colleagues got behind his fundraising efforts after his death, his fund collected $32 thousand dollars. His widow asked to participate in this event to represent him. What is your connection to MS? Fundraising for wife of Club 300 friend who has MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: My ex-boss , the CIO of Diamond Offshore died shortly after we finished the Chappel Hill ride and because friends, family and colleagues got behind his fundraising efforts after his death, his fund collected $32 thousand dollars. His widow asked to participate in this event to represent him. What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Katy Flatland Century Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? no. Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Facebook, twitter What is one of your favorite quotes? All changes are good. What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling and aerobics When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Superman What is your favorite travel destination? Panama Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Marcia Lakas.
William D (Bill) Malone Email Address: wdmalonejr@yahoo.com What city do you currently live in? The Woodlands Hometown: Youngstown, OH Occupation: Civil Engineer Employer: ExxonMobil Marital Status: Married Number of children and their ages: 21, 18, 10 Name of college you attended: Utah, YSU, VA Tech, MIT, LSE
Events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: ExxonMobil Cycling Club How many years have you participated in TOC? 6 What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Nice rides, time with Spouse What is your connection to MS? Relative: Spouse of person with MS - My Wife Leona has been diagnosed with MS since 1987 Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? 928 What other non MS rides have you participated in? Too many to mention but here are a few: Ride in the Woods, Hubmle Lions Ride, Ride for a Cure, Raven's Ride, Space Ride, Galveston Bay Ride, Blue Bonnett, 3 Peaks UK, Chang Mai to Laos, Windy City Century,Emerald Ilse Tour for Peace IRE, Ft. Williams Canal - Scotland Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? United Way, Junior Achievment, USMA West Point Advisory Board, SACC, CoreNet Advisory Board, IFMA, NSPE, ASCE, Boy Scouts Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Facebook & MySpace Favorite travel destination: Thailand
Leona Malone Guest of TOC Qualifier: Bill Malone Email Address: malone_leona@yahoo.com Hometown: Youngstown, OH City you currently live in: The Woodlands, TX Name of college you attended: George Mason, Salem State,Cameron U Occupation & Employer: Teacher - Special Ed Relationship with TOC Participant: Wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer: Volunteer What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Relaxing Favorite travel destination: Italy
Greg Marcarelli South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Team ConocoPhillips since 2007! Have ridden in every MS 150 since 1992 and have raised 100K over that period. I am hoping for Marshall Cohen to retire so I can attempt to break his record! Just rode the Cactus to Crude MS 150 out in beautiful Midland/Odessa with Don and Joy McCormack as well as with the lovely Ms Margaret Sheldon. Looking forward to this year's TOC and I hope to hang with Ms. Lisa Rainey on our ride! Peace! Ride on, Ride fast, Ride Safe!
Hans Mayer Email Address: hansmayer@aol.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Stettin, Germany Occupation: consultant Employer: self Marital status: Married - Marge Number of children and their ages: 50,48,45,45 Name of college you attended: Washington Univ. in St. Louis South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: ConocoPhillips Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300, occasional committee member, 250K plus group (I think there is such a thing) Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Have been raising funds for a bunch of years and the TOC comes with the package If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Not referred but very much encouraged by my pedal partner of many years, Joann Singer If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Too many to select one, but the great fellow participants make the difference. And, I do especially recall my first TOC in Sedona. What is your connection to MS? Joann Singer and others I have met with MS, as well as several distant family members. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: No secrets, except my donor list and that's not available for publication. Lots of personal contact, mostly via regular mail and some via email. And thanking donors after the fact; then they're almost always ready to repeat the next year. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? no What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? only unofficial recreational rides with friends and family. I especially enjoy cycling with my grandson, Ian who has become a real champion rider. What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? don't have an iPod. Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Hillel at the University of Texas, the Holocaust Museum Houston, Houston Folklore Society, Washington University in St. Louis Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? no What is one of your favorite quotes? "If you don't ask, you won't get" What is your favorite form of exercise? cycling and running, including the half marathon What is the name of the last book you read? The Invisible Bridge When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? bigger What is your favorite travel destination? Love to travel. No single favorite, except Meyerland. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Joann Singer - she's had MS for 40 years, has had the most optimistic attitude throughout and has been a great advocate of MS research, as well as the MS Society.
Marge Mayer Guest of Hans Mayer Email Address: margemayer8008@aol.com Hometown: Brooklyn, NY City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: University of Houston Occupation and Employer: retired and having fun Relationship with TOC participant: spouse
Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? volunteer What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Good friends and good times. What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Debbie Friedman's songs What is one of your favorite quotes? Don't take life seriously, it temporary. What is your favorite form of exercise? Anything with friends, walking, biking in the gym. What's the last book you've read? Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Graduate to first grade. What is your favorite travel destination? Normandy, France
Don O. McCormack Email Address: domdandy@yahoo.com What city do you currently live in? Midland today and Houston on 9/6 Hometown: Ft. Worth, Texas Occupation: CAO/Treasurer Employer: Concho/Rosetta Marital status: Married - Joy Number of children and their ages: Hannah 8, Ian 6 & Evelyn 2 Name of college you attended: U.T. at Arlington South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin, Bike MS: Cactus & Crude, Midland to Post Name of your bike team: Conoco Phillips/Concho Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Treasurer/Finance Committee Chair and Board Member, Dinner of Champions Committee Member, West Texas Leadership Council Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? I don't remember If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Two favorite memories. Making it to the top of some serious climbs at Santa Fe and Boulder. What is your connection to MS? It started off with no connection, but then as time marched on and I continued to ride and meet folks afflicted, the connection grew like a snowball rolling downhill. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: I am very fortunate to have good friends who are very fortunate and vendors whom I prey upon for donations. I am never afraid to ask anyone and everyone. The ones you think will say no, say yes in a big way sometimes. You will never know unless you ask! Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? I got a new one this year and I call it 'spensive. What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Midland Dinner of Champions. If everything works out, will take credit for providing the speaker next year and should be biggest one yet! What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? No Ipod. "She's Got Issues" in my head Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Have been in YMCA over the years, but slowed down in West Texas. Headed back to Houston and expect that to continue once there. Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? I put it on my facebook page, but not much luck there. Maybe a wee bit. What is one of your favorite quotes? No matter where you go or what you do, there you are. 2nd Favorite - "if all else fails, panic" What is your favorite form of exercise? One guess... What is the name of the last book you read? Money Ball When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Rich What is your favorite travel destination? Paris, France Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My wife of course, but then she will know before me. So, would have to say it would be Tamie Compton whom I work with today at Concho Resources.
Joy McCormack Guest of Don McCormack Email Address: mccormackjoy@hotmail.com Hometown: Houston City you currently live in: HOUSTON!!!! Name of college you attended: Texas A&M Occupation and Employer: General Manager McCormack Household Relationship with TOC participant: stable (ask him) Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Rider If you are a cyclist in one of our events, do you ride on a team or with friends? Team If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Conoco Phillips What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Catching up with old friends, learning more about MS research, hassling the staff, eating amazing food and honestly...getting away from my kids for a few days. It makes it so much more fun to see them on Sunday! What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Under Pressure (David Bowie and Queen) What is one of your favorite quotes? "well-behaved women seldom make history" Laurel Thatcher Ulrich What is your favorite form of exercise? anything not involving running What's the last book you've read? Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Doctor in charge of a lot of people What is your favorite travel destination? anywhere with my kids
Cassidy McGowan Email Address: cassidy.mcgowan@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Administrative Assistant Employer: Birkman International, Inc. Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: University of Houston South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your bike team: TeamOxy Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? I am not involved in any other way, extensively. Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? I had heard about it over my three years in participating in the MS150. I never thought that I would qualify. If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: My mom, Betsy Gordon, deserves all of the credit for my qualification of this ride. She has helped me raise more than 75% of the funds that qualified us for this ride. She is an inspiration and I am more than happy to give her the credit for the extensive amount of money raised. What is your connection to MS? Again, my wonderful, gorgeous, and incredibly talented mother has been struggling with MS for most of her life. It wasn't' until around 2009 that she finally got diagnosed with MS and it has been life-changing ever since. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: My mom
raised 10,000 of the funds. She doesn't give up, especially when it comes to supporting the cause. I owe most of my fundraising to her. Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? I tried. However, it seems harder to get people in their 20s to donate any of their money, so I was less successful with social media. What is one of your favorite quotes? I really can't pick one.... "There is no change, no fate, no destiny that can circumvent, or hinder, or control a firm resolve of a determined soul." --Ella Wheeler Wilcox "If you can't change your fate, change your attitude." --Amy Tan What is the name of the last book you read? Hunger Games When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A teacher. What is your favorite travel destination? I haven't been many places. I still have a lot of traveling to do! Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My mom, of course! I will throw a "You will no longer have MS" party. It will be incredible!
Ashley McGowan Guest of Cassidy McGowan Email Address: ashley.m.mcgowan@gmail.com Hometown: Cypress City you currently live in: Cypress Name of college you attended: University of Houston Occupation and Employer: Pharmacy Technician/Student Relationship with TOC participant: Sisters! :) Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? I am also a rider. If you are a cyclist in one of our events, do you ride on a team or with friends? On a team & with family members If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Team Oxy What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Meeting other people who are passionate about moving forward together towards a world free of MS! (it's hard to pick just ONE thing I'm looking forward to.) What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Learning to Fly by Pink Floyd. This has been my favorite song for as long as I can remember. Granted, my general work out playlist is just a massive collaboration of high BPM amp-up songs. What is one of your favorite quotes? Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. - Ralph Waldo Emerson Listen; there's a hell of a good universe next door: let's go - e. e. cummings What is your favorite form of exercise? Running, most definitely without contest. It's my therapy. What's the last book you've read? The Chronology of Water When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? I have no idea, but when I ask my mother she says she only ever remembers me wanting to be a lawyer. Mothers know best! What is your favorite travel destination? Any place with water, I love the ocean.
Betsy Gordon Guest of Cassidy McGowan Email Address: betsy_gordon@oxy.com Hometown: Houston City you currently live in: Cypress Name of college you attended: University of Houston Occupation and Employer: Administrative Assistant/ Oxy Inc Relationship with TOC participant: Parent Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? volunteer/cheerleader/fundraiser If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? TeamOxy Meeting other People passionate about ending MS! What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Louis Armstrong What a wonderful world or Michael Buble _ Feeling Good What is one of your favorite quotes? "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It's not." ― Dr. Seuss, The Lorax "Be the Change you want to see in the world." - Ghandi What is your favorite form of exercise? swimming What's the last book you've read? 5 people you meet in Heaven - Mitch Albu When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Veterinarian What is your favorite travel destination? HOME
Sophia Menyhert Email Address: jzm@mindspring.com What city do you currently live in? Austin, TX Hometown: Austin, TX Occupation: Student Employer: N/A Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: too young, in middle school South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin ame of your bike team: Saint Davids Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Being a 300 Club member If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: encouraged myself to reach TOC If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? welcome/ceremony dinner What is your connection to MS? My mother has it How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Playing my violin in front of restaurants for cash donations and baking from scratch and selling Red Velvet Cakes with Cream Cheese frosting for $25 or $30 per cake. I estimate I sold over 75 cakes again this year. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? No What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Spokes and Spurs, Rosedale What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Austin Pets Alive Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? My mother used Facebook
What is one of your favorite quotes? "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right" - Henry Ford "If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun" - Marilyn Monroe What is your favorite form of exercise? Ballet What is the name of the last book you read? A for Alibi When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A ballerina What is your favorite travel destination? Paris Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My mother
Joy Menyhert Guest of Sophia Menyhert Email Address: jzm@mindspring.com Hometown: Montreal, Quebec City you currently live in: Austin, TX Name of college you attended: McGill University in Montreal Occupation and Employer: Hotel Consultant Relationship with TOC participant: Mother Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Have ridden MS 150 four times If you are a cyclist in one of our events, do you ride on a team or with friends? Team If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Saint Davids What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Experiencing Colorado, spending time with other riders and guests What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Not a song, but the NPR show Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me What is your favorite form of exercise? Crossfit What's the last book you've read? To Kill A Mockingbird When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Had no idea! What is your favorite travel destination? France
Jerry Meyerson Guest of Jon Pollock Email Address: jerry@meyersonbuilders.com (important stuff) chuckit@trashcan.com (junk stuff) What city do you currently live in? Bellaire, TX Hometown: Bellaire, Texas not Bel Aire Name of college you attended: The Great UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN Relationship with TOC Participant: Old friends, but we are not old Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Ridden in the MS150 since 2002; volunteer on non ms bike projects. If you have read this far then you should be volunteering when not riding. If you are a cyclist in one of our events, do you ride on a team or with friends? Team BFF If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Conoco Phillips managed by the best captains and best supporters of MS: Steve Moskowitz and Marshall Cohen What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Panning for gold
What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? What’s an iPod What is one of your favorite quotes? Go west young man when I am riding east What is your favorite form of exercise? Sleeping What's the last book you've read? 40 shades of green by Alan Stanford When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Meet Ed McMahon and win the Readers’ Digest Sweepstakes. Does anyone remember Ed? What is your favorite travel destination? --- The bathroom after a night of sleep ---
Jim Mills Email Address: jmills@houstonian.com What city do you currently live in? Missouri City Hometown: Beaumont, TX Occupation: Hotel General Manager Employer: The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 23, 18 Name of college you attended: University of Texas at Austin South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Houstonian Hammerheads Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? From friends on my second ride If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Sorry, too many years ago :-) If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? The dinner we had a Russian River Vineyards 5 years ago at the Sonoma TOC. However, the 4:00am bus to the ride start is the next morning is probably one of my worst TOC memories. What is your connection to MS? I have several friends with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Ask everyone. What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Crazy for You by ADELE Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Simmons Foundation, Hotel and Lodging Assn of Greater Houston, Texas Hotel and Lodging Assn, Greater Houston Convention and Visitor's Bureau, American Leadership Forum Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? No What is one of your favorite quotes? People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling (of course) What is the name of the last book you read? The Girl who Played with Fire When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? a Cowboy What is your favorite travel destination? Colorado Rocky Mountains Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Glen Goodpasture
Charles V.H. Mims Email Address: ruhroh09@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? The Woodlands, TX Hometown: Julian, NC Occupation: Geophysicist Employer: Common Resources II, LLC Marital status: Married - Elaine (also an MS150 rider) Number of children and their ages: 2 Boys 19 and 16 Name of college you attended: UNC-Chapel Hill (BS & MS Geology) South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Team Anadarko Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? None at present Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Team Anadarko Club 300 Members What is your connection to MS? My father lived with MS for approx 40 years. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: I threatened people with photos of myself in Spandex cycling shorts (this is a joke...) In all seriousness, I have a great group of supporters who have stepped up to the plate for several years in a row. Like me, a number of them have or had family members with MS. Other than an occasional reminder, "the product sold itself." Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? "Dreamweaver Storm-Dragon" (another joke -hey, it's late...) What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? B-Geo Magnolia Miles, Plane Great Ride, Hotter n Hell 100 (later this year), Livestrong Challenge (later this year) What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Jim White, 10 Miles to go on a 9mi road Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Geophysical Society of Houston, Houston Geological Society Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Facebook, but I did not raise a single, solitary penny from it. What is one of your favorite quotes? "Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts" -- E.B. White What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling What is the name of the last book you read? Fingerprints of the Gods (archaeology) When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? The next Jacques Cousteau What is your favorite travel destination? NC Beaches Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? One of my friends whose daughter was recently diagnosed with MS.
Stephen Moskowitz Email Address: moskose@swbell.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Director, Houston Facilities Employer: ConocoPhillips Marital status: VERY Happily Married! (38 years) Number of children and their ages: 24, 29, 32, 32 Name of college you attended: Rice University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: ConocoPhillips
Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Safety Committee (founding) member, regularly bug the MS staff with opportunities for improvement... Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? My first experience was as a "bonus" attendee invited by Pat Bertotti about 1998 (Sedona). I recall carrying my (mountain) bike more than riding it at times... If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? ALL of them!!! What is your connection to MS? I started w/o any connection except the appeal of the ride. I have been very privileged to get to know many people with MS who really appreciate my efforts and who inspire me with the dignity and drive they display dealing with MS every day. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Three tips: 1. Know a LOT of people... 2. Benefit from a Procrastinator's fee... 3. If I share them all, they wouldn't be a secret! Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? I'm not sure if it has a nickname but it does have my name on all four (fromt & rear) forks... What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? LIVESTRONG Challenge, Tour de Pink (missed in 2011 due to conflict w/ TOC), Ready2Roll Cycling Training Series, Lots of off-season drop-in rides. What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Baba O-Reilly: The Who (more below...) Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Involved with: Ready2Roll Cycling, Brotherhood at my Temple, International Facility Mgmt Association Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? No but I need more room for my iPod list... - You Wreck Me: Tom Petty, - Soul Salvation of Love: Cocktail Slippers, - Tunnel of Love: Bruce Springsteen, - Bluebird: Buffalo Springfield, - Bittersweet: HooDoo Gurus, - Lady of the Lake: Starcastle, - Dreamer: Supertramp, - Always be My Baby: Natalie Grant What is one of your favorite quotes? This is it... "Genius is 99% perspiration and inspiration is the other half..." - Steve M ...No wait, I think it's... "Art is the artifact of perception" - Steve M ...or maybe it's... "The front is always the way you are pointing at the time" - Desk Clerk, Holiday Inn I can't remember, how many quotes are we supposed to do? What is your favorite form of exercise? Walking w/ my wife. Cycling and running are tied for 2nd place. What is the name of the last book you read? The New Cars 1964 - Lee Friedlander When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? I remember trying to paste the loose vinyl tile in my kindergarten room in Sunday School. Think I wanted to be a Facility Manager - or an architect - I didn't like coloring books because they already had the lines & I wanted to draw my own. What is your favorite travel destination? It's a close close tie: Santa Monica/LA - with our daughters & son-in-law or Austin - with our son & granddog Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? First I would tell my wife - I'd get in trouble if I told anyone else first... Next, I'd shout it out to my (2,600) cycling buddies because we would have to plan a MAJOR celebration. Then, we would have to find another ride to form the basis for our training series...
Robbie Moskowitz Guest of Stephen Moskowitz Email Address: robbiegm@aol.com Hometown: Houston, Texas City you currently live in: Houston, Texas Name of college you attended: University of Texas at Austin Occupation and Employer: Teacher/Alief Independent School District Relationship with TOC participant: wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Volunteer If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? ConocoPhillips What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Meeting new people and seeing friends we have met in the past TOCs. Also I have never been to Colorado before. Also I will be ready for this "vacation" after being back at school (teaching) for 7 days. What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? I don't really listen to an iPod What is one of your favorite quotes? I loved you even before I met you. What is your favorite form of exercise? Honestly, exercising my finger by pushing the buttons on the TV remote control. I do enjoy working out with my trainer at ConocoPhillips twice a week. What's the last book you've read? Soup by John Gordon When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Probably a princess or ballerina. What is your favorite travel destination? Los Angeles and Austin/kids live there
Mark Nail Email Address: jmn@gmx.us What city do you currently live in? Kingwood, TX Hometown: Pearland, TX Occupation: Operations Coordinator Employer: Cudd Energy Services Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 4 South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Texas Children's Hospital Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? My wife participates in Walk MS Houston & Dallas Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Club 300 What is your connection to MS? My seventeen year old daughter was diagnosed with MS 4 yrs ago. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: We have the annual Ashley Nail MS150 fund raiser which brought in $7000 this year! What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? supersonic by Pearl Jam Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? My wife uses Facebook to invite people to our annual fund raiser. What is one of your favorite quotes? Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear. -- Mark Twain What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling, racquetball What is the name of the last book you read? Steve Jobs biography When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? a cowboy What is your favorite travel destination? No favorites, it's the journey that's interesting. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My daughter because she has MS.
Pete Nowobilski Email Address: nowobilski@earthlink.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Chicago Occupation: Refinery Management Employer: BP Marital status: Married - Dorota Number of children and their ages: 22 20 16 13 Name of college you attended: Northwestern and Purdue Universities South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin, Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your bike team: Team BP Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Rider in sixteen rides since 2002. Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? I heard about it previously ad qualified in 2010 but did not participate since Hurricane Ike hit our area at the same time as Tour of Champions If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Both George Carter and Tony Ralf encouraged me to qualify What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend and a Co-worker with MS. My godfather lived with MS and died from it. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: I start by self sponsoring the minimum requirement and ask others to add to it. I have a list of 300 friends that I email photos, videos and interesting facts during the weeks up to a ride and after it. This year 65 people sponsored my ride in various amounts from $25-$300. My wife is also a generous supporter. I also receive matching funds from my company. I top off the fundraising with one more personal donation. What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Tour de Pink in Prairie View Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? La Marque Education Foundation Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? No. What is one of your favorite quotes? "The greatest danger is not failing, but getting comfortable." What is your favorite form of exercise? Bike riding . . . . of course! What is the name of the last book you read? Jim Collins "How the Mighty Fall" When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A milkman (Went on a really cool dairy tour). What is your favorite travel destination? Quebec City Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Henry and Cathy . . . my friends and coworkers with MS . . . and walk them into their spot in line with the others to end their ordeals.
Dorothy Paterson Guest Karen Nakfoor Email Address: dspaterson@comcast.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Geologist (retired) Employer: retired - Marathon, Chevron Marital status: Married Name of college you attended: University of Texas at Austin South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150,
Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: MARATHON OIL Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: in 2002, Adolph Trudeau, previous NMSS staffer, and Illene Norden convinced Karen and me to actully GO (Lake Tahoe)! If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Grape Stomping contest at the winery in Carmel! Whale watching trip off Vancouver Island - saw hundreds of orcas! What is your connection to MS? My life-long BFF, Karen Nakfoor has battled MS with grace and dignity for ~30 years. She is my inspiration and a wonderful blessing in my life! How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: letter writing campaign; most are repeat donors over the past 11 years Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Pink Ribbons Project Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? posted on Facebook but had little effect What is your favorite form of exercise? yoga What is the name of the last book you read? The Gift of Imperfection by Brene Brown When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? a cowgirl What is your favorite travel destination? just about anywhere! In the past 5 years, I've had incredible opportunities to travel to nine other countries, including Egypt 5 times and twice each to Bosnia, Greece and Rep. Georgia! Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? KAREN!!! so she could get the CURE ASAP!!!!
Phil PauzĂŠ Guest Linda PauzĂŠ Email Address: ppauze@comcast.net What city do you currently live in? The Woodlands, TX Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Occupation: Retired Marital Status: Linda Number of children and their ages: 4 Events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: ExxonMobil Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No What is your connection to MS? None Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Gran Fondo: Texas TMCO Favorite travel destination: Wyoming
Trey Peacock Email Address: Treypeacock@mac.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Beaumont Occupation: Attorney Employer: Susman Godfrey LLP Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 16, 16, 13 Name of college you attended: Princeton University
South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Team Susman Godfrey Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Captain of Team Susman Godfrey since inception five years ago. Six year 300 Club member. Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? From MS150 staff. If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Rode Wine to Waves in Napa seval years ago. Riding across the Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise with my wife Chris was pretty amazing (despite my overpowering fear of heights during the entire traverse) What is your connection to MS? I ride each year for my law partner's sister in law who has MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: My clients, family, friends and other folks I work with. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? Really? What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Better Than This by Brad Paisley Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Yes. Facebook. What is one of your favorite quotes? No matter where you go, there you are. --Buckaroo Bonzai What is your favorite form of exercise? Biking and swimming What is the name of the last book you read? Wolf Hall When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A lion tamer in the circus. What is your favorite travel destination? Teton Valley, Idaho.
Bob Pohl Email Address: bob@funoftx.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Parnter General Manager Employer: Furnishings Unlimited Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 16 and 18 Name of college you attended: Sam Houston State University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: ConocoPhillips Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 committee member, Chair of Ambassasdors How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? MS Society If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? The entire weekend was great. What is your connection to MS? My Mother had MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Relationship selling Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? My neighborhood board and my church Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? No What is one of your favorite quotes? If it's not broke don't fix it. What is your favorite form of exercise? Running trails What is the name of the last book you read? Settling all accounts When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Baseball player What is your favorite travel destination? The mountains Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My pedal partner, Jenny Hunnicutt
Eric Powell Email Address: espowell@att.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Tularosa, New Mexico Occupation: Attorney Employer: Exxon Mobil Corp Marital status: Married - Cindy Reece Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: NM State, South Texas College of Law South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: ExxonMobil Cylcing Team Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Safety Committee, memeber and former chair, Ride Marshal, Leagur Certified Instructor (LCI) for Safety Training Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Annual event If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Great people working towards a great cause. What is your connection to MS? Close friend has MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Contiue to share a story of MS, challenge people by offering up personal matching dollars. What is one of your favorite quotes? Carpi Diem What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling What is your favorite travel destination? All over to see new places and enjoy favorites, especially Arizinoa and Colorado. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My Pedal partner, Diana Hawks, since she has been living with and battling MS for over 45 years.
Cindy Reece Guest of Eric Powell Email Address: espowell@att.net Hometown: Louisville, Ohio City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: Marietta College, Ohio; UT Austin, HBU Occupation and Employer: Manager, Exxon Mobil Corp. Relationship with TOC participant: Spouse Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? The cool weather of Colorado?
Joe Powers Email Address:powers@powersbrown.com What city do you currently live in?Houston Hometown: Austin Occupation: Architect Employer: Powers Brown Architecture Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 2 Name of college you attended: SWTSU now called Texas State
South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Houston Builders Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? George told me. If you're a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Reconnecting with my former next door neighbors (Chris and Lisa) in Nashville. What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: I sent a lot of emails. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? For sale. What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? I have an iPod? Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? AIA, NAIOP, SIOR, HOLBA, ACRP Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? No What is one of your favorite quotes? A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on. (Winston Churchill) What is your favorite form of exercise? Running When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Architect What is your favorite travel destination? Italy Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Clarence M. - his wife has MS.
Christina Powers Guest of Joe Powers Email Address: czinnpowers@gmail.com Hometown: Littleton, Co City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: University of Texas at Austin Occupation & Employer: graphic design/development The Jung Ctr Relationship with TOC participant: spouse Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? volunteer and past rider If you are a cyclist in one of our events, do you ride on a team or with friends? yes If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Houston Builders What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? getting to know new people and reconnecting with old friends What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Viva la Vida What is one of your favorite quotes? "Be the change you want to see in the world." -Gandhi What is your favorite form of exercise? yoga and cycling What's the last book you've read? The Boy Who Saved My Life When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A nurse because my favorite book was Nurse Nancy and there were band-aids in the back! What is your favorite travel destination? Colorado!
Lisa Rainey Email Address: blrainey2@sbcglobal.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Horton, MI Occupation: Sourcing Communication and Process Leade Employer: Sysco Marital status: Married - Bart Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Michigan State University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Houstonian Hammerheads Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Team captain of the Housonian Hammerheads Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? So many! The biking views from the Waves to Wine ride in Sonoma; the amazing bike routes in Nashville; the many laughs with Bart, Afif, Lisa, Chris, Mike, Lisa and Mark in Scottsdale. What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: I ask every person I know to help me reach my goal. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? She doesn't have a nickname. What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? The Columbus Rolling Hills Challenge, Bike for Mike and the Katy Flat Lands. We get out every weekend to ride, but don't do a lot of organized rides. What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? I don't listen to an iPod Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Just the MS Society. Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? I post my results on FaceBook. What is one of your favorite quotes? Instead of worrying about what people say of you, why not spend your time trying to accomplish something they will admire. What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling - of course :-) What is your favorite travel destination? The California wine country.
Bart Rainey Guest of Lisa Rainey Email Address: blrainey2@sbcglobal.net Hometown: Horton, MI City you currently live in: Houston, TX Name of college you attended: Michigan State University Occupation and Employer: Sentinel Trust Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Rider Houston to Austin If you are a cyclist in one of our events, do you ride on a team or with friends? Ride on a team If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Houstonian Hammerheads
Cherri Rapp Email Address: cherri@rapp-lcc.com What city do you currently live in? Cedar Park, TX Hometown: Estelline, TX Occupation: QuickBooks Consultant Employer: Self Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Wayland Baptist College, UT Austin South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Team GLO Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? At the Fayettville Bike Ride What is your connection to MS? None How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Sent letter to all my clients and friends. Followed up with second postcard reminder. Send thank-yous each year to the ones that donate. Also my sister Jan and I started a golf tournament last year, and with the help of Team GLO, we raised over $12,500 this year just on the golf tournament. What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? LBJ Bike Ride - Johnson City Smoking Spurs Tour Navidad - Schulenberg Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Facebook. What is your favorite form of exercise? Biking - for exercise. Golf for fun. What is the name of the last book you read? Johnstown Flood When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Waitress What is your favorite travel destination? Italy
Jan Rapp
New to TOC
Email Address: jsrht@sbcglobal.net What city do you currently live in? Dallas, TX Hometown: Estelline, TX Occupation: CPA Employer: self Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Univ of Texas at Austin South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Team GLO Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? eating ice cream at the LaGrange social! Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? At Fayetteville winter ride a few years ago If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Cherri Rapp (my sister) and Larry Laine were lots of help, this is my first year to make the TOC on my own, before I have gone as a guest of Cherri. If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? lots of favorites, great Southern food at a Nashville dinner, riding across the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco,
What is your connection to MS? I have a friend with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: by writing a letter and putting a photo in it with my friend who has MS with me, then sending it to lots of friends and clients. And to raise about 70% of my money my sister Cherri & I put on a golf tournament and got a lot of help from our bike team, Team GLO. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? No. What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? last year I did the 50 mile ride at the Hotter N Hell 100. Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? at church, and a golf group Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? No What is one of your favorite quotes? My kingdom is not of this world, by Jesus. What is your favorite form of exercise? cycling What is the name of the last book you read? Unconscious Putting When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? can't remember that far back! What is your favorite travel destination? Africa on a photographic safari Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My friend Julie Byrnes, because she has suffered so much and not been able to lead a normal life because of losing so much independence. But she has a great attitude almost all the time.
Zamir Rauf Guest Norma Dunn South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Calpine Team
Mike Robertson Email Address: mrobertson@wbamarillo.com What city do you currently live in? Amarillo, Texas Hometown: Amarillo, Texas Occupation: Contractor / Engineer Employer: Western Builders of Amarillo Marital status: Married - Becky Number of children and their ages: Brandon (33), Brian (28) , Whitney (26) Name of college you attended: Texas Tech University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Bike MS: The Wild West Ride, Amarillo to Canadian, Bike MS: Pedal los Pueblos, Northern New Mexico Name of your bike team: Western Builders Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Local MS Office If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: April Brownlee - MS Bike Coordinator in Amarillo What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets:
Primarily from personal contacts with associates connected through Western Builders. I contact previous supporters through e-mail informing them of the prior year’s success, share photos of our WB Team and ask for continued support. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? no What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Triple By-Pass - Evergreen to Vail CO.; Enchanted Circle - red River NM Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Church Family, Texas Tech Red Raider Club Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? No What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling What is the name of the last book you read? Flags of our Fathers When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Astronaut What is your favorite travel destination? Hawaii; but my daughter and son-in-law are living in Europe and we enjoy meeting them somewhere between Texas and Turkey once a year. In 2010, my two sons and I met met my son-in-law in Italy for a guys trip to ride bikes in the Italian Alps. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Two freinds who suffer daily.
Becky Robertson Guest of TOC Qualifier: Mike Robertson Email Address: robertson731@suddenlink.net Hometown: Amarillo City you currently live in: Amarillo Name of college you attended: Texas Tech University Occupation and Employer: House Wife Relationship with TOC participant: Wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Yes What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Surroundings What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Kailee Racheal - Hawaiian Music What is one of your favorite quotes? This to shall pass! What is your favorite form of exercise? Walking or Water Aerobics What's the last book you've read? James Patterson When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? No Idea What is your favorite travel destination? Hawaii
Sylvia Rodriguez Email Address: Sylvia.Rodriguez@valero.com What city do you currently live in? San Antonio, Texas Hometown: Harlingen, Texas Occupation: Exec. Director Employer: Valero Energy Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 31, 27, 24 South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels Name of your bike team: Velo Valero Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Tony Ralf
If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Cycling across the Golden Gate bridge, along Pacific and through wine country. What is your connection to MS? Sponsor, Cyclist and Fundraiser What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Tour de Cure, San Antonio Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? San Antonio Parks Foundation What is one of your favorite quotes? Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. –Theodore Roosevelt What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling, Hiking What is the name of the last book you read? The Confession – John Grisham When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Probably a teacher, but I really don't remember. I think I was just trying to survive growing up in the country with 3 older bros. & 2 younger sisters. At the time, I was one of 6 ranging in ages 1 month old to 10 yrs. Old What is your favorite travel destination? Big Bend Ranch State Park Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My wonderful husband Marty – my biggest supporter in all I do.
Marty Rodriguez Guest of Sylvia Rodriguez Email Address: mrodsa@gmail.com Guest of TOC Qualifier: Sylvia Rodriguez Hometown: San Antonio City you currently live in: San Antonio Name of college you attended: UTSA Occupation & Employer: Self Relationship with TOC participant: spouse Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? rider - once If you are a cyclist in one of our events, do you ride on a team or with friends? team If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Valero What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? getting away to a beautiful & cool place What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash What is one of your favorite quotes? It's deja vu all over again - Yogi Berra What is your favorite form of exercise? running What's the last book you've read? John Grisham - The Brethern When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Park Ranger What is your favorite travel destination? Vegas
Franelle Rogers South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Houstonian Hammerheads
Jonathan Ross Email Address: jross@susmangodfrey.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Attorney Employer: Susman Godfrey LLP Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 15, 13, 9 Name of college you attended: Georgetown University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Team Susman Godfrey Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Website What is your connection to MS? I had a relative with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Generous donors and repeated pestering. All solicitation done by email and Facebook. What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? General training rides, including the Conoco-Philips series. What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? At Last (Etta James) Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Air Alliance Houston Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Used Facebook, to a limited degree of success. What is one of your favorite quotes? "Mr. Churchill, if I were your wife, I would serve you poison in your tea." "Lady Astor, if I were your husband, I would drink it!" What is your favorite form of exercise? Biking. What is the name of the last book you read? The Quest by Daniel Yergin When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? An anarchist. What is your favorite travel destination? Asia. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My children, so they would understand how well worth it all the Saturday morning bike rides were!
Mike Sailor Email Address: mike.sailor@adp.com What city do you currently live in? Spring, TX Hometown: St. Louis, MO Occupation: Sr. V.P. of Sales Employer: ADP Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 3 Name of college you attended: Washington University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: St. Arnold's Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Raising funds for the ride is very important to both of us and takes us a lot of our time several months before the ride. Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you're a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Watching my wife speak about life with MS to those that attend TOC.
What is your connection to MS? My wife Lisa has had MS for many years and is an Ambassador for the MS Society. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Many emails, letters, calls and Facebook postings. The main thing is starting early and taling about the ride with as many people as possible. What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? "Old School" it's over 30 yrs old! What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? I'm an NPR listener Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Lisa does. She posts photos of herself recieving her treatments to try to garner attention to the disease. What is your favorite form of exercise? If I'm not on m bike then I'm running. When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A jet pilot Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Our children. They have lived with the disease most of their lives.
Lisa Sailor Guest of Mike Sailor Email Address: lisasailor626@gmail.com Hometown: Louisville, KY City you currently live in: Spring, TX Name of college you attended: Southeast MO State Occupation and Employer: Domestic Goddess & fundraiser for MS Relationship with TOC participant: Better half Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Yes, I love to speak to the bike teams. What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Reconnecting with old friends, making new ones but what I like best is bridging the gap between bike riders and the disease. If anyone comes away understanding MS just a little better than it makes the trip so worth it to me. What is your favorite form of exercise? Sex. If that’s not possible, then working out in my pool. (Sorry honey!!) What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Perfect by Pink. That being perfect in society is not near as importants as feeling perfect in your heart and believing it in your mind regardless of what the world says. Confidence is the most attractive trait. When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A ditch digger or a nun. Or maybe a nun who digs ditches. What is your favorite travel destination? Anywhere with the hubs.
Larry Sanders Email Address: larry.sanders@cggveritas.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Dexter, Ia Occupation: CPA Employer: CGGVeritas Marital status: Married - Kim Number of children and their ages: 17 & 12 Name of college you attended: UH Clear Lake South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: CGGVeritas Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No
If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? The easy hike up Camelback Mountain while carrying 8 bottles of water, 1 gallon of orange juice, and a bottle of vodka. What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Cooking Briskets, Ribs, and Turkeys Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Habitat for Humanity What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Race Car driver What is your favorite travel destination? Puerta Vallarta Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My senior accountant as his wife has been diagnosed with MS.
Kim Sanders Guest of Larry Sanders Email Address: knacol35@yahoo.com Hometown: Palestine, TX City you currently live in: Houston TX Name of college you attended: SHSU Occupation and Employer: Title Processor - Sonic Automotive Relationship with TOC participant: Spouse Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Volunteer If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? CGGVeritas What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Meeting new people and seeing friends from last year. What is your favorite form of exercise? Walking What's the last book you've read? Chill Factor by Sandra Brown When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A teacher What is your favorite travel destination? Puerta Vallarta
Randall Shafer Email Address: randall.s.shafer@conocophillips.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Harborcreek, pa Occupation: Arctic Drilling Engineer Employer: ConocoPhillips Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 29, 28, 28 Name of college you attended: Penn State and University of Chicago South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: ConocoPhillips Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? MS Society and Team Captain If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Team Captain Steve offered encouragement. Made it last year but could not attend due to work. Steve encouraged again. What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: No secrets, just very generous people who I work with. And a few surprise donors. It helps to just let people know you are riding and you always get a surprise donation.
Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? No nickname, but feel sorry for it carrying my weight What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Tour de Houston, COP training rides, What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Roundabout by Yes Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Yes, but no results What is one of your favorite quotes? Give a bear your finger and he will take your arm What is your favorite form of exercise? Spinning What is the name of the last book you read? Snow Crash When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Farmer What is your favorite travel destination? Puerto Vallarta, MX Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Sonya King a great person who is a co-worker. She is a trooper suffering many setbacks but always keeps smiling
Sandra Alonzo Shafer Guest of Randall Shafer Email Address: sandra.shafer@sbcglobal.net Hometown: Houston City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: Culinary Inst. LeNotre Occupation and Employer: Chef, Private Relationship with TOC participant: Wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? I am a rider If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Conoco Phillips What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? MS has affected many of our friends and acquaintances, it is just an honor to all of them for being a great part of our lives, specially Reem for bringing awareness to us and all the love she has given us! What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Anything by Black Eyed Peas! What is one of your favorite quotes? "The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you've got to have a what-the-hell attitude." -- Julia Childs! What is your favorite form of exercise? Jogging @ Memorial Park! What's the last book you've read? Wine & war, The French and Nazis When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A flight attendant so I could travel the world! What is your favorite travel destination? Gironde, St. Emilion, France!
Christopher Shaw Email Address: cshaw@shawsystems.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Executive Management Employer: Shaw Systems Associates Marital status: Lisa Dannenbaum-Shaw Number of children and their ages: 11 & 8 Name of college you attended: University of Houston South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin. Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your Bike Team: Shaw Systems Cycling, Hou. Hammerheads
Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Past Co-Chair Valero Ride to the River, Past Chair Valero Ride to the River, Multiple other committees for Valero Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Past EVP of San Antonio realized how engaged I had become and excited me about it then nurtured the relationship until I made it. After first trip I was hooked! If you're a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Tough question. There really have been excellent memories every year - each one different but also connected in many ways. From my first one in San Diego, renting a sailboat with Steve High and having a blast to last year dining, laughing and telling stories with the Raineys, Livingstons and Afif. Memories from every TOC always range from the emotionally inspiring to the hysterically funny all connected by the comeraderie of that many quality individuals together. What is your connection to MS? A passion to help those who, for reasons only God knows, have been afflicted with this disease. I am connected because I am lucky that I can do something to help people that I never knew and now call friends How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Tell the story of what makes you passionate about it, be genuine and make it personal. People can't say no to a great cause. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? What?!!! What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? None What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Glitter by Pink. Yes, I said it Glitter Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? US Sailing. Other groups around our kid's activities Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Very little. I think this is an avenue many people abuse and it takes away from the genuine posts. The website originated canned email is impersonal. I know it may work and I need to utilize social media a bit more but it's just not me. What is one of your favorite quotes? "In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock" - Thomas Jefferson What is your favorite form of exercise? Hmmmm. really? Ballet What is the name of the last book you read? "Hope is not a Strategy" When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Taller What is your favorite travel destination? Anywhere with the right people. Colorado is near the top; Hawaii; Grand Cayman? Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My biggest donors to let them know what impact they made
Margaret L Shelton Email Address: sheltonm@uhd.edu City you live in: Houston Occupation: Accounting professor Hometown: Austin, TX Employer: University of Houston-Downtown Marital status: married to Mike Randall Number of children and their ages: Mike has 2: 23 and 20 Name of college you attended: Rice Univ. BA, UH MBA, UH PhD South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin yes Bike MS: Sam’s Club, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway yes until this year Bike MS: Valero, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back yes Bike MS: Louisiana, Hammond, LA to McComb, MS once Bike MS: Cactus and Crude, Midland to Post twice Bike MS: Pedal Los Pueblos Northern, New Mexico volunteered once
Name of your Bike Team: usually ConocoPhillips Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club300, Hall of Fame, Safety Committee, Finance Committee, Budget Review Committee, Club300 packet stuffing Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? no How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? was notified when I first qualified years ago If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? always the folks with whom I share the adventure What is your connection to MS? a relative with MS and other folks living with MS whom I have met over the years How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets. 1] make an initial donation of my own 2] match all donations by 5% 3[ contact donors several times during the fundraising season 4] send a personal handwritten note to each donor 5] send a mid year update 6] send a christmas card with a short letter 7]make sure donors know that their donations make a difference Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? Yes, Mon Ami What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? we rode BP MS150, Cactus and Crude BikeMS, and will ride Valero BikeMS – wont’ do the Sam;s Club BikeMS anymore due to the route change What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? don’t have an iPod [very retro!] Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? 1] Pink Ribbons Project, I am the Tour de Pink Ride Director 2] faculty sponsor for a UHD student accounting group 3] treasurer for UHD Phi Kapppa Phi Honor Society 4] treasurer for UHD American Association of University Professors professional group Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? NO, I only use e-mail and snail mail What is one of your favorite quotes? Women who think they are equal to men lack ambition What is your favorite form of exercise? cycling & Pilates What is the name of the last book you read? listened to a murder mystery on audio books When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? a person who was raising and riding horses [bikes are close!!] What is your favorite travel destination? anywhere that Mike, my husband and I can get away to! I enjoy visiting new places in the US and overseas and always learn SO MUCH Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? my former sister-in – law who lives in Brazil because she is the one whose life caused me to fully embrace fundraising to end MS.
Michael Randall Guest of Margaret Shelton Email Address: mister75@aol.com Hometown: Houston City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: UT at Austin......Hook 'em Occupation and Employer: Dredge Builders Relationship with TOC participant: Husband and wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Yes, Five Bike MS's last year If you are a cyclist in one of our events, do you ride on a team or with friends? Team If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? CoP What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Hitting some altitude and getting out of Houston! Spending time with friends! What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? I dont hAVE AN iPOD..... What is one of your favorite quotes? Blazing Saddles has quite a few that I like.... What is your favorite form of exercise? Biking What's the last book you've read? Tom Horn
When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? An Astronaught What is your favorite travel destination? Islands, in order to SCUBA Dive
Michael Short Guest Jian Ju Lan Short South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team MRE
Alison Sparer Email Address: alison.sparer@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Las Vegas Occupation: Interior Designer Employer: Interior Designer Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: University of Colorado South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: KBR Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300, Walk MS: Houston Steering Committee Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Making great new friends! What is your connection to MS? I have MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Beg, plead, and borrow! Actually, I'm lucky to have very generous family and friends, although it takes quite a bit of emailing on my end. I also received a grant from a company I specify. Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? NEWH (interior design organization) Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Yes, facebook! What is your favorite form of exercise? Currently, yoga What is the name of the last book you read? Bossypants by Tina Fey When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A fashion designer. Or a police officer, so I couldn't go to jail. Makes sense right? What is your favorite travel destination? Anywhere with good company Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Everyone! I'd yell it from the rooftops!
Kelly Wahlheim Guest of TOC Qualifier: Alison Sparer Email Address: kelly.wahlheim@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Baton Rouge Hometown: Houston Occupation & Employer: Marketing Coordinator, Fruge Orthodontics Marital status: Married - Anthony Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended:Texas State University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Team KBR Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Baton Rouge Walk Committee Member, Baton Rouge Women Against MS Committee Member Previous Houston Walk Committee Member, Previous Houston Team Captain Committee Member Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Through the MS Society and my AMAZING friend, Alison Sparer What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Meeting amazing fundraisers, getting ideas for my own fundraising next year What is your connection to MS? One of my dearest friends was diagnosed 3.5 years ago and that made me want to get even more involved What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Adele- I'll Be Waiting Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? The Sunshine Foundation- Baton Rouge Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Yes, I posted my fundraising page on facebook What is one of your favorite quotes? You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. What is your favorite form of exercise? Spin Class, Pilates, Walking the dog What is the name of the last book you read? Mockingjay When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Teacher What is your favorite travel destination? Costa Rica Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? EVERYONE!
Darcy Stingerie Email Address: darcy.stingerie@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? HOUSTON Hometown: HOUSTON Occupation: Engineer Employer: ConocoPhillips Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Colorado School of Mines South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: ConocoPhillips Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about
that person: Both Steve Moskowitz and Marshall Cohen encouraged me and helped make it possible for me to What is your connection to MS? I have several friends who either have MS or have a family member with MS. I was blessed to ride for three different people this year - a friend in Houston, a college classmate, and a co-worker's mom. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: I tried to make my fundraising letters personal and enjoyable. I included pictures along with an update on the training rides and tried to make my contributors feel involved I also sent a weekend update letter with how the ride went. Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Pi Beta Phi, CSMAA, My church, CEPC Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? I used my blog (www.stingerie.com) and Facebook to try and get additional sponsorship. What is one of your favorite quotes? "God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." C.S. Lewis What is your favorite form of exercise? Anything outdoors! What is the name of the last book you read? Game of Thrones series When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Engineer. Yep, I'm that boring :-) What is your favorite travel destination? Anywhere that includes my husband. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? The three friends I know and ride for that are struggling with MS.
David Tumino Email Address: dtumino@earthlink.net What city do you currently live in? Katy Hometown: Bethpage NY Occupation: Petroleum Engineer Employer: Murphy Exploration & Production Company Marital status: Married - Kelly Number of children and their ages: 9 Logan Name of college you attended: United States Air Force Academy South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin, Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your bike team: BAMS (Band Against MS) Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Club 300 If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? the camaraderie What is your connection to MS? friends suffering MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: email, matching my highest donation, corporate matching Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? no... but Lifesaver wouldn't be a bad choice Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? some minor posting on Facebook What is one of your favorite quotes? "I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all to matter, to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all.." Leo Rosten What is your favorite form of exercise? running,cycling, weight training What is the name of the last book you read? Fall of Giants (Ken Follett) When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? six Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? my lovely bride... for supporting me in the MS 150 year after year.
Joshua Wheat Email Address: joshuawheat@yahoo.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston, TX Occupation: Financial Advisor Employer: VALIC Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Sam Houston State University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Team Standard Tube Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? I was fortunate enough to be brought as a guest last year. If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: My friend and teammate Michael Hurd brought me to TOC last year as a guest. After I returned from Scottsdale, I knew I wanted to step up my game in order to raise as much as possible to find a cure for MS. What is your connection to MS? I did not have a connection to MS when I first started riding three years ago. Other than my team sponsor's wife, I didn't know of anyone with MS. I have since learned ALOT more about MS and have met some great people along the way! How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: I was fortunate enought to raise a little over $12,000.00 this year, which was double what I raised last year. I utilized a few techniques I learned at last year's TOC (Facebook, Handwritten Letters, Company Matching) to get me to that total. I am also apart of an incredible team (Standard Tube) which matches all of my fundraising efforts dollar for dollar. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? My bike is the "Blue Flame", Watch out she runs HOT! What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? I was apart of the Conoco Phillips Training Series (when it wasn't raining) leading up to the MS 150. What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Hollaback Girl Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? I used Facebook to send out messages and update my friends on my progress. I found it was a great way to communicate in cases where I didn't have e-mail addresses for my friends. What is your favorite form of exercise? Flirty Girl Fittness When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Strangely enough I wanted to be a garbage man. Something about riding on the back of the truck.... What is your favorite travel destination? San Pedro, Belize Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? EVERYONE! I would scream it from a mountain!
D. Brian Williams Email Address: williadb@bp.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Director Employer: BP Alternative Energy Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 12 Name of college you attended: University of California Berkeley
South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Team BP Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300, 15 years doing Lone Star MS150 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? knew about this as I qualified previously but could not attend What is your connection to MS? Have a sister in law with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Have spent years building a support system of sponsors, all of whom have continued to generously support my ride, with increasing dollars each year. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? Barkley What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Paradise by Coldplay Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Boy Scouts, Assdt Scout Master, Troop 641 Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? no What is your favorite form of exercise? marathon running -- have done 55 in total (32 states, 10 countries, 3 continents) What is the name of the last book you read? A Short History of Nearly Everything When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Fireman What is your favorite travel destination? I have many (perhaps France and Italy). 75 countries and counting Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My sister in law, who has the disease
Lisa Williams Email Address: lwilliams@dow.com What city do you currently live in? Missouri City, TX Hometown: Houston, TX Occupation: Supply Chain Leader Employer: Dow Chemical Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 1 Name of college you attended: Prairie View A&M/Penn State South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Team Dow Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? I am the team captain. Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Invitation If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Lloyd Colegrove, former team captain and top fundraiser. If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Getting the opportunity to meet the other riders and team leaders. They are always very positive and inspirational people. What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: I have quite a few very generous individual donors, but primarily used phone calls, emails, and social media to tell my training story and build a connection with my donors. In previous years I've hosted wine tastings and other parties to thank donors and solicit donors for the coming year. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? No. What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Unfortunately business travel has restricted my participation in many rides this year.
What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Glamorous by Fergie Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Dow University recruiting, National Society of Black Engineers, Delta Sigma Theta Public Service Sorority, Inc. Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Yes, mentioned above. What is one of your favorite quotes? "Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." -Will Rogers What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling, P90X, Brazilian Dance What is the name of the last book you read? One Day It Will All Make Sense by Common When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Fashion Designer What is your favorite travel destination? Marseille, France and Dominican Republic, Haiti Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My donors who are directly affected by the disease.
Arthur Williams Guest of Lisa Williams Email Address: artsrealty@aol.com Hometown: Houston, TX City you currently live in: Missouri City, TX Name of college you attended: Southwest Texas State University Occupation and Employer: Self Employed/Real Estate Development Relationship with TOC participant: Husband Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Volunteer If you are a cyclist in one of our events, do you ride on a team or with friends? Team If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Team Dow What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? The opportunity to relax at a wonderful resort. What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Anita Baker, Jeffrey Osbourne, Phil Collins What is one of your favorite quotes? None What is your favorite form of exercise? Running, cycling, and weight training. What's the last book you've read? Entrepreneur, SmartMoney, BusinessWeek When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Basketball Player What is your favorite travel destination? Miami and New York City
Loran Wilson Email Address: wilsonj5200@sbcglobal.net What city do you currently live in? Katy, TX Hometown: Crosbyton, TX Occupation: Process Engineer Employer: BHP Billiton Petroleum Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 22, 21, 20, 20, 18 Name of college you attended: Texas Tech University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Team HOTT Wheels Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Other MS150 cyclists who went to TOC, and also
by looking at the prizes for top fundraisers. What is your connection to MS? I rode a few years as a rider champion for a friend from my Church who had MS, and he passed away in 2006. Now we have another close friend who has MS, and he plays bass guitar in our Church's praise band. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: I am blessed to have wonderful friends and collegues who willingly support me for MS150 fundraising. Also, my company has a Gift Matching program that will match my fund raising efforts dollar for dollar. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? It is a tandem bike, named Gracie What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Spring Break Away, Blue Bonnett Express, What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Sharp Dressed Man by ZZTop Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Used FaceBook to link to my MS150 Fundraising Page. What is one of your favorite quotes? Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there. --Will Rogers What is your favorite form of exercise? cycling What is the name of the last book you read? Forgotten God When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Driver of Construction Equipment: Earth Mover, Front-End-Loader, Dump Truck, etc. What is your favorite travel destination? France Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My friend who has MS.
Kelly Bennett Guest of Loran Wilson Email Address: Kbennett@mpwcpa.com Hometown: Columbus City you currently live in: Katy Name of college you attended: Stephen F. Austin State University Occupation and Employer: CPA. Margolis Phipps & Wright P.C. Relationship with TOC participant: Wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Rider If you are a cyclist in one of our events, do you ride on a team or with friends? Team If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Team HOTT Wheels What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Riding with riders who serve those with MS by their fundraising efforts. What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? We Are The Champions What is one of your favorite quotes? Just keep pedalin' What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling with my husband What's the last book you've read? It Starts With Food When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A teacher What is your favorite travel destination? France
Brian Wing Email Address: brianpwing@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? The Woodlands, TX Hometown: The Woodlands, TX Occupation: Business Development Employer: PowerAdvocate & IPR Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 3 Name of college you attended: University of Colorado and Rice South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Team Katz Deli Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? GuiltyT not overly involved. Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Went last year If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Kelli and Mindy! If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Having my guest last year throw his bike at me when we eclipsed the 44 mile mark and had 2.5 miles to go......up hill. (I may have told him it was only 44) What is your connection to MS? Friends with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: 1. For $250 donation you can play any song on my playlist......"it's raining men" seems to be popular and gets some great looks during the ride 2. Offer to stop emailing once they make a donation 3. I write a post race blog with plenty of humor directed at myself 4. Have great friends..... 5. And offer to wear a tutu if you hit your target. Unfortunate outfit when it's raining men is playing! Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? The impaler What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Pan Mass. challengeT turns out Mass. is hilly!! What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Fried Chicken Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Operation Grateful Nation Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Some Facebook, but not much What is one of your favorite quotes? “For those much is given, much is expected.” and “A flute with no holes isn't a flute, and a donut with no hole is a danish....” - Ty Webb (caddyshack) What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling and Tennis What is the name of the last book you read? Lone Survivor When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Probably to never grow upT mission accomplished. What is your favorite travel destination? Aspen. Fishing, hiking, biking, great food, golf, skiingT. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Tell all my donors.
John Adams Guest of Brian Wing Email Address: jvadams@spectraenergy.com Hometown: Houston, TX City you currently live in: Houston, TX Name of college you attended: Purdue Occupation and Employer: VP Supply Chain, Spectra Energy
Relationship with TOC participant: Business Associate Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Rider If you are a cyclist in one of our events, do you ride on a team or with friends? Team If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Spectra Energy What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? The ride and learn more about MS What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Express by Christine Aguilara What is one of your favorite quotes? Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values. What is your favorite form of exercise? Biking What's the last book you've read? The Hunger Games When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Successful What is your favorite travel destination? A beach
Pieter Wybro Guest Barbara Montagnino Email Address: pieter.wybro@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Katy, Texas Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon Occupation: Engineer Employer: Retired Marital status: Married - Barbara Number of children and their ages: 32, 30 Name of college you attended: University of Hawaii South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Exxon Mobil Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? I was told about it by Eric Powell, the then-captain of the ExxonMobil team. If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Eric Powell. If you're a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? The only TOC I have participated was last year in Scottsdale. The Camelback hike was very memorable to my wife and I. What is your connection to MS? I have several friends who have MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: I have about 500 contacts..friends, family, prior business associates, people I have met, and some local businesses. I keep them informed about my training and also the progress in MS, and I match all donations made. What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Several rides with the Katy Bike Barn, and local charities such as Katy Ram challenge, What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Li'l Darlin by the Diamonds Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? No. What is one of your favorite quotes? The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.' by Ronald Reagan What is your favorite form of exercise? Swimming, sailing, and biking What is the name of the last book you read? Can't remember, it has been so long. When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? An Astronaut What is your favorite travel destination? British Virgin Islands
Ellen Yarrell Email Address: ellen@eayatty.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Fort Worth Occupation: Attorney Employer: Self Marital status: Divorced Number of children and their ages: 2 Name of college you attended: UT Austin South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your bike team: Bike Barn Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Just a great supporter! Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Been attending fr several years If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Just getting to know everyone on the staff as well as the cammaraderie if the entire group! What is your connection to MS? Passionate supporter How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Emal connections with a well trained support group. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? no What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? none What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Someone like you- Adele Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Many bar activities Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? no What is one of your favorite quotes? In the end, it's going to be good; if it isn't good now, then it isn't the end. What is your favorite form of exercise? running, cycling and trekking What is the name of the last book you read? Forget me not- by Jennifer Lowe When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? I have no idea- that was too long ago- decided to attend law school after a wonderful mentor suggested I apply. What is your favorite travel destination? The mountains are always a draw for meWho is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My pedal partnerKaren!
Karla Zielke Email Address: karla.zielke@ihs.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Lake Jackson, TX Occupation: Sales Engineer Employer: IHS Inc. Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended (if any): Texas A&M South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150,Houston to Austin, Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your bike team: Houston Oaks Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Committee member, Because We Can member, Adopt-a-Highway program coordinator for the top fundraisers
Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Dr. Hutton challenged me to boost my fundraising from $8,600 to $12,000 to qualify for TOC. I might have read 'Tour of Champions' before but I didn't know what it was all about. Now I'm hooked! If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Like I said before, Dr. Hutton challenged me. Do I really need to tell you about my favorite neurologist? The one who offered me participation in a clinical trial that has changed the course of my life with MS? He's a good guy, you should meet him some day. =) If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? I can't mention the specifics of one but it led to a great bonding experience with some fellow TOCers. The one I can mention is hiking in Boulder with a group of TOCers I hadn't really met before. They welcomed me into their group, patiently waited on the slow one, shared their incredible 'snack' with me and made me feel like part of their group. During my three TOC trips I have met some fantastic people and always enjoy meeting new people. What is your connection to MS? I have MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets: Sold 'I Bike for...' buttons; Super Bowl Squares for MS and sent out ~300 emails Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? You keep asking this, I guess I'm going to have to come up with a name! What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? HHH, Katy Flatland, Bike to the Bar, Gran Fondo, Bluebonnet Express, Tour de Houston, The Great Plane Ride, Gator Ride, Hill Hopper, Colder than Alaska ride What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? The Adventure by Angels & Airwaves Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Caring Critters - Animal Assited Therapy, 17 years Because We Can - Active Cyclists with MS Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how? Yes, I used the Facebook app What is one of your favorite quotes? Don't limit your challenges, CHALLENGE your limits! What is your favorite form of exercise? Running but my broken down body doesn't like this answer. I actually refer to it as 'going for a shuffle' now because the pace is not really a run or even a jog. What is the name of the last book you read? Dancing in the Rain When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? a Dallas Cowboy football player What is your favorite travel destination? anywhere there are mountains, dark skies and no shopping malls Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My parents because they worry so much about what MS might do to me.
Staff Brenda Buchanan Email Address: Brenda.Buchanan@nmss.org Hometown: Houston City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: Occupation and Employer: Development, National MS Society Marital Status: Engaged Number of Children and their ages: 1 Name of college you attended: University of Houston South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? As a staff member, I am priviledged to meet so many people that are extremely passionate about the mission and helping others. With those living with MS, we see each day the appreciation of what our top fundraisers are doing to help find a cure through the funds raised and the awareness they bring to others. I am honored to be a part of this organization and to know so many caring individuals. Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Speak-man!! What is your connection to MS? My sister-in-law has MS What is one of your favorite quotes? There is time for everything. -Thomas A. Edison What is your favorite form of exercise? Walking What's the last book you've read? Farmyard FriendsT Emily loves it. When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A Teacher What is your favorite travel destination? California is great! Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My sister-in-law as she was diagnosed back in 2004.
Lisa Dannenbaum-Shaw Email Address: lisa.shaw@nmss.org What city do you currently live in? Katy Hometown: Bellaire/Houston Occupation: Manager-MS 150 & Walk MS Employer: NMSS Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 11 and 8 Name of college you attended (if any): U of H South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your bike team: BP MS 150 and Shaw System's Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? I am bilingual. I speak "Bike and Walk". I have the unique privilege of working with the Bike Teams and the Walk Teams. Go Teams!!! Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? I think Tony Ralf roped Chris into this great gig! If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? My first TOC (as a guest) in San Diego and sailing, "hanging out" with the seals, Steve High and others. There were 6 of us on a
sailboat in uncharted water. Just know that a telephoto lens, adult beverages and trust were involved. What happened on a boat stayed on the boat-Unless you look at the pics! What is your connection to MS? I started off as a rider/participant and fell in love with all the stellar individuals that we meet. That turned to part time, then full time and now all the time! I love working for the society and know that I am making a difference. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? Go FASTER #!#@&\@#@!!! :) What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Tour de Gruene What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Back in Time-Pit Bull Baby!!! What is one of your favorite quotes? "The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination." What is your favorite form of exercise? Running and all cardio! What is the name of the last book you read? Awkward Bitch... When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? I really don't remember wanting to be a particular "something" but I do remember wanting to always help people either with volunteering or being a mentor to others. What is your favorite travel destination? So far-Hawaii Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? There would be several but our daughter comes to mind first. A couple of months ago our son and daughter were talking about what they were going to be and do when they grow up. Christopher (11) recommended to Sheridan (7) that she be a Veterinarian. Sheridan said that she might or go to work for the MS Society if they were still working to find a cure. I thought that was amazing because she has already seen the results of all our work.
Kelly Dooley Email Address: Kelly.Dooley@nmss.org Hometown: Dallas, TX City you currently live in: Houston, TX Name of college you attended: Occupation and Employer: Development Director, NMSS Marital Status: Married Number of Children and their ages: 4 Name of college you attended: University of Oklahoma – BOOMER! South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Sam’s Club, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway Bike MS: Louisiana, Hammand, LA to McComb, MS Name of your bike team? Team South Central Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Speak-man!! What is your connection to MS? Uncle has MS Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? Boomer What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Hotter N Hell Wichita Falls What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Milli Vanilli Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? OU Club of Houston, Fellowship of the Woodlands Church What is one of your favorite quotes? If God has wanted me otherwise, he woujld have created me otherwise. – Johann Von Goethe What is your favorite form of exercise? Waterskiing What's the last book you've read? Bootlegger’s Boy When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Astronaut What is your favorite travel destination? Creede, CO Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My uncle Kirk
Kelli Dreiling Email Address: kelli.dreiling@nmss.org What city do you currently live in? The Woodlands Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio Occupation: Development Employer: National MS Society Marital status: David Number of children and their ages: 5 and 10 Name of college you attended (if any): The Ohio State University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Watching Bob Pohl tackle that calf last year like Refrigerator Perry was enough to make me split my gut. Fortunately there were no ER visits that night. Other favorite memories from that night include Ron Bartnett and Doug Levy chugging goat's milk while Chris Shaw and Joy McCormack stood by in disbelief. And the two Grand "Marshalls" riding horseback, where Grand Marshall Bendallin kept snapping photos the whole time. And who didn't love to see Steve Moskowitz, Alison Sparer, JD Villasenor and Sylvia Rodriguez in those funny boxer shorts? I don't think Jim Mills will ever forgive us for that. Good times. What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? I don't have an iPod Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Not really but would love to get more involved with my church and local missions. What is one of your favorite quotes? Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. What is your favorite form of exercise? Running (but the knees won't let me) What is the name of the last book you read? Loving by Karen Kingsbury When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A tiger What is your favorite travel destination? Colorado mountains OR Europe (Spain) Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My sister, Carla, who was diagnosed with MS in 2000 and then my Aunt Bonnie to let her know that diabetes is next.
Clarissa Horner Email Address: sc_toc@nmss.org What city do you currently live in? Austin, TX Hometown: Dallas, TX Occupation: Partner, Event Planner Employer: Two Chic Events and Design Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: Kate Isabella who is 8 months Name of college you attended: The University of Texas at Austin What is your connection to MS? Since I became involved with the NMSS, the connections are many. What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Arcade Fire, Suburbs or Young and the Giant, Cough Syrup What is one of your favorite quotes? “Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” - George Bernard Shaw, “Whatever you are, be a good one.” Abraham Lincoln, “Get busy living, or get busy dying” – Stephen King What is your favorite form of exercise? Walking, Tennis, Dancing around the living room with Kate What is the name of the last book you read? Healty Sleep Habits, Happy Child When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? A Veterinarian What is your favorite travel destination? Europe
Mindy LeBlanc Email Address: Mindy.LeBlanc@nmss.org What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Wichita Falls Occupation: Development Manager Employer: National MS Society Marital status: Married - Mark LeBlanc Number of children and their ages: 1 year old, Addi Grace Name of college you attended (if any): Texas Tech South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Sam's Club, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway Name of your bike team: no team, staff member/rode Sam's Club Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Favorite memory??? All the wonderful friends that I've met that mean the world to me. What is your connection to MS? I have too many friends to count with MS. I also have a cousin with MS. Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? Dusty is my bike because once upon a time, I threatened to leave my husband in the dust. Those who know him know that is only a dream. :) What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? MS Recommended Rides, Ready2Roll Training Series and HHH What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? TobyMac- great to run to! Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? With a 1 year old, there is hardly time to do anything else. What is one of your favorite quotes? "Shoot for the moon for the worst you could do is fall among the stars." Philippians 4:6-76 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. What is your favorite form of exercise? 1. Running because it burns a lot of calories quickly 2. Cycling because you can talk and ride 3. Spinning because I can do it from my den. What is the name of the last book you read? Coming Home by Karen Kingsbury When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Actress, Singer and Interior Decorator What is your favorite travel destination? Anywhere it is cool? Colorado. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Could I send it out in an e-newsletter so lots of people could find out at the same time
Taylor Mallia Email Address: Taylor.Mallia@nmss.org What city do you currently live in? Houston, Texas Hometown: Philadelphia, PA Occupation: Strategic Philanthropy Employer: National MS Society Name of college you attended: Texas A&M University What is your connection to MS? Several close friends have MS or a loved one living with MS. What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Either Way by the Generationals Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Vita Living What is one of your favorite quotes? I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free. ~ Michelangelo What is your favorite form of exercise? Horseback Riding What is the name of the last book you read? Polio: An American Story When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? Veterinarian, Astronaut, Gymnast, Lawyer, Singer and Chef What is your favorite travel destination? Anywhere that has no cell service or internet access! Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Kelly Moran will be the first person I tell, so we can celebrate that her dad no longer has to live with MS. What a day that will be!
Mark Neagli Email Address: mark.neagli@nmss.org What city do you currently live in? Houston, Texas Hometown: Bellaire, Texas Occupation: Region Executive V.P. Employer: National MS Society Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 31, 26, 25, 20, 19 Name of college you attended: Stephen F. Austin State University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin, Bike MS: Sam's Club, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway, Bike MS: Louisiana, Hammand, LA to McComb, MS Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you are a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Too many memories to share with you.....but the common memory is around the wonderful and caring friends that have been made! What is your connection to MS? Many friends that are living with MS Does your bike have a nickname? If so, what is it? "The Classic" or "Mr. Retro" What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Blue Bonnett, Katy Flatland, Fayetteville Summertime Ride, Northwest Cycling Club rides What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Bye Bye Miss American Pie What is one of your favorite quotes? "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity" "Every father should remember that one day his children will follow his example instead of his advice" What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling, gym workout and walking What is the name of the last book you read? Horton Hears A Who! by Dr Seuss What is your favorite travel destination? Europe by train and bike
Debbie Pope Email Address: Debbie.pope@nmss.org What city do you currently live in? Houston, TX Employer: National MS Society
Tony Ralf Email Address: tony.ralf@nmss.org What city do you currently live in? San Antonio, Texas Hometown: Sydney, Australia Occupation: Fundraiser Employer: NMSS Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 0 South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Bike MS: Sam's Club, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Bike MS: The Wild West Ride, Amarillo to Canadian Bike MS: Cactus & Crude, Midland to Post Bike MS: Pedal los Pueblos, Northern New Mexico Name of your bike team: Pauline's Last Hurrah Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No What is your connection to MS? My sister, Pauline, lived with MS for 20 years before passing away from complications. I'm inspired daily by her memory, and all the hard-working fundraisers, donors, staff, volunteers and others living with MS who I now know. What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Dancing Queen What is one of your favorite quotes? "Let's roll." What is your favorite form of exercise? Cycling What is the name of the last book you read? "09/11 8:45 am" When you were five, what did you want to be when you grow up? 6. What is your favorite travel destination? I don't have one: Buenos Aires, Argentina; Bogota, Colombia; and Chachoengsao, Thailand. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My wife and friend of 35 years, Anchana "Bow" Ralf, who puts up with my antics and who has supported my work at the Society without question.
Barry Turner Email Address: barry.turner@nmss.org What city do you currently live in? Houston, TX Hometown: Jasper, TX Occupation: Development Director Employer: National MS Society Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Stephen F. Austin State University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin
Top Fundraiser Hall of Fame $100k+ raised Marshall Bendalin Jenifer Booth Melinda Carey Angie Carl George Carter Marshall Cohen Craig Davis Ketih Grothaus Steve High Robert Ittner Donald Kendall
Larry Knox George Laflin Larry Laine Hans Mayer Don McCormack Steve Moskowitz Dorothy Paterson w/ Karen Nakfoor Eric Powell Lisa Rainey Margaret Shelton Ellen Yarrell
Thank you to our 2012 Tour of Champions Sponsors!