FUNDRAISING
MS HITS CLOSE TO HOME FOR TV ANCHOR Vaughn dedicates time and energy to MS Leadership campaign
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ob Vaughn learned the worst that MS can throw at a family in 2006, when new lesions on his sister Pam’s brain caused a severe and rare form of dementia. “The whole family was in crisis,” said Vaughn, a popular TV personality for WFMZ in the Lehigh Valley. “She couldn’t care for herself anymore.” Facing uncharted territory, Vaughn turned to the National MS Society for support. “We really appreciate the help the Society provided,” he said. “They gave us a wealth of advice and materials, steering us in really positive directions to find help and understanding of the disease.”
Rob Vaughn, WFMZ Anchor
He took over his sister’s financial and medical affairs and took in his nephew after Pam moved to Florida to be cared for by their parents. Two years later, when the chapter asked for Vaughn’s support of the new Lehigh Valley MS Leadership Class, he didn’t hesitate. “I was glad to jump in with both feet because I think the Society does really good work,” he said. He took on the role of chairman of the corporate fundraising campaign and joined the first class himself, raising $3,000 to be the class’s third-highest fundraiser. Many of 18 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org/pae
his friends knew about his family’s struggle with MS, and once they heard about what the Society does, they were happy to contribute, he said. In his continuing role as the class’ chairman, Vaughn takes pride in encouraging others to get involved in the MS Leadership Class too. “The Leadership class is a real opportunity for someone to make a difference in the lives of other people,” he said. “You can talk to people you know who are charitably minded people, and in very short order and without any difficulty, you can make a real difference by bringing in substantial dollars to help the Society.” The Lehigh Valley is a great fit for a program like the MS Leadership campaign, Vaughn said. “People really do seem to have community spirit and want to help,” he said. “They sense that they can make an important contribution, even in economic times like these.”
The Lehigh Valley MS Leadership Class is now taking applications for 2010 honorees. The ideal candidate is an upwardly mobile business professional in the Lehigh Valley. We ask each honoree to raise $1,000 through a special gifts campaign for the National MS Society, and many participants raise even more. To nominate yourself, a friend, family member or colleague, visit http://main. nationalmssociety.org/lvleadership or call Judi Simmons at 1-800-548-4611.