Be Inspired. Get Connected. 25th Year NYC - Southern NY 2013
Seven walks.
A world free of MS.
TEAM CAPTAIN GUIDE Walk2013_TeamCaptainGuide.indd 1
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Saturday, April 27, 2013
Rockland County – Rockland Lake State Park Valley Cottage, NY Staten Island - Clove Lakes Park Staten Island, NY Sullivan County - Blue Horizon Diner Monticello, NY
Sunday, April 28, 2013
New York City – South Street Seaport New York, NY Orange County – Crane Park Monroe, NY Putnam County – Carmel Fire Department, Carmel, NY Westchester County – Glen Island Park, New Rochelle, NY • Breakfast and rest stop refreshments at all sites. (Lunch will not be served) • Music, food, massages and a sponsor expo at select finish lines. • All participants who raise a minimum of $125 will receive an official Walk MS T-shirt.
Important Dates to Consider! January 7 - 11, 2013: Team Captain Recruitment Week February 11 - 15, 2013: Team Recruitment Week February 20, 2013: Fundraising Day March 11 - 15, 2013: Team Recruitment Week/MS Awareness Week April 1 - 5, 2013: Fundraising Week April 17, 2013: Fundraising Day May 31, 2013: Fundraising and Ranking Deadline
TABLE OF CONTENTS: A Captain's Tale...........................................................................................................2 Team Captain Duties.................................................................................................4 Benefits of Being on a Team..................................................................................5 Team Rewards.............................................................................................................7 Recruit your Team....................................................................................................8 Fundraising...................................................................................................................9 Fundraising with Technology................................................................................11 Using Your Participant Center.............................................................................13 Frequently Asked Questions...............................................................................14 Top Teams of 2012...................................................................................................15 1 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: teams@MSnyc.org
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A CAPTAIN'S TALE My personal journey helping those living with multiple sclerosis began in 1993 when, after 11 years as a nurse, I began specializing in MS nursing care. Over the years I have seen patients do exceedingly well with their treatments, when every day that goes by without a relapse is a victory. The new disease modifying therapies have been life altering for many. But not everyone gets to celebrate these victories. I have witnessed patients in the prime of their lives physically and mentally overcome challenges. Families can be torn apart, strong and stable relationships can crumble and loved ones become overwhelmed by grief because of this chronic and often crippling disease. My mentor and best friend Linda Morgante once told me that she hoped I would find MS nursing my second calling after motherhood. The passion and inspiration that she instilled in me continues even after her passing. This passion has turned into a fire that burns deep inside of me to do all that I can to promote MS nursing care, and fight for my patients to receive their medications, therapy, services, accommodations and devices that they desperately need. The National MS Society helps me win this fight. Each battle could not be won without the research, services for patients and families, professional education and most of all, the hope they offer to everyone affected by MS that one day there will be a world free of MS. This is why I participate in Walk MS every year! With my team, I walk to raise money for research to find a cure, to inspire others that MS can be managed, to create a community and to support those who cannot walk with us on this journey. We walk together to show HOPE and we walk together because we believe that MS should stand for Multiple Successes not just a diagnosis. You are my WARRIORS. Each of you inspires me to continue to work in this field. I hope that you all continue to show your support for Walk MS and inspire others to join our mission to raise awareness, funds and support so that we can overcome multiple sclerosis. To Team Morgante, thank you for your endless help and to the National MS Society, my patients and their families, you inspire me to go on. Theresa LaRocca Morgante's Multiple Successes Team Captain Email: teams@MSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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WHAT IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS? Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and it stops people from moving. Every hour in the United States someone is newly diagnosed with MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and 2.1 million worldwide.
3 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: teams@MSnyc.org
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TEAM CAPTAIN DUTIES Thank you for registering as a team captain, and welcome to Walk MS NYC – Southern NY 2013! Taking this first step to join the movement as a team captain will be an experience like no other. This year is a milestone as we host our 25th Walk MS and we are excited that your team will be joining us. Teams make the biggest impact on our mission! In 2013, we have a goal of raising $3.2 million! Your role will be to serve as a leader to your members. Throughout the season, the Walk MS NYC – Southern NY staff will contact you regarding important information, recruitment and fundraising challenges, prizes, rewards and day-of details. As a team captain and friend, your team members will be more likely to read information that comes from you. It is important that all participants receive the most current and up to date information. Enhance your Walk MS NYC – Southern NY experience by sharing it with your friends, family and/or co-workers. We know that leading a team may seem like a difficult challenge, but this guide provides useful information and helpful tips that will equip you to be a great team captain!
Email: teams@MSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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BENEFITS OF BEING ON A TEAM Team participation creates great visibility for a company or organization and provides participants a healthy, community-conscious, fun social outing. The more people, the more fun it will be and the more money your team will raise! In 2012, teams raised 85% of the money raised for Walk MS NYC - Southern New York. Other benefits include: • Team website • Opportunity to participate in team contests • Team photo at Walk MS NYC – Southern NY • Eligibility for Top Fundraising Team rewards based on fundraising success Some important things to remember are: • All team members must register individually • Each team member is encouraged to raise $125 to earn an official Walk MSNYC – Southern NY T-shirt
5 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: teams@MSnyc.org
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MOTIVATE YOUR TEAM SHARE THE IMPORTANCE OF FUNDRAISING FOR THE NATIONAL MS SOCIETY. Let your team members and donors know how their donations are used so they understand how valuable their fundraising dollars are to people living with MS. To learn more, turn to page 9.
PROMOTE TEAM SPIRIT! Create team apparel, such as a team T-shirt, sweatshirt or hat, to distinguish your team on event day! Team apparel can also help to spread the word about Walk MS and serve as a conversation starter during your daily routines.
CELEBRATE! Plan a way to celebrate your success when your team reaches its fundraising goal. Have a party or award a prize to each member of your team. You can reach out to various companies to get these items donated. You can also participate in Walk MS NYC – Southern NY fundraising and recruitment challenges and use the prizes as incentives to motivate your team!
STRIVE TO BE IN OUR TEAM OF THE WEEK PROGRAM Are you proud of your team? Do you feel like they could use and deserve a shout out? Nominate your team for consideration as a Team of the Week for a write-up on the Walk MS NYC – Southern NY website and post about your success on our Facebook page. This is a great way to excite your team members and a fantastic opportunity to send out to potential or existing donors and show them how well you are doing. To nominate your team email us at teams@msnyc.org today!
We want to celebrate our veteran teams’ milestones. How many years has your team been walking? Is this your fifth, 10th, or 25th year? How much money has your team raised? Will your team be cumulatively reaching $10,000 or $1 million dollars this year? Share your stories with us at teams@msnyc.org. Email: teams@MSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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TEAM REWARDS Awards will be given to the following teams for Walk MS NYC – Southern NY at the Awards Party to be held in summer 2013: #1 Corporate Team #1 Friends and Family Team Top Fundraising Average Rookie Team of the Year Most Improved Veteran Fundraising Team Top three Westchester County Teams
Top three New York City Teams Top three Orange County Teams Top three Putnam County Teams Top three Rockland County Teams Top three Staten Island Teams Top three Sullivan County Teams
Fundraising Days - Several times throughout the Walk
MS campaign, there will be one-day fundraising blitzes when participants can earn a variety of prizes for the donations raised on the specific day. Mark your calendar for fundraising days: February 20 and April 17. ELITE TEAMS Teams that commit to raising $40,000 or more by the fundraising deadline receive great benefits: • Exclusive private spot in the Elite Team area to meet and enjoy breakfast the morning of the event and relax at the finish line. • Team photographs taken in your Elite Team area. • Acknowledgement of your team’s accomplishment in printed materials and on the website. *In order to receive a spot in this area you must email us at teams@msnyc.org by February 8.
SUPER TEAMS Super Teams are teams that commit to raising $15,000 - $39,999 by the fundraising deadline. These teams are rewarded with a spot in the Super Team area at the Walk MS Finish Line Festival. *In order to receive a spot in this area you must email us at teams@msnyc.org by February 8.
7 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: teams@MSnyc.org
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RECRUIT YOUR TEAM BEGIN WITH PEOPLE YOU KNOW! There is no limit to the number of team members one team can recruit; the more, the merrier. If you are a returning team captain, start with your team roster from last year which can be provided to you by the Walk MS NYC – Southern NY staff. Encourage team members to recruit at least one family member, friend or colleague as a way to grow your team! An official team consists of three or more members, including the team captain.
HOST A RECRUITMENT EVENT. This can be a happy hour or an informal lunch in your office. Ask your team members to invite family, friends and co-workers. Use rack cards and business cards at your office or businesses you frequent, such as the gym, nail salon, supermarket, etc., to spread the word about your team. Don’t forget to use your team poster with your contact information, which can help you publicize Walk MS NYC – Southern NY and increase your team size!
Need recruitment materials? Contact us at teams@msnyc.org to order supplies such as posters, shoe pinups, rack cards and “Join My Team” business cards. GET YOUR COMPANY TO ENDORSE YOUR TEAM! Ask your company to support your team. You can spread the word by highlighting your team in the company newsletter or by posting Walk MS materials around the office. Encourage colleagues to get their friends and family involved as well!
VOLUNTEERS We are so grateful for our volunteers and we could not put on Walk MS NYC – Southern NY without their participation! Please spread the word to anyone you know that might not be able to join your team but wants to volunteer. There are many perks to being a volunteer: • Volunteer T-shirt. • Chance to meet new people. • Opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people living with MS. • Opportunity to take on a vital leadership role by becoming a Volunteer Captain!
Email: teams@MSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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FUNDRAISING WHERE YOUR FUNDRAISING DOLLARS GO The National MS Society is dedicated to being a responsive steward of donor funds and we place the needs of people with MS at the center of all Society actions and decisions. In 2011 the National MS Society devoted $164 million to programs and services that improved the lives of more than one million people and invested $40 million to support more than 325 new and ongoing research projects around the world.
CHAPTER FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
80 cents of every dollar raised in the New York City – Southern New York Chapter is spent addressing the challenges of each person whose life is affected by MS and helping them move their lives forward. The New York City – Southern New York Chapter depends on community support to fund programs and accelerate national research projects to identify the cause, treatment and cure for MS. We are thankful to our members and their friends, event participants, corporate partners and the general public who help us move toward a world free of MS. Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about our options by talking to your health care professional and contacting the National MS Society at nationalMSsociety.org or 1-800-344-4867 (1-800-FIGHT-MS).
9 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: teams@MSnyc.org
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FUNDRAISING SET A TEAM FUNDRAISING GOAL. Communicate your goal with your team often so that everyone is aware of your progress and important information regarding fundraising challenges, deadlines and prize information. Remind team members that if they raise a minimum of $125 they will receive an official event T-shirt. When you pass your fundraising goal, why not increase it? People are more likely to donate towards someone if they feel that they are helping them towards their goal and less likely if the goal is already met. This also applies to your team member’s individual fundraising goals. When you notice that a team member has passed a goal, congratulate them, and encourage them to push harder. FUNDRAISE WITH YOUR TEAM. Plan a team fundraising event to reach your goal! Host a happy hour, get-together or dinner party for your team and guests. With a small charge to participate, you’ll be able to fundraise while you socialize! You can also plan a raffle or silent auction by asking local businesses to donate items, gifts or certificates for you to raffle or auction. Some ideas could include event tickets, movie tickets, hotel stays, gift certificates, dinner, artwork and jewelry. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Contact us at walkMS@msnyc.org for more ideas, support from staff, and materials you can display at your event. DON’T FORGET THE MATCHING GIFTS! Matching gifts are the easiest way to fundraise! Hundreds of companies match charitable gifts made by their employees – and it’s simple to find out if your organization matches your donation.
How It Works:
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1. Go to www.nationalMSsoceity.org/Employer Match 2. Find your employer program 3. Follow the easy instructions *Be sure to remind your team members and donors about matching gifts as well!
Do you have what it takes to be a Top Fundraiser? Raise a minimum of $1,000 and become a Walk MS NYC – Southern NY Top Fundraiser. To see the great perks and prizes you can receive, visit www.walkMSnyc.org. Email: teams@MSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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FUNDRAISING WITH TECHNOLOGY SET UP YOU PERSONAL AND TEAM WEB PAGES. Through your Participant Center, you can create unique personal and team web pages to email to your friends, family and co-workers. Add pictures, stories and words from the heart to customize your pages. Update your page with your recruitment, fundraising and training progress to generate interest. For more information about using your Participant Center, turn to page 13. ENCOURAGE TEAM MEMBERS TO FUNDRAISE ONLINE TOO. Make it fun by offering incentives for team members that reach certain milestones. For example, the first team member to receive five online donations will receive a pair of movie tickets or give a gift card to the team member that raises the most in a week. Be creative to help your team members reach their goals and have fun along the way USE TECHNOLOGY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE. • Use social media to spread the word! Create team fan pages and recruit team members from your Facebook account. You can also create a Youtube video to share with friends and family. • Download the “Fundraise with Facebook” application from the homepage of your Participant Center. You can check your progress,set up automatic status updates, and share your story about why you are participating in Walk MS. • Place a unique tagline at the bottom of your personal and/or work emails to let everyone you send a message to know that you’re participating in Walk MS. Include a link to your personal page so recipients can donate to you immediately.
Follow Walk MS on Facebook at fb.com/WalkMSnycSny. Become a fan of our page to receive important event information, learn about fundraising contests, and connect with other Walk MS participants. Follow us on Twitter @walkMSnycsny for up to date event information, training and fundraising tips! Favorite and retweet what you like, tweet us about your experiences and encourage your friends and family members to follow. 11 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: teams@MSnyc.org
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MOBILE FUNDRAISING People are raving about our mobile fundraising app! Manage your team on the go with our mobile fundraising application. Update your team web page, send emails, and check your team’s progress – all from the palm of your hand! In 2012, participants that used this app helped Walk MS NYC - Southern NY raise an additional $9,000. Available for iPhones and Droids and all registered Walk MS participants.
How It Works: 1. Search MS NYC SNY in either the iTunes App Store or Droid Market. 2. Download the mobile fundraising application to your phone as you would any other app. 3. Log in with the same username and password that you use online at walkMSnyc.org. If you do not know your username and/or password contact us at walkMS@msnyc.org or 212-463-9791. 4. Use the app to email, view your donors, update your fundraising page, get updated event information, share your fundraising progress on Facebook, and to check the status of your personal and team fundraising.
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Email: teams@MSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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USING YOUR PARTICIPANT CENTER
Change your personal fundraising goal. Your team fundraising goal can be updated doing the same thing on the "Teams Page" button above.
Customize your team web page with personal messages and team photos and customize a team URL to pass on to donors and team members! Keep track of your team members fundraising
Send emails to your contacts – you can use template messages already created or personalize your own
If you or your team members are having difficulties navigating the online fundraising tools, please contact us at teams@msnyc.org or 212-463-9791 and we will provide you and your team with a hands-on tutorial. You can also visit the fundraising section of our website, walkMSnyc.org, for a detailed Online Fundraising Guide to get you started. 13 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: teams@MSnyc.org
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HOW MUCH SHOULD TEAM MEMBERS RAISE? To receive an official event T-shirt, participants must raise a minimum of $125. The money raised funds national research, chapter programs and services, and public and professional education. CAN MY TEAM HAND IN DONATIONS TOGETHER? No. Each team member must register and hand in their donations separately. Remember that most fundraising benefits, including Top Fundraisers and Elite 200 Club membership are based on individual fundraising. Teams can fundraise together and distribute the donations among team members using a Donation Distribution Form. This form can be found in the “Materials and Forms” section of our website, www.walkMSnyc.org or can be sent to you by calling 212-463-9791. DOES MY TEAM HAVE A SEPARATE MEETING AREA? Yes, teams will have a separate meeting area the morning of Walk MS NYC – Southern NY. More information and details will be provided to all team captains closer to the event weekend. WHEN WILL I GET MY TEAM PHOTO? All team photos will be available on the Walk MS NYC – Southern NY website approximately two to three weeks after the event. WHO IS INVITED TO THE RECOGNITION CEREMONY? All teams that raise a minimum of $6,000 will be invited to join us for the Recognition Ceremony. WHAT IS THE TAX ID FOR THE NATIONAL MS SOCIETY, NYC – SOUTHERN NY CHAPTER? The National MS Society, NYC – Southern NY Chapter’s Tax ID # is 13-2835721. Official 501(c)(3) letters and W-9 forms are available by request. WHERE SHOULD MY TEAM MEMBERS SEND DONATIONS? Mail all donations to the address below. Be sure to include your name, account number, and Walk MS site in the memo section of the check. Please do not send cash. National MS Society Attn: Walk MS NYC – Southern NY P.O. Box 10123 Uniondale, NY 11555 WHO DO I MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO? Walk MS (Your Walk Location). Also remember to include your name and account number in the memo section of each check as this will ensure donations are credited to the appropriate participant. WHAT IS MY ACCOUNT NUMBER? Your account number is assigned to you upon registration. This number is found on the homepage of your Participant Center and the mailing label for any mailing you receive from the Society. Email: teams@MSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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TOP TEAMS OF 2012 2012 Team Team Amount Ranking Name Captain(s) Raised
1
Mutual of America
Dominick Tanzi
$104,042
2
J-Walkers
Jackie Popper
$83,865
3
THE CURE - S'myelin Brite
Jennifer Schack Robert Sorin
$80,921
4
MS Hope - Loving Lois - Got Wine?
Elissa Levy, Eden Lopez, David Schafran
$58,848
5
Wednesday Warriors Carolyn Protass
$57,671
6
Professional Women Lori Bores, Paula and Multiple Milers Rivera, Lucille Zarin
$42,172
7
Hot Flashes
Alan Legatt
$38,535
8
Mount Sinai CGD MS Team
Aliza Ben-Zacharia, $37,795 Tova Epstein
9 Morgante's Multiple Greg Bennetts, Ann $36,028 Successes Marie Johnson, Theresa LaRocca 10
SayHey 2012
Scott Richter
$34,661
15 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: teams@MSnyc.org
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TOP TEAMS OF 2012 #1 Corporate Team #1 Friends & Family Team Mutual of America- $104,042 J-Walkers - $83,865 Top Fundraising Average Rookie Team of the Year THE CURE- S’myelin Brite - $2,790 The Infusions - $13,033 Most Improved Fundraising Veteran Team Towson United- $23,400 in 2012 $7,963 in 2011 Top 3 New York City Teams #1-Mutual of America - $104,042 #2- J-Walkers - $83,865 #3- THE CURE - S'myelin Brite - $80,921 Top 3 Orange County Teams #1- Knockout MS - $7,600 #2- A-Team - $5,890 #3- Knoerzers Knock-out MS - $3,366 Top 3 Putnam County Teams #1- Team Donnalou - $5,029 #2- POMS - Putnam Overcomes MS - $3,191 #3- Struttin' 4 sisters - $2,715 Top 3 Rockland County Teams #1- L Train - $21,171 #2- The Infusions - $13,033 #3- Team Karanka- We’re on the Move - $9,255 Top 3 Staten Island Teams #1- Kurys Krew - $15,148 #2- Team Valente - $7,3490 #3- Funraisers - $6,004 Top 3 Sullivan County Teams #1- Evergreen Manor - $7,227 #2- Catskill Martial Arts - $1,119 #3- Mary Marchers - $717 Top 3 Westchester County Teams #1- Hot Flashes - $35,887 #2- SayHey 2012 - $34,661 #3- Acorda Walk Team - $29,868 Email: teams@MSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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NOW: AN MS RESEARCH REVOLUTION Through the NOW campaign we will: STOP the progression of MS in its tracks; RESTORE function that has been lost; and END the disease forever. With your participation and support in Walk MS, we can make a bold commitment to do more NOW.
ABOUT THE NEW YORK CITY – SOUTHERN NEW YORK CHAPTER The New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society is committed to helping the thousands of residents affected by multiple sclerosis in the five boroughs and Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Sullivan counties continue moving their lives forward. The chapter raises funds locally to support the Society’s critical research initiatives and to provide hundreds of comprehensive support services and educational programs for people living with MS, their family and friends. Visit www.MSnyc.org for more information.
17 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: teams@MSnyc.org
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UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS Race to Stop MS .
September 7-8, 2013 .
www.raceMSnyc.org
MSchallengewalkcapecod.org
Climb to the Top presented by:
October 6, 2013
www.bikeMSnyc.org
March 3, 2013
www.climbMSnyc.org www
Email: teams@MSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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Thank you to our sponsors:
“Like” us on Facebook fb.com/walkMSnycSny
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Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/walkMSnycsny
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