Milgard Employees Raise over $32,000 for the National MS Society

Tacoma, Wash. (September 15th, 2015) – Milgard employees joined together to fight the battle against multiple sclerosis with the National MS Society as part of the 2015 Bike MS Deception Pass Classic in Mount Vernon, Washington this weekend. Team Milgard Windows & Doors raised over $32,000 to support MS research and treatment to stop disease progression, restore function and end MS.

19 Milgard employees participated in the bike ride, which started and finished at the Skagit County Fairgrounds. They rode a combined total of 1400 miles.

“We are riding for friends and family who are living with and who fought a valiant battle against MS,” said Seth Hooper, team captain and senior financial reporting analyst at Milgard. “Among them are an aunt, a college classmate, a mother, a sister, a daughter and many others we’ve met on our journey.”

Additional Milgard employees supported the fight against the immune-mediated disease as volunteers. Milgard sponsored two rest stops just outside LaConner near the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community with volunteers staffing the site to serve nearly 2,000 riders. 

“About a year ago, my 25-year old daughter was diagnosed with MS,” said Loretta Goodloe, volunteer and director of supply chain at Milgard. “She is a vibrant, beautiful, intelligent young woman and had just recently been married and received her MBA. She has her entire life ahead of her and I want her to be able to live a long healthy life and be free of this terrible disease, but that won’t happen unless time and money is invested in conducting the research required to conquer this disease.”

Goodloe is hopeful scientists will eventually identify a cure for MS, but until then she will continue to support those suffering from the debilitating effects of the progressive disease. “They need medical, financial, emotional and spiritual support,” said Goodloe. “This Bike MS event is just one conduit in providing that support and I am honored to be a small part of that effort.”     

This is the fourth year Milgard participated in the annual event. Last year, Team Milgard raised approximately $20,000 and was awarded “Best Rest Stop” as well as “The Best Team Jersey.” 27 riders rode over 2,000 miles and an additional 15 volunteers contributed over 100 combined hours.