Toyota Joins as Official Vehicle Sponsor for MS 150 Bike Tours

HOUSTON--Feb. 9, 2004--The National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Lone Star Chapter announced that Toyota has been named the official vehicle sponsor of the Chapter's statewide MS 150 Bike Tours.

As an official corporate partner, Houston-based Gulf States Toyota will provide $30,000 in annual sponsorship and up to 50 support vehicles per event for the chapter's three annual fundraising Bike Tours. In addition, three vehicles will be "wrapped" with MS 150 information and logos to help promote each Tour. Two Toyota vehicles will also be supplied for year-round use. The three-year agreement extends through 2006.

"Toyota has consistently been a strong and enthusiastic supporter of the BP MS 150," said Mark Neagli, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Lone Star Chapter of NMSS. "This partnership with Gulf States Toyota takes their involvement to the next level. Toyota has made a truly significant commitment to the mission of the Lone Star Chapter and our statewide efforts to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis." Gulf States Toyota is the independent distributor serving 144 dealers in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Mississippi.

The Lone Star Chapter's 150s are two-day 150- to 180-mile cycling tours that raise funds to fight the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. Riders and teams from across the United States participate in the annual events.

The next upcoming bike tour, the 20th Anniversary BP MS 150, is a 180-mile journey from Houston to Austin on April 17 and 18, 2004. The BP MS 150 is the largest MS 150 in the United States, the largest bike event in Texas and the largest non-profit sporting event in Houston.

Gulf States Toyota was one of the top fundraising teams in the 2003 BP MS 150 Bike Tour, with 53 members raising $24,000.

The BP MS 150 Houston-to-Austin Tour is one of three fundraising rides that the National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Lone Star Chapter hosts in Texas, including the Texas-to-Oklahoma MS 150 Red River Challenge in early May and the HEB MS 150 Bike to the Beach from San Antonio to Corpus Christi in October. All three are regarded by cycling enthusiasts as the premier rides in Texas, with experienced management, well-coordinated routes, and special attention to riders' safety and comfort.

In 2003, more than 15,000 riders and 5,000 volunteers participated statewide in the three MS 150 Tours, raising more than $8.5 million. Out of the funds raised, 83 cents of every dollar benefits local programs and MS research.

Chartered in 1955, the Lone Star Chapter serves more than 14,000 individuals in 141 Texas counties who are affected by MS. Services include information and referrals; equipment loans; education, clinical, peer support, and caring and wellness programs; financial assistance; self-help groups; and research updates. The Chapter works closely with the medical community to enhance MS knowledge and treatment.

Online registration, donation and information: It's fast, easy and secure. Log on to www.ms150.org

      TEXAS MS 150 Bike Tours - A LONE STAR TRI-CYCLING TRADITION
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