Community Events Cook Up New Ways to Serve Families by Jenny Heidrick
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the Society, and have grown this annual event to he Smith family – father Tom, mother Judy what it is today. and daughter Leigh Ann – of Van Alstyne, Volunteers such as the Smith family, Texas held a Lone Star barbecue dinner this communities and businesses are sharing their summer as a community event for the National time and talents to raise money and awareness MS Society. This year’s event marked the fifth to benefit everyone living successful year for this tasty with multiple sclerosis. fundraiser, with more than Money raised from Money raised from 175 attendees and more than $40,000 raised to help community – or third- community – or third-party – events supports ongoing families living with multiple party – events supports research initiatives into the sclerosis. ongoing research cause, treatment and cure The barbecue dinner was held at the local high school, initiatives into the cause, of MS, as well as important programs and services, such as with plenty of homemade treatment and cure of financial assistance, wellness cakes for dessert and numerous items donated for MS, as well as important classes, career counseling, scholarships and more. a silent auction. There was programs and services... Community events are no charge for the dinner; volunteer-led and -supported. attendees were asked to They can include anything donate as they were able to from bowling tournaments and golf tourneys to benefit the Society’s mission. bake sales and garage sales. Entertainment for the event included local musicians. A presentation about multiple sclerosis and the National MS Society was also Jenny Heidrick is Strategic Philanthropy given. Coordinator in the Society’s Houston office. Leigh Ann is a senior at the University of She has a handy guide with information North Texas and Judy is a registered nurse with on how to stage third-party events in your the Anna Independent School District. Both community. Contact Jenny for details at jenny. have MS. The family wanted to get involved in heidrick@nmss.org or 1-877-440-3413. supporting MS research and programs through 42
MSConnection • FALL 2010