Pardee Homes reports that nearly $28,000 was raised by employees for research into the cause and cure of multiple sclerosis, as Team Pardee Homes completed the recent Challenge Walk MS: Southern California. Nine Pardee Homes employees and associates joined the team and walked 50 miles over three days, along the San Diego coastline from Carlsbad to downtown San Diego.  The Challenge Walk MS raised $875,000 overall.

“Team Pardee Homes is still going strong after six years of participation in this challenging event,” said Judi Bruner, marketing coordinator and team captain for Pardee Homes.  “Each member of our team agreed to raise at least $2,500 in pledges which will go to cutting-edge medical research and important local MS programs.  We are proud to participate once again because we believe that one long journey over three days will ultimately shorten the road to the cure for MS.”

Pardee Homes ranked fourth 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 and refreshing California Quivers®  before beginning the final leg of their day-one effort.

“It was a welcome sight to see our colleagues cheering us on as we approached our final two miles on the first day of the walk,” said Joyce Mason, vice president of marketing for Pardee Homes.  “The challenging hills were behind us and the fun and excitement at Rest Stop 10 offered just the right combination of encouragement and excitement we needed to complete that last leg of a very challenging day.”

This is the sixth year of participation for Team Pardee Homes who has also met the requirements to gain additional funding from The Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation. Through its Making WAVES grant program, The Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation adds to the funds raised through employee-led volunteerism.

“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 260 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 demonstrated incredible camaraderie and 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.”

Community Giving