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THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The Gran Fondo: Texas TMCO™ charity bike ride, one of the most successful rides leading up to the BP MS150 ride, has a new title sponsor. The Woodlands Financial Group (TWFG) Insurance Services, headquartered in The Woodlands, has signed on as the title sponsor for the next three years. “We are very excited about our partnership with TWFG Insurance Services,” said Eric Powell, Chairman of the ride Steering Committee. “It brings together two outstanding organizations for the purpose of benefitting the Texas Medical Center Orchestra and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society,” said Powell. Richard “Gordy” Bunch, CEO of TWFG Insurance Services stated “TWFG is dedicated to helping the community in positive ways. Our partnership with the Gran Fondo: Texas TMCO™ is one more way that we can give back to the community that has been so helpful to us.” The new title of the ride will be “TWFG Insurance Services Gran Fondo: Texas TMCO™".
Founded in 2011, the ride is a BP MS150 "recommended ride" and the next ride will be conducted on March 30, 2014. During the past three years, over 4200 riders have participated and $114,000 has been donated to the two beneficiaries, the Texas Medical Center Orchestra and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Ariela Alpert, President of the TMCO, said “We are thrilled about our relationship with the Gran Fondo and our new relationship with TWFG Insurance Services.” Mark Neagli, Executive Vice President of the South Central Region of the NMSS seconded her comments. “Our partnership with the Gran Fondo and now with TWFG Insurance Services will allow us to go even further in finding a cure for MS”, said Neagli.
Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, TWFG Insurance Services is one of the fastest growing companies in the United States. In just 10 years, it has grown to over 300 offices in 20 states. With its advertising motto as “Our Policy is Caring”, it has established itself as the premier insurance agency in Houston and Texas. “'Insurance Journal' ranks insurance agencies and TWFG Insurance Services is currently ranked #30 out of 38,000 agencies in the United States.” In 2012, it had premium sales of more than $267 million representing 28% growth over the prior year. The firm is targeting another 25%+ growth spurt in 2013.
Established in 2000 by Music Director Libi Lebel, The Texas Medical Center Orchestra is composed of volunteer musicians having a connection with the medical community. It plays at venues such as the Wortham Center, Stude Hall, and Festival Hill and at hospitals, nursing homes, and venues where patients may not be able to attend formal concerts at a concert hall. Referred to by many as a “world class” orchestra, it performed at Carnegie Hall in New York in June. Its next concert is February 16, 2014, at the Wortham Center.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society was founded in 1946 as a society dedicated to finding a cure for MS, stopping the advancement of MS in those living with MS, and assisting those currently living with MS. Since inception, it has funded more than $660 million for research. The local Houston MS office annually conducts the BP MS150 bike ride from Houston to Austin. 2014 will be the 30th ride. The BP MS150 is the largest ride of its type in the country with over 13,000 riders participating. In 2013, the ride raised over $18 million.
