NYC – Southern NY 2014
EVENT GUIDE
Saturday, April 26, 2014 Sunday, April 27, 2014 Sunday, M a y 4 , 2 0 1 4
Welcome to Walk MS New York City – Southern NY 2014! THANK YOU for registering for Walk MS New York City – Southern New York 2014! We are excited that you will be joining us. Walk MS is the Society’s largest rallying point, connecting people living with and affected by multiple sclerosis. It is an experience unlike any other – a day to come together, to celebrate the progress that has been made and to show the power of our connections. Our community unites to raise funds locally to provide hundreds of comprehensive programs and services that support thousands of people living with MS, their families and their friends in the five boroughs and Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Sullivan counties. Funds raised also support cutting edge research to find a cure for this chronic disease of the central nervous system that has no known cure. In 2014, we have a goal of recruiting 10,500 participants and raising $2.8 million! Gather your friends, family and co-workers and help make this year’s Walk MS a success!
Table of Contents: Event Dates and Locations.....................................................................................2 A Championship Tale.................................................................................................3 Fundraising 101.............................................................................................................4 Fundraising Strategies.........................................................................................5-9 Using Your Online Tools.........................................................................................10 Other Ways To Help.................................................................................................11 Fundraising Benefits.................................................................................................12 2014 Elite 200 Club Members.........................................................................15-16 Teams......................................................................................................................18-21 Frequently Asked Questions...............................................................................22 About Multiple Sclerosis.......................................................................................26 NOW: An MS Research Revolution......................................................................27 1 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: walkMS@msnyc.org
event dates and locations Saturday, April 26, 2014 Rockland County
Rockland Lake State Park, Valley Cottage, NY
Staten Island Clove Lakes Park, Staten Island, NY
Sunday, April 27, 2014 Orange County
Crane Park, Monroe, NY
Putnam County Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department Mahopac, NY
Westchester County Glen Island Park, New Rochelle, NY
Sunday, MAY 4, 2014
New York City Pier 26 - located off West St. between North Moore St. and Huber St. in Tribeca
Why do you walk? Share your story by emailing us at: walkMS@msnyc.org or write a message on our Virtual Wall of Hope at: walkMSnyc.org. Also, be sure to personalize your participant “I Walk For” bib that you will receive on event day.
SAVE THE DATES! January 6 - 10: Team Recruitment Week
March 6: Team Captain Rally
February 10 - 14: Team Recruitment Week
March 24 - 28: Fundraising Week
February 20: Fundraising Day #1
April 24: Fundraising Day #2
March 5: June 6: Early Incentive Deadline Fundraising and Ranking Deadline March 10 - 14: Team Recruitment Week Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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a championship tale Just a year ago I was an active stay-at-home mom of five young children. I enjoyed being their class mom, girl scout leader and coach. I spent my free time volunteering as school treasurer and participated in numerous charity runs and walks. My husband and I loved going on family trips together. My life was great! In the fall of 2012, I started noticing several physical changes, but always attributed them to stress, a poor night's sleep, and even thought I might have a pinched nerve in my back. Finally on December 21, 2012, my symptoms had progressed to paralysis and vision loss. I was hospitalized and told that I have multiple sclerosis. I was terrified. I thought about not being able to hold my children in my arms again and the new burden my husband would have as caretaker, of our children... and me. After researching the disease, I began to feel relieved because MS is treatable. Most of my symptoms have gone away due to physical therapy and medications. Today I have slowed my activities down a little bit, but work hard every day to keep my body strong, my mind active and my spirit grateful. I am able to hug my children whenever I want and have been running and shopping just like before. I am thankful to have the love and support of my family and friends. They helped me recover, both physically and mentally. They took care of me and my family when I was unable to do so. They are incredible people that I am blessed to have in my life. We formed a team, accurately named SUPPORT TEAM, and participated in Walk MS just four months after my diagnosis. Our army of more than 200 SUPPORT TEAM members walked more than three miles to bring awareness to the disease and raised more than $7,000 to find a cure.
fundraising 101 Here are five steps for successful fundraising: 1. BE BOLD: Aim high when you set your goal. Become a Top Fundraiser by raising $1,000 or more and receive special perks including an embroidered Walk MS wearable. Update your goal in your Participant Center so it is proudly displayed on your fundraising website and share it when asking your friends and family for support. When you surpass your goal, be sure to update your page with a new one! 2. START EARLY: The early bird gets the worm! Successful fundraising is planned and executed. You can kick your fundraising off with a bang by making a self-pledge towards your goal. Others will be more inclined to give if they see you have made a donation yourself. 3. BE PERSONAL: Share your story with your family, friends and co-workers. Personalize your Participant Center page and tell everyone you know why you are walking. 4. KEEP IT SIMPLE: Go online and take advantage of the easy-to-use fundraising tools called your Participant Center! There, you can set up a personal web page, send out emails and track your progress. Go to www.walkMSnyc.org and get started now! 5. BE CREATIVE: We have all kinds of innovative fundraising ideas and tips to help get you started. If you would like to meet with a Society staff member for advice, contact us at walkMS@msnyc.org.
A few months later, a smaller group of SUPPORT TEAM members pedaled the streets of New York City for Bike MS NYC. We raised an additional $4,000 as our friendships grew stronger and new memories were made while we made a difference in the battle against MS. I know this sounds strange, but I feel that this is a great time to have MS. The generosity of so many people have given doctors and scientists the funding they need to develop medications that can abate the deterioration of this progressive disease. I feel hopeful that a cure will be found soon and no one will ever have to be devastated by MS again. Tara Caulfield 2013 First Year Walk MS Team Captain 3 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: walkMS@msnyc.org
Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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fundraising strategies
fundraising strategies
Fundraising is easy if you keep it simple and start small. Segment your contacts and plan specific outreach to ensure success!
sample letter
Group One: Family and Very Close Friends
More than 2.3 million people world-wide are living with the unpredictability of multiple sclerosis, a disease that attacks the central nervous system and interrupts the flow of information between the body and the brain. Finding a cure for this disease is a cause that is near and dear to my heart and this year, I am joining the MS movement by participating in Walk MS!
Make a list of people in your inner circle that you are confident will make a donation. These individuals could be your parents, boss, or friends.
Group Two: People impacted by the MS Cause Identify any of your contacts that may have a personal connection to MS.
Group Three: Close Friends
Dear <Name,>
This spring, the NYC – Southern NY Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will host its annual walks to raise vital funds to support hundreds of local programs and services as well as fund critical research initiatives.
These should be people you think are more likely than not to donate.
I am walking because <insert YOUR story>.
Group Four: General Appeals
My goal is to raise $xxx by <date> toward a world free of MS. Please join me in the MS movement by making a tax-deductible donation to help raise the much needed funds for people living with and affected by multiple sclerosis. You can make a donation online (insert your personalized URL) or mail in your donation to:
This group consists of other friends, coworkers, extended family and the rest of your contacts.
Group Five: Social Media Contacts Don’t forget to utilize your social media contacts by posting calls to action on Facebook and Twitter.
"You’ve Got Mail" Email Campaign Emails are a great way to instantly reach a wide variety of people and we’ve made it easy for you through our online Participant Center. Listed below are ways your Participant Center can help: • Personalize and send pre-written emails to all of your contacts. • Create a quick and easy personal web page to tell the story of why you’re participating in Walk MS New York City – Southern New York 2014 and to track your fundraising progress. • Create personalized “Thank You” emails to send to your generous donors.
Start a Traditional Letter Writing Campaign
Many participants have success by sending personal written letters and speaking in-person with friends and family members. Customize your letter for each person and be sure to share your fundraising goal. Once you have mailed your letter, give your prospects two weeks to respond before following up. We’ve included a sample letter below. 5 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: walkMS@msnyc.org
National MS Society, NYC – Southern NY Chapter Attention: Walk MS P.O. Box 10123, Uniondale, NY 11555 (Please be sure to add my name in the memo section of your check.) Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about Walk MS NYC – Southern NY 2014 or if you would Iike to join me! I sincerely thank you in advance for your contribution toward my fundraising efforts. Together, we can create a world free of MS. Sincerely, <Your Name> Along with a sample letter, the following are some helpful elements for a powerful and meaningful fundraising letter: • Be personal - tell the story of why you are participating in Walk MS. • Include facts about the MS Society and its mission to create a world free of MS. • Share your fundraising goal and ask for support. • Use colored stationary so you letter stands out in the mail. • Send Thank you Notes to all of those who have donated.
Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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fundraising strategies
fundraising strategies
Fundraise Through Facebook and Other Social Media Outlets
The New York City – Southern New York Chapter can support your event in the following ways: • Provide you with literature about multiple sclerosis and the National MS Society. • Provide you with the Walk MS NYC – Southern NY logo (NOTE: The chapter must approve use of the logo on materials in advance).
Our Boundless Fundraising application allows you to use Facebook to raise awareness of your fundraising efforts. Friends can view your fundraising progress and donate online. You can upload this tool to your Facebook account through your online Participant Center. To get started, click on the blue “Fundraise with Facebook” button on the homepage of your Participant Center.
Help us raise awareness and funds! “Like” our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walkMSnycSny. All fans of our Facebook page will receive advance notice about upcoming fundraising and recruitment challenges as well as important Walk MS NYC – Southern NY updates. Walk MS NYC – Southern NY is on Twitter! Follow us @walkMSnycSNY. Plan Your Own Fundraising Events 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 increase your fundraising for Walk MS NYC – Southern NY. Ideas include: • “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 information or brochures on the tables to help raise awareness AND money. • Bake Sales/Garage Sales: Ask neighbors to donate baked goods or gently used 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 invite friends, family and community members to participate for a set donation fee. 7 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: walkMS@msnyc.org
Matching Gifts and Employer Charitable Donations Many companies have matching gift and volunteer incentive programs to maximize their financial contributions to non-profit organizations. If your company does, this means they will match your donations to the Chapter, which increases your fundraising total and brings us closer to a world free of MS.
You can significantly increase your fundraising total by having your donors apply for matching gifts!
How it works: • Send an email to all your donors explaining the benefits of Employer Matching Gifts and let them know that they can access an employer by visiting www.nationalmssociety.org/employermatch. • Ask your donors to contact their company’s HR department to learn about their company’s matching gift policies and procedures. • Follow the procedure outlined by your company’s matching gift program; printed materials may be mailed to: National MS Society, NYC - Southern NY Chapter Attn: Walk MS 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 gift check, we will credit your Walk MS 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, we will include the pending donation in your Walk MS fundraising total. It is that easy to increase your fundraising total, which will move us closer to a world free of MS.
Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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fundraising strategies Mobile Fundraising
Manage your fundraising on the go with our mobile fundraising application. Update your web page, send emails and check your progress. The free application is available for iPhones and Droids, and is available to all registered participants.
How it works: • Search MS NYC SNY in either the iTunes App Store or Droid Market. • Download the mobile fundraising application to your phone as you would any other app. • Log in with the same username and password that you would use online at www.walkMSnyc.org If you do not know your username and/or password contact us at walkMS@msnyc.org or call 212-463-9791. • Use the app to email, view your donors, update your fundraising progress to Facebook and to check the status of your personal team fundraising.
Using Your Online Fundraising Tools Your Participant Center is your personal webpage to share the story of why you are walking, and ask friends and family to join your team or support you by making a donation. You can customize your page to share stories, upload pictures, list and thank donors and post blog updates. The Participant Center is also your “headquarters” for fundraising. Our online tools enable you to upload your address book from your personal email, monitor your team, send emails and follow your own fundraising progress.
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 Send emails to your contacts – you can use template messages already created or personalize your own
Still having trouble? If you would like to set up a fundraising consultation, contact us at walkMS@msnyc.org. 9 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: walkMS@msnyc.org
Fundraise with Facebook
Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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OTHER WAYS TO HELP: VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS & VOLUNTEERS Virtual Participants
Have friends or family members who cannot attend the event? Encourage them to register as a “Virtual Participant.” Virtual Participants can be members of teams, participate in fundraising contests and become Top Fundraisers. Virtual Participants can also create a personal fundraising website and have access to all of our online fundraising tools.
Volunteers
We are so grateful for our volunteers because Walk MS could not happen without their help! Please spread the word about volunteering to your friends and family members. Some of the perks of being a volunteer include: • Special Volunteer T-shirts • Opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people living with MS
Volunteers will have the option to fundraise for Walk MS NYC – Southern NY and will be eligible for fundraising benefits! Volunteer Captain
The role of a Volunteer Captain is to help the day run smoothly by managing the logistics and volunteers in areas such as Registration, Food and Information booth. Volunteer Captains add an extra level of expertise, going above and beyond to learn what goes on behind the scenes. For more information on volunteering contact Michael Providence at michael.providence@nmss.org or call 212-453-3258.
Committee Leadership Opportunities
The New York City – Southern NY Chapter of the National MS Society is currently recruiting members for the 2014 Walk MS Planning Committees for Staten Island and Orange, Putnam, and Rockland Counties. Walk MS committees meet monthly and members are asked to dedicate their time to assist with the development of the event in their community. All sub-committees will be led by a Walk MS NYC - Southern NY Committee member and at least one Chapter staff member. Each sub-committee will develop goals for 2014 and create a strategic plan with specific tactics for how they will accomplish their goals. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more at walkMS@msnyc.org or call 212-463-9791.
11 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: walkMS@msnyc.org
Walk MS NYC – Southern NY Fundraising Benefits We’re so grateful for your hard work and commitment to raising funds to support the mission of the NYC - Southern NY Chapter, National MS Society. Check out all the great perks that come along with your fundraising efforts!
T-shirts All participants who raise $125 or more will receive an official Walk MS NYC – Southern NY . T-shirt distributed on event day. • $125 - $999: Event T-shirt. • $1,000+: Specialty Top Fundraiser T-shirt. • People living with MS have the option to receive an orange event T-shirt signifying they are living with MS.
Fundraising Challenges
Fundraising Challenges are held prior to the event allowing participants chances to win a variety of great prizes for the donations they raise during that specific time period.
Save the Dates! – Fundraising Challenges: • Fundraising Day #1: Thursday, February 20, 2014 • Early Incentive Deadline: Wednesday, March 5, 2014 • Fundraising Week: Monday, March 24 – Friday, March 28, 2014 • Fundraising Day #2: Thursday, April 24 - Friday, April 25, 2014
Early Fundraising Incentive Deadline: March 5, 2014 All individuals who raise $250 by March 5, 2014 will receive a pair of Walk MS branded socks!
Walk MS NYC-Southern NY Fundraising Deadline: June 6, 2014
The total you have raised by June 6, 2014 will be used to determine final rankings, including membership in the Elite 200 Club, Top Fundraiser and the Top Fundraising Teams. However, you should continue fundraising toward your personal goals!
Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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Mission First Club Many of our participants, who earn prizes and generously donate the cost of the prize back to the Chapter to further support our mission: To create a world free of multiple sclerosis, are members of the Mission First Club. By donating the cost of your prize back, you are directly helping the NYC – Southern NY Chapter, National MS Society invest more money towards making a difference in the lives of those affected by MS. Last year’s Walk MS NYC – Southern NY Mission First Club saved the Chapter an estimated $7,000!
Raise $500-$999
• Raise $500 to $999 by the final fundraising deadline of June 6, 2014 and you will eligible for a Walk MS specialty branded baseball cap.
Raise $1,000 or more and become a Top Fundraiser!
All participants who become Top Fundraisers, by raising $1,000 or more, by the post-event fundraising deadline (June 6, 2014), will earn a specialty wearable prize. • Top Fundraisers will have their specialty item embroidered with “Top Fundraiser” and the Walk MS NYC – Southern NY logo. • 2015 Elite 200 Club members will have their item embroidered with the Walk Elite 200 Club logo. *All eligible participants must claim their prize in order to receive it – prizes will not automatically be mailed if they are not claimed. An email will be sent, after the fundraising deadline, to claim the prize.
Elite 200 club The top 200 fundraisers from Walk MS NYC – Southern NY 2014 make up the 2015 Elite 200 Club. These elite fundraisers receive a variety of benefits at Walk MS NYC – Southern NY 2015 including: • A personalized bib with name and Elite 200 ranking. • Listing on the website and in the participant guide. • Admission with a guest to the Top Fundraiser Lounge at Walk MS NYC on event day. • Elite 200 goodie bag on event day. • Invitations to special events throughout the year. • Dedicated staff member to provide guidance and answer any questions along the way.
Our 2014 Elite 200 Club members from Walk MS NYC – Southern NY 2013 raised $1,260,081!
Other Benefits:
• Specialty Top Fundraiser “I Walk For” bib. • Specialty Top Fundraiser event T-shirt. • Admission with a guest to the Top Fundraiser Lounge at the New York City site on event day. • Dedicated staff member to provide guidance and answer any questions along the way.
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Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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2014 elite 200 club members 1. Dave Van Der Linden $110,310 2. Adam Popper $34,604 3. Scott Richter $31,585 4. Jackie Popper $26,741 5. Andrea Glenn $20,150 6. Lisa Bertoncin $19,810 7. Carolyn Protass $19,416 8. Michael Cerveris $18,506 9. Theresa LaRocca $17,835 10. Paul Weiss $17,305 11. Adam Hartzler $16,025 12. Steven Protass $15,265 13. Alexandra Levin $14,445 14. Ron Cohen $14,130 15. Jennifer Schack $14,067 16. Richard Hofstetter $13,950 17. Barbara Wander $13,830 18. Alan Legatt $13,401 19. Rosanna Delia $12,275 20. Karen Ann Vangor $11,860 21. Annamarie Prono $11,825 22. Kimberly Davis $11,366 23. Leslie Ilany $11,238 24. Julie Burek $10,846 25. Kyle Warendorf $10,820 26. Erica Bersin $10,553 27. Scott Gold $10,419 28. Lynn Ruane-Tuttle $10,271 29. Joan Squires $10,000 30. Aaron Miller $9,868 31. Diana Podolsky $9,729 32. Dalia Sussman $9,623 33. Julie Greenholtz $9,595 34. Stacey Max $8,991 35. Heather Schwartz $8,180 36. Lauren Schulman $8,159 37. Sonia Hoffman $8,090 38. Lev Gewirtzman $8,084 39. Max Popper $7,939 40. Siobhan Murphy $7,885 41. Rob Paul $7,831 42. Elyse Dubin $7,766 43. Audrey Sasson $7,588 44. Babette Holland $7,505 45. Carol Nagel $7,323 46. Allison Hoshia $7,278 47. Glenn Domilici $7,219 48. Hannah Popper $7,099 49. Simon Sinek $6,945 50. Robert Sorin $6,926
51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100.
Shari Rosenberg Vicky Bashant Jon Chappell Mimi Leitner Julie Schneier Shelley Fischel Charles Lacina Carol Levine Dana Foote Melissa Goodman Kathleen Fennessy Evan Schweitzer Rosanna Frank Laura Kandelshein Craig Wesley Thomas Catterson Mark Daniels James Schiro Deloran Muransky Andrew Smith Susan Walsh Brittany Sheehan Jill Rodgers Paul Kowalczyk Jessica Gatti Christopher Mapp Laurie Premer Nicole Mynarski Naava Teitelbaum Donna D'Agostino Erica Zimmermann Murray Akresh Michael Shapiro Jennifer Valente Miguel Valcarcel Robert Greenholtz Robert Prisament Shelley Lazar Georgia Pollak Anthony Burns Lucille Zarin Terese Catterson Scott Scognamillo Paul Carlucci Paula Rivera Rob Muller Joseph Hartzler Eileen Hofstetter Kameka Dempsey Anne-Marie Cataldo
$6,870 $6,845 $6,810 $6,686 $6,524 $6,520 $6,344 $6,320 $6,265 $6,184 $5,835 $5,596 $5,560 $5,452 $5,138 $5,120 $5,050 $5,044 $4,950 $4,907 $4,883 $4,855 $4,762 $4,726 $4,720 $4,710 $4,677 $4,637 $4,618 $4,615 $4,596 $4,569 $4,524 $4,520 $4,508 $4,496 $4,483 $4,445 $4,411 $4,375 $4,373 $4,350 $4,285 $4,275 $4,230 $4,220 $4,210 $4,200 $4,135 $4,088
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2014 elite 200 club members 101. John Tsigakos $4,080 102. Perry Shapiro $4,061 103. Susan Sinek $4,051 104. Martin Long $4,030 105. Lou Pastina $4,020 106. Mike Miles $4,000 107. Sherri Heller $3,985 108. Valerie Dorinson $3,895 109. Cynthia Siderman $3,869 110. Liza Handman $3,721 111. John Clyne $3,645 112. Marshall Frank $3,595 113. Jennifer Haggerty $3,487 114. Maria Alataris $3,470 115. Morgan Meis $3,470 116. Robert (Bob) Simon $3,381 117. Myrna Korman $3,354 118. Howie Weiss $3,345 119. Richard Yaeger $3,325 120. Jennifer Ramos $3,320 121. Sarah Levitt $3,275 122. Barbara Gutlove $3,245 123. Josephine Delosreyes $3,225 124. John Goulah $3,220 125. Shevon Maguire $3,180 126. Natasha B Adams $3,171 127. Nilda Hernandez $3,160 128. Amy Bubbs $3,152 129. Colleen Monachino $3,150 130. Fran Boland $3,145 131. Daniel Levitt $3,145 132. Nancy Vitaliano $3,145 133. Andrea Presser $3,107 134. Jamil Cruz $3,097 135. Diana Barone $3,055 136. Hal Brunwasser $2,900 137. Jessica Phillips $2,896 138. Irene Unger $2,892 139. Kathy Papantoniou $2,870 140. Trish Reiser $2,865 141. Barbara Rothstein $2,863 142. Robyn Cergol $2,845 143. Blythe Lovinger $2,836 144. Mindy Daniels $2,833 145. Tiffany Lopes $2,831 146. Tara Caulfield $2,790 147. Caterina Monda $2,785 148. Emily Munoz $2,770 149. Melissa Perlin $2,760 150. Lori Bores $2,758
151. 152. 153. 154. 155. 156. 157. 158. 159. 160. 161. 162. 163. 164. 165. 166. 167. 168. 169. 170. 171. 172. 173. 174. 175. 176. 177. 178. 179. 180. 181. 182. 183. 184. 185. 186. 187. 188. 189. 190. 191. 192. 193. 194. 195. 196. 197. 198. 199. 200.
Jaime Hendricks $2,750 Deandra Joannon $2,725 Rosaria Tripodi $2,720 Michael Fontaine $2,703 Margaret Dougherty $2,675 Erica de Klerk $2,654 Alice Bowman $2,641 Donna Weinstein $2,639 Harriet Strohl $2,616 Jordan Strohl $2,601 Donna Baker $2,598 Danielle Troccoli $2,595 Karen Holloman $2,585 Yael Maxwell $2,570 Susan Simon $2,566 William Albert $2,555 Michael Sullivan $2,525 Elaine Weiss $2,510 Mary Elizabeth Kennedy-Atkins $2,475 Jason Phillips $2,470 Alan Axelrod $2,454 Shari Laskowitz $2,445 Nadine Blumberg $2,440 Esther Domilici $2,440 Betsy Friedman $2,440 Jamie Wagner $2,424 Laura Yost $2,410 Peter Sommers $2,408 Laura Boodaghian $2,400 Christopher Traverso $2,400 Jennifer Swanson $2,385 Doris Klueger $2,316 Susan Achey $2,315 Karen Frank $2,295 Erica Miller $2,275 Laura Brasen-McCann $2,265 Camille Kelly $2,265 Andrea Thompson $2,256 Joshua Bentley $2,245 Jon Coplon $2,240 Peter Kurys $2,230 Marilyn Lopez-Echevarria $2,216 Lauren Parra $2,215 Eileen Girsky $2,183 Sam Hofstetter $2,180 Sarah Zonenshine $2,161 Michele Leone $2,150 Keri Thorn $2,150 Carolyn Hochberg $2,126 Melissa Protass $2,122
Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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Tour of Champions
team captain info
Each November, the leaders across the MS movement gather together at the National Conference to celebrate progress, learn from each other, and strengthen commitments to make an even greater impact in the coming year. The 2014 Society Leadership Conference will take place November 6-8 in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. • All individuals that raise $15,000 or more by the fundraising deadline will earn the opportunity to attend the Society’s National Conference and the Chapter will cover the cost of air fare. • All individuals that raise $20,000 or more by the fundraising deadline will earn the opportunity to attend the Society’s National Conference and the Chapter will cover air fare and hotel accommodations.
Helpful Team Recruitment and Team Fundraising Tips!
In 2013, there were 885 teams that raised more than $2.1 million – that’s an average of more than $2,370 per team! 17 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: walkMS@msnyc.org
Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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Recruit For Your Team
team benefits & rewards
Walk MS teams must consist of a minimum of three people 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 walking and to join your team. • Host a happy hour or work lunch to promote your team and invite everyone you know to attend. • If you are a returning team captain, start with your team roster from previous years, which the Walk MS 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 high lighting your team in the company newsletter or by posting Walk MS materials around the office. • Send an email with our Walk MS Recruitment video, which is available on our website, to anyone that might be interested in joining your team
• Each team captain has their own team website within their Participant Center. Update it with a photo of your team and the story of why you are participating. • Opportunity to participate in team contests and incentives. • Team photo at Walk MS. • 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 Walk MS staff at teams@msnyc.org or call 212-463-9791 to order supplies such as posters, rack cards and “Join My Team” business cards.
19 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: walkMS@msnyc.org
Mark your calendar! January 6 - 10, 2014: Team Recruitment Week February 10 - 14, 2014: Team Recruitment Week March 10 – 14, 2014: Team Recruitment Week 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 2014! Captain 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)
Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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top 2013 walk ms teams 2013 Team Team Amount Ranking Name Captain(s) Raised
1 THE CURE - Jennifer Schack, $136,225 S'myelin Brite Robert Sorin 2
Mutual of America
Jackie Popper
$96,663
3
J-Walkers
Jennifer Schack
$85,174
4
Wednesday Warriors Carolyn Protass
$52,296
5 Hot Flashes Alan Legatt $47,790 6 Morgante's Multiple Theresa LaRocca, Successes Marie Johnson, Greg Bennetts
$38,730
7
Say Hey 2013
Scott Richter
$37,869
8
Mount Sinai CGD MS Team
Aliza Ben-Zacharia, $35,362 Tova Epstein
9
Andrea's A+ Team
Andrea Glenn
$33,719
10
Team Hartzler
Adam Hartzler
$29,816
Frequently Asked Questions registration FAQs Is there a registration fee?
No. There is no registration fee to participate in Walk MS. I’m walking and my family will join me. Should they register for Walk MS NYC – Southern NY?
Yes. All walkers, regardless of age, must register to participate in Walk MS NYC – Southern NY. This is for your safety and so that each participant qualifies for fundraising incentives, including the $125 minimum to receive an event T-shirt. Can my child (12 or under) participate in Walk MS NYC – Southern NY?
Yes - Walk MS NYC – Southern NY is a family event for all ages! Please note that all children must register regardless of age. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. I will be out of town during Walk MS NYC – Southern NY, can I still participate?
Yes. You do not have to physically be at the Walk event to participate. Virtual participants can register as an individual or team participant. Virtual participants will receive the same benefits and prizes as event participants.
fundraising FAQs Is there a minimum fundraising requirement?
2013 team awards #1 Top Friends and Family Team: The CURE-S’myelin Brite
#1 Corporate Team: Mutual of America
Top Fundraising Average: The CURE-S’myelin Brite
Rookie Team of the Year: Team Hartzler
There is no minimum fundraising requirement; however, all participants are encouraged to fundraise. To receive an official Walk MS NYC – Southern NY event T-shirt, participants must raise a minimum of $125. In 2013, participants raised an average of $475 per person. Be bold in setting your goal and don’t forget about our Top Fundraiser Club for individuals who raise $1,000 or more. Where do I send my donations?
Mail all Walk MS NYC – Southern NY donations to the address below. Be sure to include your name and account number in the memo section of the check. Please do not send cash.
Most Improved Veteran Fundraising Team: Hanky Paws
Mail Donations To: National MS Society, NYC – Southern NY Chapter Attn: Walk MS P.O. Box 10123 Uniondale, NY 11555
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Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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Frequently Asked Questions Who do I make checks payable to?
Walk MS (your Walk location) (Example: Walk MS, Orange County). Also remember to include your name and account number in the memo section of each check to ensure donations are credited to you
Frequently Asked Questions team FAQs What are the benefits of starting a team?
How do I fundraise online?
Go to www.walkMSnyc.org, click on “My Account” and log in to your Participant Center and you’ll have access to all of our online fundraising tools.
Participating in Walk MS NYC – Southern NY is more fun when you are part of a team and it’s a proven fact that team members raise more than individuals. Teams get a meeting area at the event, a team photo and the chance to participate in team contests with great prizes. Teams can also qualify for top fundraising honors and rewards.
What is an account number?
How many people can I have on my team?
Your account number is assigned to you upon registration. If you are a past participant, your account number was assigned to you when you registered for your first event with the Chapter. This number is found on the homepage of your Participant Center. If you have more than one account number, please contact us at walkMS@msnyc.org or call 212-463-9791 to receive the correct account number.
There is no limit to how many team members you can have – the more, the merrier! However, teams must consist of at least three members in order to receive any team recognition and awards.
How long does it take for donations to appear on my personal Web page?
Can my team hand in our donations together with our team captain?
Donations made online are immediately posted to your account and will appear on your website at the time of the donation. Donations that are mailed prior to the event can take two to four weeks to appear on your website. Donations submitted on the day of the event can take up to six weeks to appear on your website. To avoid the wait, encourage your donors to sponsor you online. Online donations are safe and easy. What is the Tax ID for the National MS Society, NYC – Southern NY Chapter?
The National MS Society, NYC – Southern NY Chapter Tax ID # is 13-2835721. Official 501(c)(3) letters and W-9 forms are available by request. Are donations tax deductible and how do I get a receipt?
I’d like to join an existing team, what should I do?
If you have already registered as an individual and would like to create or join a team, please email teams@msnyc.org for further assistance.
No, all donations must be handed in individually. Fundraising prizes and incentives are based on individual fundraising success. Teams can fundraise together and distribute the donations among team members using a Donation Distribution Form that can be found on the Materials and Forms page of our website. What are top fundraising team rewards?
Elite Teams are teams that commit to raise $40,000 or more. They receive a private meeting area at the Walk MS NYC – Southern NY start and finish lines. Super Teams are teams that commit to raise $15,000 - $39,999. These teams will also have an area at the start and finish line. Teams in these categories are able to decorate their individual team areas at the event. Find more information on top fundraising team rewards at: www.walkMSnyc.org.
Yes. 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 acknowledgement letter from the National MS Society, NYC – Southern NY Chapter. Receipts are also available for the donor upon request. Contact us at walkMS@msnyc.org or call us at 212-463-9791 for assistance.
Does my team have a separate meeting area? Yes, all teams assemble in the Team Meeting Area the morning of Walk MS NYC – Southern NY where they can meet their members and have their team photo taken.
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Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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Frequently Asked Questions event information FAQs What if I can’t finish Walk MS?
Each site will have an accessible support vehicle patrolling the route. If necessary, they can pick you up and take you to the finish line. What do I wear on the day of the event?
Dress in layers so you are warm at the start and finish lines and cool while walking. In addition, wear comfortable walking shoes. Please note: there is no baggage check at Walk MS NYC - Southern NY event sites, and we advise against bringing large bags or backpacks. All bags are subject to search. What food is available at Walk MS?
Light snacks and a variety of beverages are available at the start line, rest stops on the route and the finish line. A full breakfast and lunch are not provided. If you have special dietary restrictions or needs, please bring your own food and/ or beverages. What are the safety rules at Walk MS NYC – Southern NY?
The routes are not closed to traffic and all city and state laws must be obeyed at all times. Participants are instructed to stay on the sidewalks and listen to law enforcement and official route marshals during the event. Participants under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Wearing headphones and using cell phones while walking is prohibited; please stop and move to the side if you need to use a cell phone. The use of headphones limits your ability to hear critical safety notifications, as well as traffic, other pedestrians and participants around you. To ensure the safety of all participants, roller blades/skates and bicycles are prohibited.
About Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and it stops people from moving. 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 2.3 million worldwide.
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.
What do we do if it is inclement weather?
The event goes on rain or shine! In case there is severe weather, we will spread the word as early as possible via email, social media and the website. Please check weather reports and come prepared. If you still can’t find the answer to your question after reviewing the above information, please feel free to contact our office at walkMS@msnyc.org or call 212-463-9791.
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Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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WHERE THE MONEY GOES Funds raised through Walk MS NYC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Southern NY will go toward our 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. Through the NOW (No Opportunity Wasted) research revolution, the Society has committed to raise $250 million to support critical MS research.
join events year round! Climb to the Top presented by:
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 NYC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Southern NY, we can make a bold commitment to do more NOW.
March 2, 2014
www.climbMSnyc.org
June 21, 2014
muckfestMS.org .
Where Your Money Goes
Early and ongoing treatment with FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people living 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).
September 5-7, 2014
MSchallengewalkcapecod.org
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.
race to Stop MS
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raceMSnyc.org
October 2014 bikeMSnyc.org
NYC – Southern NY 2014
733 Third Ave., Third Floor New York, NY 10017
Thank you for registering for Walk MS NYC – Southern NY 2014! Visit www.walkMSnyc.org for information, event tools and resources. Log in to your account and 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 Walk MS NYC – Southern NY, so don’t wait, start now! All individuals who raise $125 or more will earn a Walk MS NYC - Southern NY T-shirt on event day. If you are not receiving emails from Walk MS NYC – Southern NY, please contact us at 212-463-9791 or walkMS@msnyc.org to update your account.
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