2014
Event Guide
New This Year!
This Guide Includes Team Captain Information
Sunday, March 2, 2014
WELCOME to Climb to the Top 2014!
Table of Contents
Thank you for registering for this year’s Climb to the Top! You have
Event Details.............................................................................................................................5 Fundraising 101.........................................................................................................................6 Fundraising Tools.....................................................................................................................7-12 The Benefits of Fundraising....................................................................................................13 Claiming Your Benefits............................................................................................................14 Become a Top Fundraiser.......................................................................................................15 Elite 66 Club..............................................................................................................................16 2014 Elite 66 Club Members....................................................................................................17 Team Captain Info....................................................................................................................18-21 Top 2013 Climb to the Top Teams.............................................................................................22 Volunteers.................................................................................................................................23 Frequently Asked Questions...................................................................................................24-26 About Multiple Sclerosis.........................................................................................................27 About The Chapter...................................................................................................................27 Where the Money Goes...........................................................................................................28-29 Upcoming Events......................................................................................................................30
accepted the fundraising AND physical challenge of climbing 66 flights of stairs to the top of Rockefeller Center! Our goals this year are to recruit 1,500 participants to raise $1 million! Gather your friends, family and co-workers and share this once in a lifetime experience!
This guide provides information about fundraising, recruitment and information for Team Captains. If you still have questions, visit www.climbMSnyc.org, email climbMS@msnyc.org or call 212-463-9791. IMPORTANT DATES
January 14:
February 14:
January 15:
February 27:
Registration Fee increases from $45 to $66
Fundraising Deadline to to reach $250 to receive packet in the mail
Fundraising Day #1 Early Incentive Deadline
Fundraising Day #2
January 20 - 25:
Time to Climb – Event Day
Team Recruitment Week
February 10 - 14:
March 2: April 4:
Fundraising and Ranking Deadline
Fundraising Week
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Story From a Veteran Climber
Champions For a World Free of MS
Eighteen years ago I was getting out of bed to prepare to go to church with the family and found that when I put my feet on the floor, I could barely stand. This was a complete shock because I have always been an active and healthy person. Two days later my symptoms worsened and I began experiencing debilitating dizziness. By the end of the week, I was in the doctor’s office where a neurologist’s appointment was being scheduled. Not long after my first symptom, I was officially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
The Climb to the Top Champions program is one of the most important links between Climb participants and people living with multiple sclerosis. The relationship between a Champion and participant fosters education, awareness, gratitude and, most importantly, hope. As a Climb to the Top participant, you will have the opportunity to climb in honor of a person living with MS. Please contact Kelly Kerins at kelly.kerins@nmss.org to be connected to a Champion.
In 2009, my son, Peter, participated in the inaugural Climb to the Top, and shared his experience with me and I immediately thought “I need to do that!”. Always being up for a challenge and wanting to support the National MS Society, in 2011 I raised $410, made the trip to New York City from Maine and completed the event in 46 minutes and 21 seconds, using two crutches to climb. In 2013, I climbed again, raised $1,460! In another victory, I beat my 2011 time and completed the climb in 40 minutes and 51 seconds. The energy and optimism I experienced at Climb to the Top makes me want to come back year after year to be part of something so special. I am so fortunate to be able to climb 66 flights of stairs. I have been blessed with all life has given me and I know there is a whole lot of living left to do and I won’t let something like MS get in my way. Greg Vermette
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Why Do You Climb?
Email us at climbMS@msnyc.org and tell us why you will Climb to the Top! 212-463-9791
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Event Details
Fundraising 101
Climb to the Top is a unique event benefiting the New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society, where 1,500 participants climb 66 flights of stairs to the Top of the Rock™ Observation Deck in Rockefeller Center to help create a world free of multiple sclerosis and experience an amazing view of the Manhattan skyline. This is a timed event, so challenge yourself to see how fast you can climb to the top!
Here are five easy steps to get you started:
START EARLY - Don’t procrastinate! Successful fundraising is thoughtfully planned and executed. Start your fundraising off with a bang by making a self-donation towards your fundraising goal. Others will be more inclined to give if they see you have made a donation yourself.
SET A GOAL - Think big! In 2013, participants raised an average of $676, a
GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION Start/Finish: 30 Rockefeller Center
$60 increase over 2012 and we are setting our sights higher for 2014! Our participants have found that the higher their goal, the more money they are able to raise. Aim on becoming a member of our Top Fundraiser Club made up of individuals who raise $1,000 or more. Top Fundraisers receive special day of perks! See page 15 for more details.
Site Hours: 6 -10 a.m.
GET PERSONAL – Share your story with your donors. Tell everyone you know
Date: Sunday, March 2, 2014
that you are participating in Climb to the Top and tell them why.
Required Fundraising Minimum: $250 Age Minimum: seven years old (participants ages seven to 11 will only be permitted to participate in the Family Division)
BE SIMPLE – Login to your Participant Center for easy-to-use online fundraising tools right at your fingertips! You can set up a personal webpage, send out emails and track your progress. Get started now! Go to www.climbMSnyc.org to login to your account and access your Participant Center!
HAVE FUN AND BE CREATIVE - We have numerous innovative fundraising ideas and tips available to help get you started. No idea is too small!
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Fundraising Tools
Fundraising Tools
Our goal is to provide the necessary tools to help you succeed in your fundraising by offering the fundraising tools listed below: • • • • •
USING YOUR PARTICIPANT CENTER Using the online fundraising tools in your Participant Center is the fastest and easiest way to jumpstart your fundraising. You can send emails to donors, track your progress and create a personal web page. To get started, go to www.climbMSnyc.org and click on ‘My Account’ to login with your username and password.
Online tools through your Participant Center Mobile Fundraising Fundraising with social media Tools to help you plan your own fundraising event Information on Corporate Matching Gifts
Keep track of your personal fundraising and update your goal
Customize your personal Web page with personal messages and photos
Upload contacts to your address book to be able to email them all at once
View your team roster
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Send emails to your contacts – you can use template messages already created or personalize your own
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Fundraising Tools
Fundraising Tools
MOBILE FUNDRAISING
FUNDRAISE THROUGH SOCIAL NETWORKS
Fundraise on the go with the free Climb to the Top mobile application, available for iPhones and Droids. Update your personal and team fundraising web pages, send emails and check your progress - all from the palm of your hand!
HOW IT WORKS: 1. Search MS NYC SNY in either the iTunes App Store or Droid Market. 2. Download the mobile application to your phone as you would any other app.
Our goal is to provide the necessary tools to help you succeed in your fundraising by offering the fundraising tools listed below: • Our Boundless Fundraising tool allows you to use Facebook as an easy and fun way to raise money and awareness. You can upload this tool to your Facebook account through your online Participant Center. Click on the blue “Fundraise with Facebook” button on the homepage of your Participant Center to get started. • Learn more about using Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to fundraise in our Online Fundraising Guide. Information can be downloaded under the “forms and materials” tab at www.climbMSnyc.org
Help us raise awareness and funds! “Like” our page on Facebook and follow @climbMSnyc on Twitter. All fans and followers will receive advance notice about upcoming fundraising days and prizes.
3. Log in with the same username and password that you use online at www.climbMSnyc.org. If you do not know your username and/or password email us at climbMS@msnyc.org or call 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 check the status of your personal and team fundraising.
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Fundraising Tools
Fundraising Tools
PLAN YOUR OWN FUNDRAISING EVENT
Matching Gifts and Employer Charitable Donations:
Whether it’s a dinner party at your home, a garage sale, a karaoke night or a bowling tournament, planning an event is a great way to meet your fundraising goal. • “A Night Out” Take Over: Partner with a local bar or restaurant for a fundraising night and ask if they would be willing to donate a percentage of one night’s profits to benefit your fundraising efforts. In exchange, you help promote the local business and invite all your friends and family! The business may even be willing to put out MS literature on the tables to help raise awareness. • Bake Sales/Garage Sales: Ask neighbors to donate gently used items or baked goods that you can sell at your home or a community event. • Exercise for a Cure: Ask a local gym if they would be willing to teach a Zumba, Spin or yoga class for free and you invite friends, family and the community to participate for a set donation fee. The New York City – Southern New York Chapter can support your event in the following ways: • Provide you with a list of recommended local bars or restaurants to use for an event. • Provide you with literature about multiple sclerosis and the National MS Society. • Provide you with the Climb to the Top logo. The chapter must approve use of the logo on materials in advance. • If available, send a staff member to attend your event.
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Many companies have matching gift programs to maximize their financial contributions to non-profit organizations. If yours does, they will match your donations and bring us closer toward a world free of MS. Check to see if your employer has an eligible matching gift program by visiting www.nationalmssociety.org/employermatch. You can drastically increase your fundraising total by having your donors apply for matching gifts.
HOW IT WORKS: • Send an email to your donors explaining the benefits of Matching Employer Gifts and let them know they can access an employer lookup at www.nationalmssociety.org/employermatch • Follow the procedure outlined by the company’s matching gift program; printed materials may be mailed to: National MS Society Attn: Climb to the Top Matching Gifts 733 Third Ave., Third Floor New York, NY 10017 • Our staff will send confirmation to the donor’s company. Upon receipt of the matching employer gifts check, we will credit your Climb to the Top fundraising efforts with the amount. While this process may take up to several months, if we have received the matching gift paperwork by the fundraising deadline, April 4, 2014, we will include the pending donation in your Climb to the Top fundraising total. Unconfirmed matching gifts cannot be counted to meet your minimum before the event.
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The Benefits of Fundraising
Claiming Your Benefits
There are many perks that come with fundraising – so don’t wait, start now! Check out these great fundraising rewards and set your personal goals accordingly.
All Climb to the Top participants who earn a prize from any of our fundraising days or fundraising week challenges will be sent an email instructing them to claim their reward within one week of the contest.
T-SHIRTS
MISSION FIRST CLUB
All participants are required to raise a minimum of $250 in order to participate. All participants will receive a Climb to the Top T-shirt, which are distributed on event day. There are a variety of shirts available depending on the fundraising level you reach: • $250 - $999: General event T-shirt • $1,000+: Specialty Top Fundraiser T-shirt • People living with MS will have the option to receive an orange event T-shirt signifying they are living with MS.
EARLY FUNDRAISING INCENTIVE All individuals who raise $300 by January 15, 2014 will receive a pair of commemorative Climb to the Top socks!
FUNDRAISING CHALLENGES
Participants who choose to donate their prize back are members of the Mission First Club. The 2013 Mission First Club generously donated back $3,400 worth of prizes to help us climb closer to our fundraising goal!
Climb to the Top Fundraising Deadline and Rankings The fundraising deadline for Climb to the Top is April 4, 2014. You can continue your online fundraising or mail in donations past this date, however the total you have raised by April 4 will be the amount used to rank all individual and team fundraising efforts. These rankings are used to finalize our Elite 66 Club eligibility for the following year and Top Fundraising Team rewards. Final rankings will be announced at our Climb to the Top Recognition Ceremony and posted online. Every participant is required to raise the $250 fundraising minimum by the date of the event in order to participate.
Fundraising Challenges are contests that allow participants to win a variety of great prizes for the donations they raise on that specific day or during an entire week depending on the challenge. ”Like” our Facebook page to receive advance notice of the challenges and prizes by searching for Climb to the Top New York City.
Save the Dates! - Fundraising Days: • Fundraising Day #1: January 15, 2014 through January 16, 2014 • Fundraising Week: February 10 - February 14, 2014 • Fundraising Day #2: February 27, 2014 through February 28, 2014
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Become a Top Fundraiser!
Elite 66 Club
Raise $1,000 or more and become one of our Top Fundraisers!
Our top 66 fundraisers at Climb to the Top 2014 are made up of the 66 highest fundraisers from Climb to the Top 2013.
Benefits of being a Top Fundraiser include: • Priority Registration for Climb to the Top 2015 • Specialty Top Fundraiser bib for event day • Upgraded Top Fundraiser T-shirt • Admission with a guest to the Top Fundraiser Lounge at Climb to the Top • Post-event Top Fundraiser wearable prize embroidered with the Climb to the Top logo and “Top Fundraiser” • The bragging rights of telling others about the strides you made toward a world free of MS by achieving Top Fundraiser status!
Benefits of being in the Elite 66 Club include: • A personalized bib with your name and ranking • Priority time assignments • Admission with a guest to the Top Fundraiser Lounge at Climb to the Top • Gift bag on event day • Invitations to special events throughout the year • Dedicated staff to assist with fundraising and other support • Elite 66 Club wearable prize Stellar fundraisers from 2014 may be in the 2015 Elite 66 Club so fundraise, fundraise, fundraise to earn your top spot!
Top Fundraiser Prizes All participants who become Top Fundraisers, by raising $1,000 or more, by the post-event fundraising deadline of April 4, 2014 will earn a specialty wearable prize. • Top Fundraisers will have their item embroidered with the Climb to the Top logo and “Top Fundraiser” • 2015 Elite 66 Club members will have their item embroidered with the Climb to the Top Elite 66 Club logo
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2014 Elite 66 Club Members 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33.
Michael Norton Caren Josephs Merritt Robinson William Lopez Lisa Borowitz Mollie Nickman Julie Steinberg Amanda Sussman Peter Vermette Christine Garcia David Beahm Joshua Finkelstein Meredith Canady Sandra Lespinasse Lauren McLeavey Liz Edwards Gregory Ho Jamie Yellen Steven Siegelaub Scott Clausen Roberta Scoll John Seekircher Eva Haldane Lori Feren Gary Kravetz Darren Bryk BonnieBen Pilar Jimmy Mulzet Joe Rich Margaret Dennis Helena Santini Jeffrey Silverman Gabrielle Verkman
$18,935 $13,522 $11,138 $9,682 $8,258 $6,139 $6,135 $6,100 $6,025 $5,672 $5,381 $5,245 $5,020 $4,408 $4,165 $4,145 $4,145 $4,139 $4,131 $4,119 $4,013 $4,000 $3,850 $3,828 $3,590 $3,513 $3,409 $3,265 $3,226 $3,000 $2,996 $2,985 $2,914
34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66.
Jessica McGeary Gina Bondi Barry Spingarn Marc Ivry Domingo Stern Paul Stanton Wendy Thomas Jessica Axelrod Heidi Connal Tarnetta Jones Annette Di Iorio Saundra Krieger Shanene Muldrow Elizabeth Giardina Steve Cohen Robert Sommer Jeff Racioppo Stefanie Tannenbaum Ji Yeong Chu Emma Nickman Danny Cohen Jessica Absatz Dawn Nickman Giuliana Reitzfeld Stephen Verrone Nichole Michl Michael Todisco Paul Schulman Robert Steinberger Julia Ho Danni Falk Aida Khalaf-Parker Pamela Perez
Team Captain Info $2,911 $2,861 $2,828 $2,785 $2,760 $2,711 $2,678 $2,633 $2,558 $2,525 $2,500 $2,466 $2,436 $2,395 $2,309 $2,290 $2,280 $2,250 $2,220 $2,203 $2,189 $2,167 $2,142 $2,130 $2,121 $2,098 $2,094 $2,083 $2,055 $2,023 $2,000 $2,000 $1,998
Our Elite 66 Club raised over $258,000 or 32% of the total raised in 2013! Thank you for your outstanding efforts and dedication! 17.
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Helpful Recruitment and Team Fundraising Tips!
In 2013, there were 191 teams that raised over $638,000 – an average of more than $3,300 per team! 212-463-9791
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Recruit For Your Team
Team Benefits and Rewards
Climb to the Top teams must consist of a minimum of three but there is no limit to the number of team members. Here are some tips to help you recruit for your team: • Encourage team members to recruit at least one family member, friend or colleague to grow your team. • Post on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook to let people know you are climbing and to join your team. • Host a happy hour or work lunch to promote your team and invite every one you know to attend. • If you are a returning team captain, start with your team roster from previous years, which the Climb to the Top staff can provide. • Put up team posters at your gym, work and your neighborhood stores with your team name and contact information. • Ask your company to support your team. You can spread the word by highlighting your team in the company newsletter or by posting Climb to the Top materials around the office. • Send an email with our Climb to the Top Recruitment video, which is available on our website, to anyone that might be interested in joining your team.
• Each team has their own team website in their Participant Center. Update it with a photo of your team and your story of why you are climbing. • Teams have the opportunity to participate in special contests and incentives • Take a team photo at the Top of the Rock™ • Team Spirit Award: Try to win the most spirited award by dressing up on event day in costume or creating a shirt to distinguish your team.
Need recruitment materials? Contact the Climb to the Top staff at teams@msnyc.org or call 212-463-9791 to order supplies such as posters, rack cards and “Join My Team” business cards.
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TICKET TO CLIMB Recruit your friends and family members to participate in their FIRST Climb to the Top and we will provide a code for their FREE registration. Registered participants can recruit two first-time participants for free registration. Please contact climbMS@msnyc.org or call 212-463-9791 for more information. The $250 fundraising minimum must be met in order to participate and the offer is limited to the first 100 referrals. MARK YOUR CALENDAR! TEAM RECRUITMENT WEEK: January 20 - January 25 Win amazing prizes for your team by fundraising and recruiting. Your chances of winning are greater than you may think!
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Win Team Awards
Top 2013 Climb To The Top Teams
Awards will be given to the following teams at the Recognition Ceremony in the summer of 2014! The captains of teams that raise $6,000 or more will be invited to the event. • #1 Corporate Team • #1 Friends and Family Team • Top Fundraising Average • Rookie Team of the Year (first year team) • Most Improved Veteran Fundraising Team (compared to the 2013 teams fundraising amount) • Top Finisher Team • Most Spirited Team
2013 Ranking Team Name
Captain(s)
Total Raised
1
Manhattan Society Climbers
Lori Feren
$33,426
2
Tishman Speyer
Michael Norton
$31,908
3
Aud255
Amanda Sussman, Darren Bryk
$26,224
4
The HUSTLERS
Caren Josephs, Marc Ivry
$21,208
5
Team UBS
Gina Bondi, Virginia Thompson
$16,968
6
Morgan Stanley Fights MS
Elizabeth Giardina, Christine Garcia $16,750
7
Camp Silverman
Jeffrey Silverman, Alexander Gardner $16,168
8
Fitness & Function for MS
Angelica McQuade
9
Buttkickers
Jennifer Blackford, Ariane Hundt
$12,591
10
Goldman Sachs
Peter Vermette
$11,900
$15,967
2013 Team Awards #1 Top Friends and Family Team: Manhattan Society Climbers
#1Corporate Team: Tishman Speyer
Top Fundraising Average: Rookie Team of the Year: Tishman Speyer The HUSTLERS! Most Improved Veteran Fundraising Team: Top Finisher Team: For Papa Bob’s Rock Stars
For more information on starting a team or if you have any questions please contact us at teams@msnyc.org. 21.
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Most Spirited Team: Chicks for a Cause
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Volunteers
Frequently Asked Questions
We could not put on Climb to the Top without the support of Volunteers. Volunteers are vital to the success of the event and get great benefits! • A volunteer T-shirt. • The chance to meet new people. • The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people living with MS. • The opportunity to take on an important leadership role by becoming a Volunteer Captain! • Plus, volunteers now have the opportunity to fundraise and are eligible for all fundraising incentives!
Is there a minimum fundraising requirement? Yes. Every participant is required to raise the $250 fundraising minimum by event day, March 2, 2014. You will not receive the required event day materials or be permitted to participate if you have not fulfilled the minimum. While matching gift forms will count toward your total ranking amount, they will not count toward the minimum requirement unless we have received the actual funds. The minimum must be met before you can receive your packet of event-day materials.
WHAT IS A VOLUNTEER CAPTAIN? Volunteer Captains help make sure the day runs smoothly by managing the logistics and volunteers in a specific area such as Food Team, Spirit Team and Information Team. Volunteer Captains add an extra level of expertise, going above and beyond to learn what takes place behind the scenes, while working with amazing staff and volunteers who are all here for the same mission – to create a world free of MS. Want more information about volunteering? Contact our Volunteer Manager Michael at michael.providence@nmss.org or call 212-463-9791.
Where do I send my donations? National MS Society Attention: Climb to the Top P.O. Box 10123 Uniondale, NY 11555 Who do I make checks payable to? Climb to the Top. Also remember to include your name and account number in the memo section of each check. Your account number will be listed on the mailing label of the participant guide and can also be found by logging into your Participant Center. Please do not mail cash. How long does it take for checks to show up on my account? It depends how many checks the chapter receives in the weeks prior to the event. Checks that are mailed prior to the event can take two to four weeks to show up on your account. To avoid the wait, always encourage your donors to donate online. Online donations are secure and convenient. How do I get a receipt for my donation? All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Your cleared check or credit card transaction serves as a receipt. Donors giving $250 or more will automatically receive an acknowledgment letter from the National MS Society within the calendar year of the donation. What is the Tax ID for the National MS Society NYC – Southern NY Chapter? The National MS Society Tax ID # is 13-2835721. Official 501(c)(3) letters and W-9 forms are available by request.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to Climb to the Top? This depends on each participant’s fitness level, speed and amount of time spent at rest areas. Top climbers finish in as little as 13 minutes, while the average participant takes 30-40 minutes to finish.
Can I wear my headphones while climbing? Headphones are not permitted while climbing. This is a safety precaution so you will be alert when climbing in the stairwell and able to hear everything around you.
When will I receive my start time? Start times will be provided to participants closer to the event. Please be sure to read all materials mailed and emailed to you regarding the event.
Is there a bag check? There will be a free bag check area for personal items in the lobby for all participants. Top Fundraisers and Elite 66 Club members will have a separate bag check located in the Top Fundraiser Lounge area. Please do not bring valuables with you to the event. The National MS Society is not responsible for any lost or damaged items.
When will I receive my event day materials (timing chip, participant bib, etc.)? All participants who raise the $250 minimum by February 14, 2014 will receive their event materials, including timing chip and participant bib, in the mail the week before the event. Participants who do not meet the minimum until after February 14, 2014 will be required to arrive early on event day and pick up their packet. Packet pick-up will be open from 6 - 8 a.m. on event day, Sunday, March 2. Please note all participants must meet the $250 fundraising minimum before receiving materials and no participant will be allowed to participate without these materials. Will there be medical personnel on-site? There will be emergency crews on-site. In case of an emergency, volunteers in the stairwell will communicate with emergency personnel. Additional details about climbing rules and information will be distributed closer to the event. Can a climber stop on a landing for a brief rest? Try to avoid stopping in the stairwell. If you are fatigued, slow your pace and try to continue climbing. If you need to stop, make sure you only do this on a landing. Never stop on the actual flight of stairs. If you do not wish to continue, climb to the next rest stop and inform the rest stop captain that you can no longer continue. If you are unable to climb to the next rest stop or are experiencing a medical emergency, do not climb back downstairs! Call the emergency assistance number that will be provided to you with your day-of climbing materials and and a medical team will come to your assistance. If you do not have a cell phone, ask a fellow participant or volunteer to call for assistance.
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What if I have already registered as an individual and want to start or join a team? We’re glad to help you, and we will update your status. If you have already registered, just email teams@msnyc.org with your full name and the team name you would like to start or join. We will contact you to let you know the change has been made. Can I hand in all my donations as a team? No, all donations received must be credited to an individual participant. Every team member is responsible for the $250 fundraising minimum and the team total is the combination of all team members’ individual fundraising totals.
If you still can’t find the answer to your questions after reviewing the above information, please feel free to email climbMS@msnyc.org or call 212-463-9791.
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About Multiple Sclerosis
Where the Money Goes
Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body. 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.
Funds raised through Climb to the Top will go toward our No Opportunity Wasted (NOW) initiative to fund more cutting-edge research than ever before. The National MS Society has declared that NOW is the time to take action and that when it comes to a world free of MS, enough is not enough. Only all is enough!
facts about ms: • A chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord) • Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to loss of vision and paralysis • Typically diagnosed in prime-of-life years, ages 20 to 50 • Most common neurological disease leading to disability in young adults • Women are diagnosed two to three times more than men • Affects 2.3 million people worldwide
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 Climb to the Top, we can make a bold commitment to do more NOW.
ABOUT THE 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. In 2012, the chapter raised $11.4 million, of which nearly $2.3 million was allocated to the National MS Society’s continuing research initiatives and national activities and $6.3 million was dedicated to local programs and services for people living with MS, their families and friends
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Where the Money Goes
Upcoming Events
Funds raised through Climb to the Top also go toward programs and services for people living with MS and their families in our chapter area. Here are some examples of how your fundraising can directly help those living with MS: $37 will pay for someone living with MS to have two hours of personal care assisting them with bathing. $50 will purchase a cane to foster independence for someone living with MS. $75 will pay for a family to receive counseling when a loved one has just been diagnosed with MS. $84 will pay for an occupational therapist to evaluate the safety of the home of someone living with MS. $100 will cover the cost of a walker for someone living with MS that has difficulty walking. $250 provides three sessions of rehabilitation therapy. $1,500 can cover the cost of a scooter for someone living with MS. $2,500 provides 150 hours of homecare assistance
Race to Stop MS
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April 2014
walkMSnyc.org
raceMSnyc.org
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Where Your Money Goes
Early and ongoing treatment with FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your healthcare professional and contacting the National MS Society at nationalMSsociety.org or 1-800-344-4867 (1-800-FIGHT-MS).
June 21, 2014 .
muckfestMS.org
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October 2014 bikeMSnyc.org
Check out other fundraising events hosted by the New York City - Southern NY Chapter. 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.
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climbMSnyc.org
climbMS@msnyc.org
212-463-9791
Find out more information at www.MSnyc.org
212-463-9791
climbMS@msnyc.org
climbMSnyc.org
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Thank you to our sponsors:
If you are not receiving emails from Climb to the Top, please contact us at 212-463-9791 or climbMS@msnyc.org to update your account.
Fundraising is the most important part of your participation in Climb to the Top. All participants are required to raise a minimum of $250 by March 2, 2014. All donations must be turned in prior to receiving your event day packet with your bib number and timing chip.
Visit www.climbMSnyc.org for Climb to the Top information, event tools and resources. Log in to your Participant Center and set up your personal fundraising webpage, create your email campaign and monitor your fundraising progress.
Thank you for registering for Climb to the Top 2014!
2014
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