The Californer - Thiel College to host cyclists for Bike MS: Escape to the Lake 2020 fundraising event

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Thiel College to hostBike MS: Escape to the Lake 2020 cyclists

Thiel College has been chosen as the overnight pitstop for Bike MS: Escape to the Lake 2020 fundraising event.

GREENVILLE, Pa. - Californer -- Thiel College announces that it will be the overnight host in late spring 2020 for about 500 cyclists and volunteers as part of the Bike MS: Escape to the Lake 2020 fundraising ride that generates about $500,000 annually to fight multiple sclerosis.

State senator Michele Brooks, Borough of Greenville manager Jason Urey and members of the offices for state representatives Mark Longietti and Parke Wentling were joined by officials from the Pittsburgh-based Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Thiel College (https://www.thiel.edu/) for the announcement at the Greenville, Pa. college. Christopher Pfeiffer, senior development manager for Bike MS, said the annual Escape to the Lake ride, which is in its 35th year, is one of the five largest in the state. Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body.

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"I am so happy Thiel has opened its doors," Brooks said. "This is an example of (Thiel College's) community-minded focus."

Pfeiffer said the event averages between 400 and 600 riders each year and is usually staffed by another 200 volunteers. This year, the ride starts at Moraine State Park near Portersville, Pa. on June 6 and will arrive in Greenville later that day. Riders will spend the night and leave for Ashtabula, Ohio on June 7.

"Thiel has gone the extra mile for us," Pfeiffer said. "We feel welcomed and wanted. We feel like we are building a relationship for the future.

"Bringing an event like this to Greenville…is great for the community, great for the county and great for the College," Urey said.

"During the academic year, the focus is on the obvious economic benefits generated by the College's students, employees and visitors, but an event like this is an important reminder of the year-round benefit the College brings to the community and region," Executive Director of Communications and Marketing Richard Orr said. "Thiel College is a resource the greater community can use for camps, conferences, meetings."

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About Thiel College

Thiel College (https://www.thiel.edu/) is a private liberal arts institution founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2016 and remains committed to combining tradition with innovation.