NYC – Southern NY 2015 locally presented by:
EVENT GUIDE
Saturday, April 18, 2015 • Sunday, April 19, 2015 Saturday, April 25, 2015 • Sunday, April 26, 2015
WELCOME TO WALK MS NEW YORK CITY – SOUTHERN NY 2015! CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU for registering for Walk MS New York City – Southern New York 2015! We are excited that you will be joining the Walk MS family as we come together to celebrate the progress that has been made on our quest to end multiple sclerosis and to show the power of our connections. Our community unites to raise funds locally to provide hundreds of comprehensive support services and programs for the 12,000 people living with MS, their families and their friends in the five boroughs and Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Sullivan counties. Here’s how your donations make a difference: Services for People Living with MS: • $37 will pay for someone living with MS to have two hours of personal care assisting them with bathing. • $75 will pay for a family to receive a counseling session when a loved one has just been diagnosed with MS. • $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. • $1,500 will contribute to the cost of a scooter for someone living with MS. In 2015, our goal is to recruit 10,000 participants and raise $2.25 million! Gather your friends, family and co-workers and help make this year’s Walk MS a success! Research to Change Lives: Funds raised through Walk MS NYC – Southern NY will go toward our national NOW campaign, a bold initiative dedicated to moving research forward faster by raising $250 million to drive MS research. In 2014, a record breaking $50 million has been invested. Our goals are to STOP the disease in its tracks, RESTORE function and END MS forever. With your participation and support in Walk MS NYC – Southern NY, we can make a bold commitment to do more NOW.
1 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: walkMS@msnyc.org
EVENT DATES AND LOCATIONS SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2015 Staten Island Clove Lakes Park, Staten Island, NY
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015 Orange County
Crane Park, Monroe, NY New York City Pier 26 - located off West St. between North Moore St. and Huber St. in Tribeca
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2015 Rockland County
Rockland Lake State Park, Valley Cottage, NY
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2015 Putnam County
Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department Mahopac, NY
Westchester County Glen Island Park, New Rochelle, NY
Why do you walk? Share your story at: walkMS@msnyc.org, write a message on our Virtual Wall of Hope at: www.walkMSnyc.org or post a video on our Facebook page. Also, be sure to personalize your participant “I Walk For” bib on event day. Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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SAVE THE DATES!
February 9 - 13: Team Recruitment Week February 18: Fundraising Day #1 February 27: Early Incentive Deadline March 9 - 13: Team Recruitment Week March 23 - 27: Fundraising Week April 15: Fundraising Day #2 (Staten Island, Orange County, and NYC) April 22: Fundraising Day #2 (Rockland, Putnam and Westchester Counties) May 29: Fundraising and Ranking Deadline
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Event Dates and Locations................................................................................2 Fundraising 101......................................................................................................4 Fundraising Strategies....................................................................................5-9 Mobile Fundraising..............................................................................................10 Using Your Online Tools.....................................................................................11 Other Ways To Help.......................................................................................12-13 Fundraising Benefits & Rewards...............................................................14-16 Teams.................................................................................................................17-19 3 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: walkMS@msnyc.org
FUNDRAISING 101 How do I get started? Here are five steps for successful fundraising: 1. AIM HIGH: Be bold when you set your goal. Become a Top Fundraiser by raising $1,000 or more and receive special perks. 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. MAKE A DONATION: Start your fundraising off right by making a selfdonation to your fundraising efforts. Others will be more inclined to give if they see you have made a donation yourself. 3. BE PERSONAL: Tell everyone you know that you are participating in Walk MS and explain why. Inspire others to donate and participate by sharing your story on social media – post photos from last year or make a quick video explaining why you are walking. 4. USE THE WEB: There is an entire set of easy-to-use online fundraising tools right at your fingertips! You can set up a personal Web page, send out emails, link to your Facebook page and track your progress. Go to www.walkMSnyc.org and access your Participant Center to 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 chapter staff member for advice, email walkMS@msnyc.org.
Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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FUNDRAISING STRATEGIES Now that I’ve set my goal how can I reach it? Fundraising is easy if you keep it simple and start small. Segment your contacts and plan specific outreach to ensure success!
Family and Very Close Friends 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.
People impacted by the MS Cause Identify any of your contacts that may have a personal connection to MS.
Close Friends These should be people you think are more likely than not to donate.
General Appeals This group consists of other friends, coworkers, extended family and the rest of your contacts.
Social Media Contacts Don’t forget to utilize your social media contacts by posting calls to action on Facebook and Twitter.
5 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: walkMS@msnyc.org
FUNDRAISING STRATEGIES How do I 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. Use them or create your own! When you fundraise and email through your Participant Center, you can track your communications. PHONE: Make a phone call rather than sending a text. Your close friends and family members will appreciate the personal touch and it’s a great way to follow up with people who have not responded to your emails. SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are quick and easy ways to reach a large audience! You might update your status with a message like, “I’m walking towards a world free of MS with the New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society! I’m trying to raise $125 by March 1, so I just donated $XX to kick things off. Will you join me? Click the link below to donate and/or join my team. 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 and include a photo of you and your team as a personal touch.
Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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FUNDRAISING STRATEGIES Equipped with the proper tools and your network of friends and family members, you’ll be on your way to growing your team and reaching your fundraising goal! Want an awesome Walk MS T-Shirt? Here’s how to earn one and become a fundraising superstar in only one week: Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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SUNDAY: Make a self-donation! Jumpstart your campaign and show others that you are serious about raising funds for the chapter. 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 (which is probably close to what they planned to spend on lunch that day.) THURSDAY: Ask your employer for a $50 company contribution. FRIDAY: Share a link to your personal page on your social networks 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 on the next page.
7 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: walkMS@msnyc.org
PUT THE "FUN" IN FUNDRAISING • Bake Sales and Garage Sales • Pancake Breakfasts • Bar/Restaurant Benefit Night- - 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! • Raffles - - Ask a local retailer to donate a prize that you can use for a raffle drawing to entice people to make a donation to your Walk MS fundraising. • Donate Your Services • 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. • Lunch Money Potluck- - Host a company potluck and have your coworkers donate the money they would have spent on their lunch. • Corporate Sponsorship - - Ask companies that you frequent if they’d be willing to sponsor you at a certain level. This is an easy way to get a large donation fast! • Dinner Party • Karaoke Night • Bowling Tournament • Theme Parties The New York City – Southern New York Chapter can support your event in the following ways: • Provide you with a recommended list of local bars or restaurants to host an event. • Provide you with literature about multiple sclerosis, the Chapter and the Society. • Provide you with the Walk MS NYC – Southern NY logo (NOTE: The chapter must approve use of its logo on materials in advance).
Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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BUT WAIT, IT GETS BETTER! FUNDRAISE THROUGH FACEBOOK AND OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS: 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 page 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. IDEAS & TIPS: • Utilize Walk MS promo badges and icons as your Facebook Cover Photo or Profile Picture. • Post a video to your page stating why you are walking and encourage your team members to do the same. • Post a fundraising challenge on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram encouraging your connections to donate and when the goal is reached offer to do some thing unusual or embarrassing that you know your friends would love to see - for example, post a video of yourself singing karaoke, shave your head or dye your hair a crazy color.
9 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: walkMS@msnyc.org
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 app is available to all registered participants with iPhones or Droids.
HOW IT WORKS: • Search Walk MS 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 email walkMS@msnyc.org or call 212-463-9791. • Use the app to: - Thank your donors - Upload your fundraising progress to Facebook - Check the status of your personal team fundraising - Receive current event information - Update your personal page - Request donations through Facebook - Recruit team members
Still having trouble? If you would like to set up a fundraising consultation, email walkMS@msnyc.org. Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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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.
Upload contacts to your address book in order to email them simultaneously
Keep track of your personal fundraising and update your goal
Customize your team web page with personalized messaging, short cut URL, and team photos
Customize your personal Web page with personal messages and photos Send emails to your contacts using template messages or create your own Share your personal page directly on Facebook and Twitter
Using these online tools is the best and easiest way to grow your fundraising. Don’t wait! Go to www.walkMSnyc.org to log in and get started now!
There’s an app for that! Download our mobile fundraising app and our Facebook app
11 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: walkMS@msnyc.org
MORE WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE MATCHING GIFTS AND EMPLOYER CHARITABLE DONATIONS
Want to double your 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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MORE WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE 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
Want to be involved, but don’t like the idea of all that walking? We are so grateful for our volunteers because Walk MS NYC – Southern NY 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 • Chance to meet new people • Opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people living with MS • Leadership responsibility as a Volunteer Captain
Volunteers can fundraise for Walk MS NYC – Southern NY and are 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 at the Information booth. Volunteer Captains add an extra level of expertise, going above and beyond to learn what goes on behind the scenes, while working with our amazing staff and other volunteers who are all here for the same reason: to create a world free of MS. For more information on volunteering email Michael Providence at michael.providence@nmss.org or call 212-453-3258.
13 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: walkMS@msnyc.org
WALK MS NYC – SOUTHERN NY FUNDRAISING BENEFITS I raised all this money so what’s next? We want to do more than just say “Thank You” for your hard work and commitment, so 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: Wednesday, February 18, 2015 • Early Incentive Deadline: Friday, February 27, 2015 • Fundraising Week: Monday, March 23 – Friday, March 27, 2015 • Fundraising Day #2: April 15 & April 22, 2015
EARLY FUNDRAISING INCENTIVE DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 27, 2015
All individuals who raise $125 by February 27 will receive a pair of Walk MS shoelaces to wear on Walk day!
WALK MS NYC-SOUTHERN NY FUNDRAISING DEADLINE: MAY 29, 2015
The total you have raised by May 29, 2015 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 towards your personal goals!
Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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FUNDRAISING REWARDS PRIZES Earn great prizes by fundraising for Walk MS NYC – Southern NY. Prizes are awarded at the following levels: • $125+ • $1,000 - $2,499 • $500 - $999 • $2,500+ Check back at walkMSnyc.org for full prize details!”
BECOME A TOP FUNDRAISER! All participants who raise $1,000 are Top Fundraisers and will earn special perks at Walk MS NYC – Southern NY.
ELITE 200 CLUB The top 200 fundraisers from Walk MS NYC – Southern NY 2015 will make up the 2016 Elite 200 Club. We will reveal the list of members, who will receive perks throughout the next year, at the recognition ceremony in July 2015. These elite fundraisers receive a variety of benefits at Walk MS NYC – Southern NY.
Our 2015 Elite 200 Club members from Walk MS NYC – Southern NY 2014 collectively raised $1,158,123!
15 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: walkMS@msnyc.org
FUNDRAISING REWARDS TOUR OF CHAMPIONS 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 2015 Society Leadership Conference will take place in November 2015 in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. • All individuals who raise $15,000 or more by the fundraising deadline will earn the opportunity to attend the Society’s National Conference as well as have their flight paid for. • All individuals who raise $20,000 or more by the fundraising deadline will earn the opportunity to attend the Society’s National Conference with their flight and hotel accommodations paid for.
Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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TEAM CAPTAIN INFO
Helpful Team Recruitment and Team Fundraising Tips!
In 2014, there were 833 teams that raised more than $2 million – that’s an average of more than $2,414 per team! 17 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: walkMS@msnyc.org
RECRUIT YOUR TEAM 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 highlighting your team in the company newsletter or by posting Walk MS materials around the office. Add a link to your WALK MS team page in your email signature. • 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 • Create your own Walk MS business cards that include a brief synopsis of Walk MS, your name, and the website to register or donate. Pass these out to everyone you know and encounter!
Need recruitment materials? Contact the Walk MS staff at teams@msnyc.org or call 212-463-9791 to order supplies such as posters, and brochures.
Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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TEAM BENEFITS & REWARDS • Each team has their own team website in 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.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! February 9 - 13, 2015: Team Recruitment Week March 9 – 13, 2015: 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 2015! 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 2014 teams fundraising amount)
For more information on starting a team or if you have any questions more on starting a team or if pleaseFor contact us atinformation teams@msnyc.org.
you have any questions please contact us at walkMSnyc.org.
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TOP 2014 WALK MS TEAMS 2014 Ranking
Team Name
Amount Raised
1
J-Walkers
$72,050
2
Wednesday Warriors
$57,940
3
Hot Flashes
$38,137
4
Mount Sinai CGD MS Center
5
Morgante's Multiple Successes $37,993
6
Team SayHey 2014
$33,610
7
Andrea's A+ Team
$32,283
8
Team Hartzler
$31,476
9
Mutual of America
$29,911
10
DreaMS for a Cure
$38,052
$28,730
2014 TEAM AWARDS #1 Top Friends and Family Team: #1 Corporate Team: J-Walkers Mutual of America Top Fundraising Average: Rookie Team of the Year: Hanky Paws Team Houlihan Lawrence
Most Improved Veteran Fundraising Team: Judith Jaffe MS Center & Weill Cornell Imaging
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).
Email: walkMS@msnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org
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JOIN EVENTS YEAR ROUND! Climb to the Top presented by:
March 1, 2015 climbMSnyc.org
June 13, 2015
muckfestMS.org .
September 11-13, 2015
MSchallengewalkcapecod.org
Race to Stop MS
raceMSnyc.org
October 4, 2015 bikeMSnyc.org
THANK YOU TO OUR LOCAL SPONSORS
NYC – Southern NY 2015
733 Third Ave., Third Floor New York, NY 10017
Thank you for registering for Walk MS NYC – Southern NY 2015! 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.