Pardee Homes Raises More than $11,000 for MS Research and Team Pardee Completes the Challenge Walk MS: Southern California

SAN DIEGO, CA, October 14, 2010 (Press-News.org) Pardee Homes reports that more than $11,000 was raised for research into the cause and cure of multiple sclerosis, as Team Pardee Homes completed the recent Challenge Walk MS: Southern California. The Pardee team which included volunteers from all levels within the company, including a senior vice president, retirees, vendors, and two dedicated marketing department employees who participated in the three-day, 50 mile walk along the San Diego coastline from Carlsbad to downtown San Diego. The Challenge Walk MS raised $955,000
overall, with Pardee Homes ranking as the top corporate fundraising team for the entire event.

"Team Pardee Homes is still working hard for MS after seven years of participation in this challenging event," said Judi Bruner, marketing coordinator and team captain for Pardee Homes. "Our team is always up for this challenge and we look forward to a strong campaign again next year in our efforts to raise money earmarked for cutting-edge medical research and important local MS programs."

Despite the heat, Judi and her teammate Joyce Mason finished all 50 miles and, throughout the walk, they managed to take and send photos, as well as occasional updates posting their progress on the Pardee Homes Facebook page. Joyce also carried with her a pocket list of the names of 11 people with MS.

"Our team may have been small in numbers but it didn't stop us from raising more than $11,000.00," said Mason, vice president of marketing for Pardee Homes. "Our team is also eligible to add additional money to our fundraising efforts through our application to the Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation Making WAVES grant."

Pardee Homes received the top corporate team award and was ranked 19th in overall top fundraising teams and also sponsored the last rest stop on the first day of the 50 mile walk, staffing it with employees and volunteers. The Pardee Homes' aid station was a hit with walkers who voted it the 'best rest stop' of the three-day walk. Walkers stopped for cold water, snacks and refreshing California Quivers before beginning the final leg of their day-one effort.

"Corporate teams like Pardee Homes are vital to the Society because they inspire others to donate, volunteer and even join the walk themselves," said Rich Israel, president of the Pacific South Coast Chapter. "We value Pardee Homes' many years of participation in the Challenge Walk and thank them for serving as ambassadors of the National MS Society as they help increase awareness and move us closer to a world free of multiple sclerosis."

The Pardee Homes team members were among some 265 walkers who participated in the challenge to help bring the National Multiple Sclerosis Society closer to a cure. The Society's research efforts have resulted in improved diagnosis, important new treatments and enhanced rehabilitation for all forms of MS.

"Pardee Homes' employees are known for working together to make a difference in people's lives," said Mike McGee, Pardee Homes' president and CEO. "Our team, though only two-person strong this year, demonstrated incredible commitment, just like they do every day on the job for Pardee Homes. The Challenge Walk is one of many such efforts our workforce makes on behalf of those who struggle with serious illness, and everyone at Pardee Homes joins me in commending our team—they did a great job."

For more information go to http://www.pardeehomes.com or for more information about Challenge Walk MS visit http://www.myMSchallenge.com.