HOUSTON-June 11, 2009- The American Red Cross inaugural Tour du Rouge raised approximately $500,000 for six Red Cross Chapters from Houston to New Orleans thanks to the funds raised by cyclists and a large contribution from presenting sponsor ModSpace. Over 100 cyclists completed the challenging six-day, 512-mile route from Houston to New Orleans from May 3 to 8 to raise money and awareness for disaster preparedness.
Tour du Rouge cyclists completed their triumphant ride into the plaza on the New Orleans Riverwalk, led by four cyclists carrying the American, Texas, Louisiana, and Red Cross flags as they arrived to the booming applause of families, friends and media.
"The Red Cross couldn't have asked for a better partner for Tour du Rouge than our Presenting Sponsor ModSpace," says Steve Vetrano, CEO for the Greater Houston Area Chapter at the American Red Cross. "Their assistance in developing the ride, supporting it financially and providing four of their managers as cyclists contributed greatly to the tremendous success of this exciting event."
Cyclists came from throughout North America to ride in this premier cycling event in support of the Red Cross. Four executives from presenting sponsor ModSpace also made a personal commitment by riding the full 512 miles.
"To ride along the Gulf Coast and witness the destruction and devastation these communities have endured post Hurricane Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike, was an incredible experience," says Kevin Bremer, Senior Vice President of ModSpace's U.S. Field Operations and a Tour rider. "Our hope as a company is that the funds raised through this event will make a significant impact in further aiding the disaster prone communities along the Gulf Coast. ModSpace remains dedicated to partnering with Red Cross with disaster preparedness and disaster response efforts."
At the end of each day, cyclists rode to the ModSpace Hospitality/Cyber Café mobile offices set up at each hotel. There, riders were able to wash their bikes, enjoy some food and drink, and get online to blog or reconnect with family, friends, or work. Bicycle mechanics were provided by Sun and Ski Sports. Massage therapists were also available to the riders at the end of each day, and were in great demand by participants, who averaged 85 miles per day.
On their sixth and final day, cyclists rode onto the Mississippi River Levee and into New Orleans' Audubon Park. After a Jambalaya lunch, the cyclists, led by police escort, rode through the French Quarter to the finish line. The cyclists were thrilled with their six-day adventure, and many said they can't wait for next year's ride.
"The Tour was an experience of a lifetime and ModSpace and their colleagues contributed a significant leadership role in this amazing event," says Bob Reid, a Tour du Rouge rider from Hobbs, New Mexico. "They stepped up to the plate and proved to be a first class sponsor."
ModSpace is very familiar with the Gulf Coast and its needs during disasters. Based in Berwyn, Pa., with offices throughout North America, ModSpace serves more than 3,500 customers in the Gulf Region through branch locations in Houston, Beaumont, Lafayette, and New Orleans. ModSpace assisted with disaster relief efforts during Hurricanes Ike, Katrina, and Rita by providing temporary modular buildings for a variety of emergency space needs. The company continues to support rebuilding efforts in the region today with permanent modular buildings, construction offices, and portable storage.
With the success of the inaugural Tour du Rouge, the American Red Cross is already working on plans for the next Tour in May 2010. For more information, visit www.tourdurouge.org.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Red Cross Chapters provide residents in their communities with disaster relief assist military personnel and their families and teach health and safety courses, such as Water Safety and CPR.
ABOUT MODSPACE
Modular Space Corporation (ModSpace), based in Berwyn, PA, is a leading provider of modular building, storage and services for temporary or permanent space needs. Building on nearly forty years of experience, ModSpace serves a diverse set of customers and markets - such as construction, commercial, education, industrial, healthcare, and government - through an extensive nationwide branch network throughout the United States and Canada. Offering a full range of site solutions and service options from furniture and steps to storage and wireless security, ModSpace provides everything needed for accessibility, protection, comfort and productivity in a modular unit. Additionally, MedBuild, a division of Modular Space Corporation, provides state-of-the-art medical facilities to the healthcare industry with complete turnkey capabilities. For more information, visit www.ModSpace.com
PRESS RESOURCES
Tour du Rouge Highlight Video: http://vimeo.com/4905012
Tour du Rouge Photos: http://tourdurouge.shutterfly.com/
Tour du Rouge Photo Story: http://www.modspace.com/about-modspace/media-press/press-releases/TOUR-DU-ROUGE_2009_wmv
ModSpace Rider Blog: http://blog.modspace.com/
Contact:
Denise Bishop
713-313-1639
Robyn Ungar
610-228-2131
