Level Small Plates Lounge has teamed with Annapolis bike rider Jan Sullivan to help raise money to fight Multiple Sclerosis (MS) from 6-9 p.m. Thursday.

"The more exposure that the MS society can get, the better all the patients and their families will be as a result," Sullivan said.

MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the body's central nervous system, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Symptoms can be as mild as numbness in the limbs or as severe as paralysis, speech impairment and blindness. 

It's a disease that Sullivan has experienced personally. Her father died from complications associated with MS in 1992.

"Back when he contracted it, it was really challenging," Sullivan said. "He probably had it for 15 years before they diagnosed him. They initially thought he had polio."

The happy hour will feature door prizes and raffle items like gift certificates for massages, gym memberships and manicures. Level employee and event organizer Janelle Hogan said her team has even created a custom drink called the Bee Sting for the occasion. The drink can be purchased throughout the month of September, and Level will donate 20 percent of the proceeds for each Bee Sting.

All the money Sullivan raises will go to the MS Great 8 Foundation. She is raising money for the charity's annual bike ride called the MS Great 8–8 State Tour. Sullivan and two other Annapolis residents will pedal more than 500 miles through eight states in eight days this October. 

"The MS fundraiser ... will be an opportunity to meet Jan and some of the other riders and to share their stories of why they are so committed to the cause," Hogan said. "At Level we are committed to helping our neighbors and community as well as the environment in any way we can."

If you are interested in donating to the MS Great 8 Foundation, click here to go to their website.

You can also donate to specific area riders:

Jan Sullivan

Glenn Drake

Dave Bethel