GARDERE GEARHEADS EARN PAIR OF MS 150 HONORS FROM LONE STAR CHAPTER OF MS SOCIETY

DALLAS – In its second year, Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP’s Dallas cycling team “The Gearheads” has earned two awards from the Lone Star Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in recognition of its efforts in the recent Sam’s Club MS 150.

The 153-member Gearheads were honored as the veteran team with the most growth during the event awards party. The Gearheads more than doubled in size since fielding an inaugural 70-member team in 2006. The team also was recognized for having the most improved fundraising. The Gearheads raised more than $108,000 during the May 5-6 ride. Last year, the team raised nearly $43,000.

“The Gearheads have shown a tremendous amount of support for this very worthwhile event, and their dedication to improving on last year’s participation and fundraising efforts should be commended,” said Steve Good, managing partner for Gardere. “The MS 150s allow our attorneys a chance to support a cause they care about while giving them a unique way to interact with clients and other friends during the course of a two-day bike tour.”

In addition to the 153 Gearheads who rode from Frisco’s Rough Riders Stadium to Fort Worth’s Sundance Square, a second firm-sponsored group, “Team Gardere” riders participated in the BP MS 150 Bike Tour from Houston to Austin on April 21-22.

The two teams combined to raise nearly $233,000 for MS research in 2007 and have raised nearly $1 million for MS research over the past six years.

Gardere’s involvement with the MS Society began as a way to show support for one of its own, John Pearson, a partner in the firm’s Houston office and former board chair for the Lone Star Chapter, who lives with MS. He rides in several MS 150 events, including both the Houston and Dallas events this year.

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, an AmLaw 200 firm, was founded in 1909 and is one of the Southwest’s largest full-service law firms. With offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston and Mexico City, Gardere provides legal services to private and public companies and individuals in areas of energy, litigation, corporate, tax, environmental, labor and employment, intellectual property and financial services.