You’ll Move. Be Moved. Join the Movement!
Footnotes
Spring 2010
MS Walk is the rallying point of the MS movement; a community of friends, family and co-workers coming together with a shared commitment and determination to create a world free of MS. Please join the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, South Florida Chapter at a MS Walk near you! If you ask $10 from 25 people, you could raise $250. If every participant raised $250, we would reach our $1 million goal!
2010 MS Walk Dates
Sunday, March 7th Fort Lauderdale Hugh Taylor Birch State Park Stuart – Flagler Park
Saturday, March 20th Lee County - Lakes Park Naples – Lowdermilk Park
Sunday, March 14th Boca Raton – South County Regional Park
Sunday, May 2nd Aventura – Founders Park South Coral Gables - The Park at City Hall Virtual Walk
Saturday, March 13th Weston/Sunrise – Markham Park
Sunday, March 21st The Palm Beaches – CityPlace
This issue of Footnotes is generously sponsored by:
Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. The National MS Society’s medical advisors recommend that people with MS talk with their health care professionals about using these medications and about effective strategies and treatments to manage symptoms. If you or someone you know has MS, please contact the National MS Society at www.nationalmssociety.org or 1 800 FIGHT MS (800-344-4867) to learn more.
Helpful Hints for Successful Fundraising Internet as a Fundraising Tool
The internet makes fundraising easy! Online tools allow you to save time and receive instant gratification!
Utilize our online tools to create a personal and/or team webpage. E-mail your friends, family, and co-workers promoting your cause, inviting them to join your team, or asking for support! The internet allows donors to make electronic donations with the click of a mouse!
Internet fundraisers have found that by using the internet rather than snail mail, their past supporters have donated higher amounts. Statistics show that on average, Internet fundraisers raise over 116% of their fundraising goal!
For more information about our online tools or how to create / customize your personal page or team page, please visit the MS Walk website at www.mswalksouthflorida.org or contact the MS Walk Team by e-mail: mswalk@fls.nmss.org or phone: 1-800 FIGHT MS (800-344-4867).
Contact Us
National MS Society South Florida Chapter 3201 W. Commercial Boulevard Suite #127 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 1 800 FIGHT MS (800-344-4867)
www.nationalmssociety.org/fls Mary Jordan Development Manager mary.jordan@fls.nmss.org Jaime Valdivia Development Coordinator jaime.valdivia@fls.nmss.org MS Walk Website www.mswalksouthflorida.org MS Walk E-mail mswalk@fls.nmss.org Page 2
Letter Writing as a Fundraising Tool
By using the mail and e-mail to raise money, you can solicit contributions from a variety of sources such as: family, neighbors, friends (holiday card list; colleagues (inter-office mail); business associates (rolodex); college friends, fraternity/sorority members.
The following are some ideas for a successful letter-writing campaign: Always include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your letter if using regular mail, or include your name and address to send pledges to if using e-mail. Make it easy for your potential donors to respond to you. Personalize your appeal by using familiar details about yourself, or your history walking in the MS Walk. If the donor is not paying immediately by cash, check or credit card, specify a deadline in order to get pledges to you in time to receive your prize. Follow up with a note, e-mail or phone call to all those who have not responded. Always send a “thank you� note when you receive a pledge. After the MS Walk, include details about your day, maybe even a photo to your top donors (you can even copy a color photo of you on the route!). Your donors will be curious about your performance. Spring Issue
Fundraising Tips and Tools
Face-to-Face Fundraising
Where the Dollars Go?
Face-to-Face is said to be the most effective way to raise pledges. It may appear intimidating, but often all you need to do is get past your first “ask,” and then it seems like a breeze. Becoming fully informed about the MS Society will help greatly in your efforts. Here are some other helpful strategies: Remember you are not asking for the contribution for yourself; you are asking on behalf of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and all people with MS. Educate your potential sponsors so they feel comfortable about making a contribution. Use the information on our website to inform them about how their donation will be used. Build your “ask” around your excitement and enthusiasm for walking and for the fight against MS. Share stories why the MS Walk is fun and/or important to you.
Ultimately, your friends, family and co-workers will support you because it’s you doing the asking!
Other Helpful Ideas: Keep your contribution form with you at all times. You never know when you will run into a potential sponsor. Know your donor... have one contribution form with high donations and another with smaller amounts. Look for sponsors where you spend your money. Ask the manager of your dry cleaner, coffee shop, newspaper stand, deli, etc. for his or her support. Remind your sponsors to get matching gifts from their companies. Start with an “easy target” -- your family and friends. Practice your technique and build your confidence! Take advantage of positive “peer pressure” and ask a group for donations. Keep brochures on your desk at work. When you are asked about the MS Walk, ask for a donation or ask them to walk with you! Try to get your pledge money when people agree to sponsor you, or suggest payment by check or credit card, so you don’t have to go back to your sponsors twice.
Donations can be called in with a credit card at 954-731-4224 or made on-line at www.mswalksouthflorida.org. Please specify who the donation should be credited to. For questions about electronic donations, please contact the MS Walk Team by e-mail: mswalk@fls.nmss.org or phone: 1 800 FIGHT MS (800-344-4867).
Telephone Fundraising
Telephone Fundraising is a great way to raise pledges. It’s an effective, direct, and easy method of reaching out to your prospective list of contributors, particularly those you do not see on a daily basis.
Here are the seven easy steps to raising donations via the telephone: 1. Develop a target list. 2. Pick the best time to call. Should you call people at home or at the office? 3. Know what you are asking for before you ask. Suggest an amount that is appropriate for your potential donor. 4. Once you are on the call, be direct. Use sentences like, “I need your help to accomplish my goal of $__________. Will you sponsor me for $$$$?” 5. Silence is not a “no.” If you have suggested an amount that is too high, they will let you know. Remember no gift is too big or too small! 6. Thank them regardless of the outcome. If they can’t contribute, invite them to volunteer on the day of the MS Walk. 7. Follow up with a written thank-you note and self-addressed, stamped envelope for donations. Footnotes 2010
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, South Florida Chapter provides programs and services for those living with MS. Some of our current programs are:
Case Management Case Management is a collaborative process in which the case manager assists individuals in navigating a cumbersome health care and social services delivery system.
Loan Closet The South Florida Chapter has multiple loan closets that provide services to individuals with MS. The equipment in the loan closets include: walkers, canes, shower chairs, wheelchairs, scooters and more!
Educational Teleconferences These are free educational calls that focus on different topics and feature expert keynote speakers. Wellness Program To keep people moving.
Support Groups MS can make people feel isolated. This is why we have support groups.
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MS Awareness Week March 8-14, 2010
We would like to invite all local schools to participate in Dress Down on Friday, March 12. For $3 students can wear an orange t-shirt or blue jeans to Join the Movement. If you have a contact (teacher, principal, etc.) at a school and you are willing to help us get them involved, please call the Walk Department at 954-731-4224, 1 800 FIGHT MS or email mswalksouthflorida.org.
2010 Prize Levels
$5,000 – MS Jacket $3,000 – MS Fleece Throw Blanket $1,000 – MS Polo $ 750 – MS Drawstring Bag $ 500 – MS Hat $ 275 – MS Go Green Bag $ 100 – MS Walk T-Shirt
South Florida Chapter
National Multiple Sclerosis Society South Florida Chapter 3201 West Commercial Boulevard Suite 127 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID NAT’L MS SOCIETY