HOUSTON – Katz’s Deli does more than feed hungry Houstonians. From Saturday, March 29 at noon through Sunday, March 30 at noon, Katz’s Deli will host a 24-hour Ride-A-Thon to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, leading up to the BP MS 150 bike ride beginning April 12-13, a 180-mile ride from Houston to Austin and the largest ride of its kind in North America.
At the Ride-A-Thon, one rider at a time (totaling 12 riders) will pedal on a stationary bike in the Deli’s lobby. Most of the riders are from Team Katz’s Deli, but local media personalities will also pedal for the cause. Visitors can donate cash in the collection bowl or purchase tickets in the amounts of $1, $5, $10 or $25 to add to their checks, much like grocery stores offer the opportunity to add $1 or so for charities. The same opportunity will be given to customers at the Katz’s Express location in The Woodlands during the Ride-A-Thon.
Creating a world free of MS is personal for Team Katz’s Deli, which has participated in the BP MS 150 for the past three years.
“I have a father and sister who both have been diagnosed with MS and have seen firsthand what it can do. Growing up, my dad, who is a US Army Airborne Ranger, was the man who could leap giant buildings with a single bound. Today, I watch as he struggles to get from one side of the house to the next,” said JD Villaseñor, Captain of Team Katz’s Deli. “I am unable to create a drug or work in a research lab, but I can help fund those who do. By riding and raising funds through the BP MS 150, I know that I am helping my father and sister, as well as all those who have been impacted by MS.”
Team Katz’s Deli participated in the last three BP MS 150 rides and raised the highest amount per rider two years in a row. Last year, the team averaged almost $10,000 raised per rider, and Villaseñor rasied $40,275, making him the highest fundraising team captain. Team Katz’s Deli hopes to set a record three years in a row.
Team Katz’s Deli last year was the eighth-highest fundraising team. The team also won five other awards for its efforts to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, including the highest per rider fundraising average for teams with under 100 riders; the highest percentage of Club 300 riders, the top fundraisers for the BP MS 150; and two riders in the top ten fundraisers: Ralph McIngvale, who raised $102,375 and the second-highest fundraiser, and Villaseñor at $40,275, making him the ninth-highest fundraiser.
“We are so grateful to have Team Katz’s Deli participating in the BP MS 150 ride from Houston to Austin again this year. This small team of 27 friends and family used their fun, competitive spirit to raise more than $267,000 last year and ranked in the top ten teams overall amongst many large 200+ member corporate teams,” said Kelli Drelling, Vice President of Development, Houston, for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. “Teams like Katz’s Deli are vital to the success of the BP MS 150 and prove that you can have a lot of fun while riding a bike.”
“All my life I have been passionate about bike riding, and Katz’s is honored to be a part of helping create a world free of MS,” said Barry Katz, Owner of Katz’s Deli.
About Katz’s Deli: Since 1979, Katz’s has provided Texas with New York-style flavor and delectable kosher deli sandwiches. Originating in Austin, Katz’s migrated to Houston, where it blossomed into Katz’s Deli and Bar, located on Westheimer Road, and Katz’s Express, located in the Portofino Center. The 24-hour Westheimer Road location offers a full menu, including all-day breakfast, cocktails and complete entrees starting at $8.99. At Katz’s Express, diners can enjoy a full menu of sandwiches, entrees and breakfasts. For more information, visit www.ilovekatzs.com or call (713) 521-3838.
