2015 presented by:
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Event Guide
SUNDAY, March 1, 2015
WELCOME to Climb to the Top 2015! Congratulations,
you have accepted the fundraising AND physical challenges of climbing 66 flights of stairs to the top of Rockefeller Center®! Not only will you earn bragging rights for scaling one of New York City’s most iconic buildings, but you will also be able to take pride in the difference that you’re making in the lives of people who are living with multiple sclerosis. Our goal this year is for 1,500 participants to raise $1 million! Let’s make it happen. Gather your friends, family, co-workers and the guy or gal sitting next to you on the train and share this once in a lifetime experience! This guide is full of tips and tactics to become a successful fundraiser and Team Captain for Climb to the Top.
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About Us About the New York City – Southern New York Chapter: We are 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 families and friends. Visit www.MSnyc.org for more information.
About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society: • We are a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now. The Society helps people affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education and providing programs and services that help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. We are moving research forward by relentlessly pursuing prevention, treatment and a cure. • We are moving to reach out and respond to individuals, families and communities living with multiple sclerosis. • We are moving politicians and legislation to champion the needs of people with MS through activism, advocacy and influence. • We are moving to mobilize the millions of people who want to do something about MS now.
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Our Vision is Bold A world free of MS!
Our Mission: To mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. Funds raised through Climb to the Top provide hundreds of comprehensive support services and programs for people living with MS, their families and friends and support the Society’s critical research initiatives. Here’s how your fundraising makes a difference: • $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 improve walking ability. • $60 will purchase a chair for someone living with MS to be able to shower independently. • $75 will pay for a family to receive a counseling session 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 with ambulation. • $375 will provide a standard or lightweight wheelchair for someone living with MS. • $500 will provide a portable ramp for someone living with MS to access their home. • $600 will adapt an automobile to provide independence for a person living with MS who is still able to drive. • $1,500 can contribute to the cost of a scooter for someone living with MS.
Share these with your potential donors! 3.
Thank You for Joining the Movement Important Dates - Mark Your Calendar! January 13: Registration Fee increases from $45 to $66 23: Fundraising Day #1 19-23: Team Week 26: Early Incentive Deadline February 5-12: Fundraising Week 12: Fundraising Deadline to receive packet in the mail 27: Registration Fee Increases from $66 to $100 March 1: Event Day – time to Climb! 2-8: MS Awareness Week 31: Fundraising Deadline for Rankings
Climb to the Top Fundraising Deadline and Rankings The fundraising deadline for Climb to the Top is March 31, 2015. You can continue your online fundraising or mail in donations past this date. However the total you have raised by March 31 will be the amount used to rank 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.
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Let's Get Started Personalizing your Participant Center is the first step toward achieving fundraising success. When you registered for Climb to the Top, we created a Personal Fundraising Page and Participant Center just for you. You can customize your page with your personal story, message and photos, or just modify the template that we’ve provided for you. Then, you can send emails to friends and family members and track your progress. To access your Participant Center, visit www.climbMSnyc.org and click on ‘My Account’ on the top left to log in with your username and password.
Need help with your Participant Center? Check out our Online Fundraising Guide! I’ve personalized my Participant Center. Now what? Contact everyone you know and tell them about Climb to the Top and your fundraising efforts. Really. The number one reason people give to charity is that they’re asked. Simply asking is the best tip we can give to help you become the most successful fundraiser you can be.
But, who do I know that will support me? Here’s who you can start with: • Family members and close friends • Co-workers, career mentors, business partners, etc. • Neighbors, members of a group, club or organization you belong to, owners of local businesses you frequent • Social media connections – share your Personal Fundraising Page on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and any other social media platform you use.
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Giving Feels Good You want your family and friends to feel good about donating to you, right? Help your potential donors understand that supporting you and the New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society will bring them some positive vibes, too! Be sure to share why this is important to you – nothing is more inspiring than sharing your story.
Get social with us! “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! Our Boundless Fundraising tool connects to Facebook through your online Participant Center.
“I know it’s helpful to share my personal story. But, what if I don’t have a connection to MS?” 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 Tania Kirkman at tania.kirkman@nmss.org to be connected to a Champion.
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Now That You Know WHO - Spread the Word! Email, phone calls, letters, social media and face-to-face communication all do the trick.
Email: Writer’s block? Sample emails are provided for you in your Participant Center. You can use these templates or create your own! When you fundraise and send emails through your Participant Center, you can track your communications.
Phone: These days, it seems like we pick up the phone frequently. Your close friends and family members will appreciate the personal touch of a phone call and it’s a great way to follow up with people who have not responded to your emails.
Social Media: Facebook and Twitter are quick and easy ways to reach a large audience! You might update your status with a message like, “I’m Climbing to the Top of Rockefeller Center to benefit the New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society! I’m trying to raise $250 by March 1, so I just donated $XX to kick things off. Will you join me? Click the link below to donate. Thank you!”
Face-to-Face: Don’t underestimate the power of a face-to-face ask! The idea of asking someone for money in this way can feel intimidating, but it’s not when you practice what you’ll say and share your story. It’s hard to say no when a friend is looking right at you!
Letters: Snail mail might seem like a thing of the past, but some of your friends and family members may appreciate the sentiments of a handwritten letter. Be sure to include information in your letter on how to mail in check donations.
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What Can You Do in a Week? Equipped with the proper tools and your network of friends and family members – you’re GOLDEN! Here’s how to become a fundraising superstar and raise $250 or more in just one week: Sunday: Make a self-donation! Jumpstart your campaign and show others that you are serious about raising funds for the New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society. Monday: Ask five family members to donate $25 each. Tuesday: Ask five friends or more family members to donate $20 each. Wednesday: Ask five co-workers to donate $10 each. Thursday: Ask your employer for a $50 company contribution. Friday: Share a link to your Participant Center on Facebook and Twitter and ask for $5-$10 donations. Saturday: Host a fundraiser! Planning your own fundraising event is a FUN and EASY way to garner support from your family and friends. We’ve shared some of our favorite ideas below.
Put the "Fun" in "Fundraising" • Dress Down/Jeans Day(s) at the office • Bake Sales and Garage Sales • Guest Bartending and Happy Hours • Pancake Breakfasts • Bar/Restaurant Benefit Nights
• Car Washes • Raffles • Donate Your Services • Theme Parties
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help! Email climbMS@msnyc.org or call 212-463-9791 8.
Mobile Fundraising Feel like you don’t have time to fundraise? Download our free Climb to the Top mobile application, available for iPhones and Droids. Update your personal and team fundraising pages, send emails and check your progress - all from the palm of your hand! Here’s how: 1. Search National MS Society in either the iTunes App Store or Droid Market 2. Download the mobile application to your phone 3. Log in with your username and password. If you don’t know your username and/or password, email climbMS@msnyc.org or call 212-463-9791. 4. Use the app to send emails, view your progress and share it on Facebook and update your fundraising page.
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Matching Gifts = Easy Money Want to double or even TRIPLE your fundraising? Now that you’ve shared your story and donations are streaming in, here’s an easy way to double or even TRIPLE your fundraising: Matching Gifts. Many companies have matching gift programs to maximize their contributions to non-profit organizations. Click here to check to see if your employer has an eligible matching gift program.
Here’s how you can encourage your donors to apply for matching gifts through their companies: • 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: New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the 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 of March 31, 2015, 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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Win Some Cool Swag Besides that warm and fuzzy feeling, are there any benefits to fundraising? There are many perks that come with fundraising – so aim high! Check out these great fundraising rewards and set your personal fundraising goal accordingly. T-shirts: All participants who meet the $250 fundraising minimum will receive a Climb to the Top T-shirt on event day. If you raise $1,000 or more by event day, you can upgrade to a Top Fundraiser shirt. • $250 - $999: Climb to the Top T-shirt • $1,000+: Specialty Top Fundraiser T-shirt • People living with MS can choose to receive an orange T-shirt signifying they are living with MS. Early Fundraising Incentive: All individuals who raise $300 by January 26, 2015 will receive a collapsible water bottle to bring with you on event day. Hydration is key! Fundraising Challenges: We’ll host contests leading up to the event that give you the opportunity to win great prizes for the donations that you receive! Depending on the contest, the winners will be chosen based on donations received during a specific day or time period. Mission First Club: Fundraising challenge winners who choose to donate their prize back to the chapter become members of the Mission First Club. The 2014 Mission First Club generously donated back $2,019 worth of prizes to help us climb closer to our fundraising goal!
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Top Fundraisers & Elite 66 Member Perks Become a Top Fundraiser! Raise $1,000 or more and become one of our Top Fundraisers! Benefits of being a Top Fundraiser include: • Priority Registration for Climb to the Top 2016 • Specialty Top Fundraiser bib number for event day • Upgraded Top Fundraiser T-shirt • Admittance with a guest to the Top Fundraiser Lounge at Climb to the Top • Post-event 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!
Elite 66 Club Our top 66 fundraisers at Climb to the Top 2015 are made up of the 66 highest fundraisers from Climb to the Top 2014. Aim high and this torch could be passed onto you next year!
Benefits of being in the Elite 66 Club include: • A personalized bib with your name and ranking • Priority start time assignment • Admittance with a guest to the Top Fundraiser Lounge • Swag 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 You can earn a spot in the 2016 Elite 66 Club if you are one of the top 66 fundraisers this year!
Our 2015 Elite 66 Club raised more than $258,000 or 32% of the total raised in 2014! Thank you for your outstanding efforts and dedication! 12.
Team Captain Guide Helpful Team Recruitment and Team Fundraising Tips!
In 2014, there were 211 teams that raised more than $733,682 – an average of more than $3,477 per team! 13.
Growing Your Team Teams consist of a minimum of three members, but the sky is the limit to the number of team members you can have! Here are some tips to help you grow your team: • Pass it on! Encourage current team members to recruit at least one family member, friend or colleague. • Get social. Post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., to let people know you are climbing and that you want them to join your team. • Host a happy hour or “lunch and learn” to promote your team and invite your friends or co-workers to attend. Everybody loves food and drinks! • If you are a returning team captain, start with your team roster from previous years. The Climb to the Top staff can provide you with past rosters. • Put up posters with your team name and contact information at your gym, office break room and your neighborhood stores. Contact us and we’ll send you posters galore! • 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.
Need recruitment materials? Contact the Climb to the Top staff at climbMS@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 a friend or family member to participate in their FIRST Climb to the Top and we will provide a code for their FREE registration. Registered participants can recruit one first-time participant for FREE registration. Please email 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 available to the first 100 referrals.
Team Benefits and Rewards • Each team has their own team website in their Participant Center that you can personalize just like your individual Participant Center. • Opportunity to participate in team contests and incentives • Team photo at the Top of the Rock™ • Start in the same waiver with your whole team
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! TEAM RECRUITMENT WEEK: January 19 - January 23, 2015 Win amazing prizes for your team by fundraising and recruiting. Your chances of winning are greater than you may think!
Win Team Awards Awards will be given to the following teams at the Recognition Ceremony in the summer of 2015! Captains of teams that raise $6,000 or more will be invited to the event. Remember your team must be three or more members to qualify. • #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 2014 teams fundraising amount) • Top Finisher Team • Most Spirited Team
For more information on starting a team or if you have any questions please email abby.grasso@msnyc.org. 15.
Top 2014 Climb to the Top Teams 2014 Ranking Team Name
Captain(s)
Total Raised
1
MS Climbers
Lori Feren
$41,568
2
Team Aud255
Amanda Sussman, Darren Bryk
$36,700
3
Tishman Speyer
Michael Norton
$30,423
4
Goldman Sachs
Peter Vermette
$22,476
5
Morgan Stanley Fights MS
Elizabeth Giardina, Christine Garcia $21,814
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The HUSTLERS
Caren Josephs, Marc Ivry
$20,402
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Leah's Ladybugs
Dana Colon
$12,297
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Team Kapniss
Leigh Kaplan
$18,510
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Train with MD
Matthew Davidson
$16,842
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Camp Silverman
Jeffrey Silverman, Alexander Gardner
$15,550
2014 Team Awards #1 Top Friends and Family Team: #1Corporate Team: MS Climbers Tishman Speyer Top Fundraising Average: Rookie Team of the Year: Team Chexy Team Kapniss Most Improved Veteran Fundraising Team: Top Finisher Team: bodyinvestment LBM Most Spirited Team: ROCK ON!
Volunteers
We could not put on Climb to the Top without the support of Volunteers. Volunteers are vital to the success of the event and receive great benefits! Be sure to thank them on event day! Want more information about volunteering? Contact Michael Providence at michael.providence@nmss.org, NYCSNY.Volunteers@nmss.org or call 212-463-9791.
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Frequently Asked Questions Is there a fundraising minimum requirement? Yes. Every participant is required to raise the $250 fundraising minimum by event day, March 1, 2015. You will not receive the required event day materials or be permitted to participate if you have not fulfilled the minimum. Matching gifts will not count toward the minimum requirement. The minimum must be met before you can receive your packet of event-day materials.
Where do I send my donations? New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society Attention: Climb to the Top P.O. Box 10123 Uniondale, NY 11555
Who do I make checks payable to? Make your checks payable to: Climb to the Top. Don’t forget to write your name on the check so we know to credit the donation to you. Please do not mail cash.
How long does it take for checks to show up on my account? It depends on 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 in your account. To avoid the wait, always encourage your donors to donate online. Online donations are secure and convenient and will post to your account immediately.
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 of $250 or more will automatically receive an acknowledgment letter from the New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society within the calendar year of the donation.
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Frequently Asked Questions What is the Tax ID for the New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society? The New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society Tax ID # is 13-2835721. Official 501(c)(3) letters and W-9 forms are available by request.
How long does 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.
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.
When will I receive my event day materials (timing chip, participant bib, etc.)? All participants who raise the $250 minimum by February 12, 2015 will receive their event materials, including bib, in the mail the week before the event. Participants who meet the minimum after February 12, 2015 will need to arrive early on event day and pick up their packet. (Packet pick-up will be open from 6 - 8 a.m. on, Sunday, March 1, 2015.)
Will there be medical personnel on-site? There will be medical support on-site. Additional details about climbing safety rules and information will be distributed closer to the event.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions Can a climber stop on a landing for a brief rest? Yes, a climber may 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. 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 walk back downstairs! Call the number on your participant bib 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.
Is there a bag check? There will be a free bag check area 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. Please do not bring valuables with you to the event. The New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society is not responsible for any lost or damaged items.
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 Abby.Grasso@nmss.org with your full name and the team name you would like to start or join. Abby 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 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.
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Upcoming Events Race to Stop MS .
April 18, 19, 25 & 26 2015
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www.walkMSnyc.org
www.raceMSnyc.org
challenge walk New York City 2014
September 2015 MSchallengewalkcapecod.org
Fall 2014
www.bikeMSnyc.org
www.muckfestMS.com For more information on any Chapter events, please visit www.MSnyc.org.
Thank you for registering for Climb to the Top 2015! Visit www.climbMSnyc.org for Climb to the Top information, event tools and resources. Log in to your Participant Center, set up your personal fundraising webpage, create your email campaign and monitor your fundraising progress. 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 1, 2015. All donations must be turned in prior to receiving your event day packet with your bib number. 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.
Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people living with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your 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).
www.climbMSnyc.org
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212-463-9791
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climbMS@msnyc.org