Denver, Colorado
When Jason Weeber's good friend was diagnosed with muscular sclerosis (MS), a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, he knew he wanted to help, but he didn't know how. Enter the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which holds a two-day fundraising bike ride that benefits more than 88,000 Colorado and Wyoming residents affected by the disease.
For the last three years, Weeber, a manager in Newmont's Tax department, has helped to lead an unofficial Newmont bike riding team to raise funds for this worthy cause. Last year, the Newmont team consisted of more than 20 riders who raised approximately $15,000.
As a result of such robust employee involvement, Newmont decided to become a presenting sponsor of the 2011 ride on June 25-26, 2011. The sponsorship will include an "official" company team and provide an opportunity for employees to volunteer at the race. The non-competitive ride features 4,000 cyclists who will cover 150 miles of Colorado terrain.
"This ride is so important because Colorado has one of the highest rates of MS in the country," said Melissa Gustafson of Talent Management and Development, who, along with Weeber and his colleague, Tyler Jaccaud, will coordinate this year's team.
The Newmont team hopes to have at least 50 riders and 25 volunteers who will work together to raise more than $25,000 for the cause.
"The MS partnership is a natural fit for Newmont," said Jessica Terlecki, a community investment committee representative. "Not only is there incredible employee passion around the disease and involvement in the organization, but it's an opportunity for Newmont to make a difference in our local community."
April 18, 2011
