Powerhouse Houston Trial Lawyer Bikes to Help Win Millions for Multiple Sclerosis

To look at powerhouse trial lawyer Steve Susman in his dark suit and sharp tie, it’s hard to imagine him in spandex shorts and lulumon jersey peddling his way from Houston to Austin. But the nationally-acclaimed plaintiffs attorney has done just that so many times in the Texas MS 150 and raised so much money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society that he was honored as Person on the Move at the nonprofit’s annual luncheon at River Oaks Country Club.

In accepting the award, he issued a challenge for the 2020 ride.

Having been the top fundraiser for four of the last six years (personally bringing in well over $700,000), the ever-competitive Susman plans on winning next spring. He told the sellout crowd at River Oaks Country Club that whomever raises the most money in next spring’s ride, he will top it by $1 in order to resume his reign as No. 1.

At age 79, Susman will be riding his E-bike with the intent of raising $130,000. A standing ovation ensued for Susman and his law partners seated at the Susman Godfrey table, the firm having contributed more than $1.5 million to the MS Society in the 10 years that the firm team has been peddling.

“I quickly learned that raising money for MS was a lot easier than riding for MS,” quipped Susman, who retired from biking at age 75 but renewed the endeavor with the discovery of electric bikes.

Houston’s MS 150 is the most successful ride in the country. Last year, riders raised $14 million. Leading the fundraising surge in 2019 was Rita Joubran with a raise of $101,000 and that without corporate support. She along with Katie Brass and Joy McCormack, all three MS patients, chaired the luncheon that raised more than $400,000. That figure making it the second most successful “On the Move” luncheon in the country, second only to the Boca Raton, Florida, event.

Applause, applause to the chairs and long-time MS Society supporter Franelle Rogers, who served as honorary chair. The success was due in no small part to Company on the Move Cadence Bank, luncheon lead sponsor, and the always-lively emcee KHOU Channel 11 morning show host Deborah Duncan.

Not only did the luncheon deliver dinero for the MS Society, it also proved to be a windfall for guests who took home not only a handsome string of pearls, compliments of Zadok Jewelers, but also a swag back to end all swag bags. Contributing a mix of gift cards, products and opportunities to the Tootsies gift bag were BCBGMaxazria, Herve Leger, The Real Real, Drunk Elephant, Luminess, Agil, switch2pure, Smart in the Kitchen, Biosilk and Cal-a-Vie. In addition to a small bottle of Old Country olive oil and a package of English breakfast tea, the bag included a Josh Reddick Astros bobblehead. Seriously.

PC Seen: Terri Havens, Laurel D’Antoni, Brigitte Kalai, Estela Cockrell, Stephanie Cockrell, Nicole Katz, Luba Biman, Shelly Hedry, Raquel Segal, Meredith Chastang, Monica Bickers, Marita Fairbanks, Nidhika Mehta, and Regina Rogers.