2012
T o o l K i t• T o o l K I T• T o o l K i t• T o o l K i t• T o o l K i t• T o o l K i t• T o o l K i t• T o o l K i t• T o o l K i t• TOOL KIT
Table of Contents
CONTACT US
Welcome from MS Leadership Class 2012 Chairman. . . 1
Chair:
Key Chapter Staff
Ms. Wight Mixon Beacham and Company, REALTORS 3284 Northside Parkway, Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30327 (404) 890-7642 wightmixon@beacham.com
Roy A. Rangel President roy.rangel@nmss.org 678.501.6612
National MS Society 2011-2015 Strategic Response Executive Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 About MS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 MS Now Campaign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Where Does the Money Go?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Guide to Your Participant Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 National MS Society Board of Trustees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Important Dates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Leadership Hall of Fame. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Class of 2012 Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Sample Fundraising Letter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Top 10 Tips for Successful Fundraising. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Service Project Opportunities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Special Thanks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Advisory Council Members: Mr. Ronen Arad PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 10 Tenth Street, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA30309 (678) 419-7309 ronen.arad@us.pwc.com Ms. Jennifer Guarton Atlanta Business Chronicle 3423 Piedmont Rd, Suite 400 Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 249-1032 jguarton@bizjournals.com Ms. Tara Murphy 360 Media, Inc. 83 Walton Street NW, 2nd Floor Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 577-8686 tara@360media.net Mr. Bill Reddick Celtaxsys 686 North Saint Mary’s Lane Marietta, GA 30064 (404) 915-5838 breddick@celtaxsys.com
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Georgia Chapter 1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite E101 Atlanta, GA 30338 678-672-1000 O 678-672-1015 F www.nationalmssociety.org/gaa
Ms. Jody Saka The Snow Hill Farm Corporation 4419 Central Drive Stone Mtn., GA 30083 (404) 309-5639 jsaka@thesnowhillfarm.com
Hilary LaMotte, MSW Director, Clinical & Chapter Programs hilary.lamotte@nmss.org 678.672.1000 Terri Cool Administration Associate terri.cool@nmss.org 678.501.6627 Jared Miley Community Development Manager jared.miley@nmss.org 678-501-6622
Welcome to MS Leadership Class of 2012 January 19, 2012
I want to take this opportunity to welcome you to the MS Leadership Class of 2012. It is an honor to include you among a list of stellar business executives who demonstrate the essential values of leadership in their professional and personal lives. It never ceases to amaze me – the generosity of individuals and businesses taking on leadership roles helping charities make quantum change. Your generous gift of time and talent as a member of the 2012 Class will capture and affirm, individually and collectively, what it is to make notable and deliberate contributions towards the mission of the National MS Society: To stop MS in its tracks, restore what’s been lost, and end the disease forever. I hope your commitment to the National MS Society will unleash new opportunities to enhance your skills and resources. And that acceptance of your nomination will accelerate your leadership development while helping the National MS Society lead change and drive innovation to fund global research pursuing all promising paths for a cure. While the current economic landscape continues to aggravate the community and businesses we rely on to prosper and provide a sense of security for our families, we know the greatest assault on this disease is a group of compassionate men and women like you. The uncertainty of MS affects everyone with a diagnosis and demands urgency to ultimately bring an end to this disease. Thank you for stepping up to this challenge. Today we can look to the future with greater optimism because of the extraordinary contributions of those who choose to make a difference. Whether you work for or own a business or are employed by a major corporation, people with MS are counting on you in our relentless pursuit of a cure. My best to you as you continue to expand your leadership role in our community. I look forward to pursuing a cure with you.
Sincerely, Tom Bell, Chairman Mesa Capital 2012 MS Leadership Class Honorary Chair
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National MS Society 2011-2015 Strategic Response Executive Summary Vision: A World Free of MS Mission: We mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS 2011-2015 Goals: • We are a driving force of MS research and treatment to stop disease progression, restore function, and end MS forever • We develop, deliver and leverage resources to enhance care for people with MS and quality of life for those affected by the disease • We are leaders in the worldwide MS movement, mobilizing millions of people to do something about MS now • We are activists • We develop and align human, business and financial resources to achieve breakthrough results Life with MS in 2015: When we achieve these aspirational goals, the world for people affected by MS in the year 2015 will have improved significantly: • New therapies to stop disease activity in relapsing and progressive forms of MS will be developed and tested in clinical trials. • Those most severely impacted by the disease will have reduced personal and financial hardship. Quality of life will be significantly enhanced through new rehabilitation and symptom management strategies, greater availability of MS healthcare specialists, and increased opportunities to connect with others affected by MS and the community at large. • People with MS will have increased access to quality, affordable, timely care and symptom management. They will have greater access to health insurance regardless of pre-existing conditions. • Improved resources will exist in every state for home and community-based services, including long-term support and services. Each state will also invest in workforce funding and training to provide high quality home-based care. • The public will better understand multiple sclerosis and how it affects individuals and families. • The Society will be recognized as an organization of choice for people with MS and those who want to join the MS movement. We will demonstrate an atmosphere of trust, mutual respect and integrity, united in our unwavering commitment to a world free of multiple sclerosis.
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We Are People Who Want to Do Something About MS NOW About MS Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information from the brain to the body and stops people from moving. Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. 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 400,000 people in the U.S., and 2.5 million worldwide. About the National MS Society The National MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now — to move together toward a world free from multiple sclerosis. The National MS Society helps people affected by MS by funding cuttingedge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. Early and ongoing treatment with an FDAapproved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contacting the National MS Society at www.nationalMSsociety.org or 1-800-344-4867.
“The National MS Society helps people affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.”
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Enough IS Enough. or IS It? “Enough already.” We’ve all said the words a million times, but we have yet to really step forward. that ends now. today, this very second, we are putting our collective foot down and declaring this instant the time to take action. now we have to move forward with the mindset that when it comes to a world free of MS, enough is not enough. only all is enough.
We have reached the point when individual efforts can be made exponentially stronger through support and collaboration. now we stand together to raise $250 million to fuel MS research. We will be everywhere at once with a focus on all the most promising opportunities. one path unexplored is one too many left behind. We will stop the progression of MS and restore everything people have lost. Anything less is not far enough. And now, we will end MS forever, so that every mother, father, son and daughter is safe in the future.
It will be an MS research revolution. this is our chance to take down MS once and for all, so no opportunity will be wasted and no stone will be left unturned. Because even enough doesn’t cut it. We have to do it all. We have to do it together. And we have to do it now.
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Where Does the Money Go? My favorite moments of participating in the Leadership Class was meeting and working with my fellow teammates, and helping each other with our various fund raising events. It was enlightening to see how many different events were held! We were instantly bonded to each other, because we all had one common goal – to have a world free of MS!
MS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. We do this through a collaboration across chapters, regions and home office, by funding more MS research, providing more services to people with MS, offering more professional education and furthering more advocacy efforts than any other MS organization in the world.
Chapter Programs & Research Highlights Since 1953, the Georgia Chapter has been providing outstanding comprehensive programs and support services designed to help individuals and families affected by multiple sclerosis. Today, the Georgia Chapter serves 9,000 individuals living with MS. A hallmark of our efforts is research. We are a driving force of MS research, relentlessly pursuing prevention, treatment and cure. Currently, there are three major research projects under way at Emory University, University of Georgia, Georgia State University and Medical College of Georgia, funded in part with dollars raised by the communities we serve in Georgia. Chapter Financial Information In 2009, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Georgia Chapter received a 3.5-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent evaluator of charities. Our rating indicates that our organization excels, as compared to other charities in America, in successfully managing the finances of our organization in an efficient and effective manner. 85 cents of every dollar raised in the Georgia Chapter is spent towards ending the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. The Georgia Chapter depends on community support to fund local programs and accelerate national research projects to identify the cause and cure of MS. We are thankful to our members and their friends, event participants, corporate partners and the general public who help us raise the money to help create a world free of MS.
Lisa Lepping Controller EnviroScent, Inc. Class of of 2010
40% Local Programs
33% Research National Programs
12% Chapter Reserves
10% Fund Raising
5% Administration
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Guide to Your Participant Center Accessing My Participant Center STEP 1: From the MS Leadership website (www.nationalmssociety.org/leadershipatlanta) select “Access your Participant Center” in the right-hand navigation bar. STEP 2: On the next page, you will be asked to enter your Username and Password.
My Participant Center - Overview The Overview page of the Participant Center acts as a “landing-page” and provides a quick look at your fundraising progress. At your participant center you can: • Set up your personal webpage • Upload your email address book • Send emails to solicit donations and to thank your donors • Track emails sent and actions taken • Track your fundraising progress Navigation Tabs
Your current fundraising progress is readily accessible. Update your fundraising goal by clicking “change” located under the current goal
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Guide to Your Participant Center Setting Up Your Personal Webpage From the Navigation Toolbar, select the Personal Page button. This section is comprised of three options – content, photos/videos, and components. CONTENT STEP 1: Utilize the “Content” section to customize your Personal Page’s text. Add your personal story or motivation for participating to, or instead of, the stock message. Preview your page and “Save” (at the bottom). PHOTOS/VIDEO STEP 1: Utilize the “Photo/Video” section to personalize webpage with pictures of you, your family or anything that signifies why you joined the fight against MS. Images must be JPEG files and smaller than 200KB. STEP 2: Upload a video of your fundraising efforts or a personal thank you to your donors. COMPONENTS STEP 1: The “Components” section allows you to choose which options will appear on your Personal Page. You must hit “save” to activate your choices. Sample Web Page
The Fundraising Honor Roll is an excellent way to honor top donors on your page.
Keep your page current by posting updates to your Personal Blog about your training and fundraising.
The Thermometer allows donors to see how close you are to reaching your goal.
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Guide to Your Participant Center Blogging on Your Personal Webpage Keep your personal page fresh by adding a Blog to your personal webpage. Update your personal blog frequently with your fundraising progress or just with your daily thoughts. Encourage your friends to bookmark it and check frequently to see your latest updates. STEP 1: Enable the Personal Blog feature in the “Components” section of the “Personal Page.” See previous page for more details. STEP 2: Access to your Blog is available only through your Personal Page. Choose “Your Personal Page” at the very top of the Navigation Toolbar to open your Blog. STEP 3: Your Personal Page will display in a second window. Scroll to the bottom of the page and choose “Post New Topic.” STEP 4: Once you have entered your information, click “Post your topic” to submit your blog. This will now appear on personal page.
Uploading Your Address Book STEP 1: Click on “Email” in the navigation toolbar, then choose “Contacts.” STEP 2: Click “Import Contacts” and follow the instructions to upload your address book from Yahoo, Gmail or a generic CSV file. Or click “Add a Contact” to manually add contacts. STEP 3: Once imported, contacts can be filtered by donor status or if follow up is needed.
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Guide to Your Participant Center Sending Emails STEP 1: Select “Email” in the navigation toolbar. From this section you can send emails to potential donors to solicit donations and send thank you emails to those that have donated. STEP 2: Draft your own personal message. STEP 3: Choose the option labeled “Blank Stationery” for the layout of your email.
Tracking Your Progress STEP 1: Choose “Progress” from the navigation tools. STEP 2: The helpful tools allows you to easily track your fundraising progress. The “Progress” section gives a quick overview of your fundraising to date, your current goal (can be updated on the “Home” page), percentage to your goal and the number of days left until your fundraising deadline. STEP 3: The “Donation History” section provides you with a complete list of donors. In this section, you can choose to receive or not to receive email notifications when a donation is made. You can also download your personal donation list for your future records.
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2012 Board of Trustees National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Georgia Chapter officers: Chairman William J. Holley, II Parker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs, LLP Vice Chairman Cindy Nofi Wells Fargo Private Bank Secretary Diane Flannery Jones Day Treasurer Keith Keller Protiviti
trustees: Elaine and John A. Carlos National Distributing Company, Inc.
Cherise Mlott AT&T
Jeffrey English, MD MS Center of Atlanta
Paul J. Murphy King & Spalding, LLP
Gary B. Grant Glenridge Solutions, LLC
Mark A. Neville The Coca-Cola Company
Tom Holler UPS
Robert C. O’Leary (Ret’d) Cox Enterprises, Inc.
Weyman T. Johnson, Jr. Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker
Chelton D. Tanger PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Neil S. Lava, MD Emory MS Clinic
Ben Wade Thrower, MD MS Institute at Shepherd
Jeffrey Lund Deloitte & Touche, LLP
Mitzi Joi Williams, MD MS Center of Atlanta
Annette Mengert Colliers International-Atlanta
W. Tal Wright Georgia Power Company
Greg Michels Travelers
Georgia Chapter Roy A. Rangel, President
Clinical Advisory Committee The task of the Clinical Advisory Committee is to provide guidance, advice and oversight to the Chapter regarding the general areas of medical/long term care management of MS and guide strategic and programmatic development. Chair: Ben W. Thrower, MD MS Institute at Shepherd
MEMBERS: Jeffrey B. English, MD MS Center of Atlanta Robert E. Godsall, PhD MS Institute at Shepherd Randi Jones, PhD Arun Lakhanpal, MD
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Winnie Pannell, Esq. Winnie P. Pannell, P.C. Robert H. Spector, MD Joseph D. Weissman, MD Mitzi Joi Williams, MD MS Center of Atlanta
“We are fortunate to live in a country where businesses are able to thrive and grow... where individuals have the freedom and opportunity to develop as people and as professionals, limited only by our ability to dream big and work hard. The MS Leadership Class is an opportunity to do just that. MS Leadership Class participants make a difference in their own lives, in the lives of their classmates, and most importantly, in the lives of the millions that are suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, and the millions more that will be diagnosed.” Oliver Holmes Commercial Lender Georgia Commerce Bank Class of 2010
Important Dates Dates and Deadlines January 19, 2012 Kick-Off Cocktail Reception & Dinner 5:00pm - 7:30pm JW Marriott Hotel Buckhead 3300 Lenox Road Atlanta, GA 30326 February 9, 2012 MS Educational Program & Goal Team Workshop* 8:30am - 1:00pm MS Center of Atlanta The Palisades Building Conference Level 3200 Downwood Circle Atlanta, GA 30327 February 2012 Networking Social 5:00pm - 7:00pm Location TBD March 13, 2012 Dale Carnegie Leadership Seminar* 8:30am - 11:30am King & Spalding, LLP 1180 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30309 March 27, 2012 Networking Social 5:00pm - 7:00pm Location TBD April 3, 2012 Leadership Management Seminar* 8:30am - 12:00pm PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP 10 10th Street Atlanta, GA 30309 April 26, 2012 Graduation Ceremony* 6:00pm - 8:00pm Cherokee Town Club 155 West Paces Ferry Road, NW Atlanta, GA 30305 May 4, 2012
Honorees’ Salute in Atlanta Business Chronicle
*A continental breakfast, lunch and/or dinner will be served ** All dates subject to change
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Leadership Class Hall of Fame The MS Leadership Hall of Fame is a distinguished list of business men and women who have individually and collectively contributed to the success of the National MS Society. Like you, through their participation in the MS Leadership Class, they have helped enhance awareness, increase fundraising capacity and achieve winning performance in programs, services and research funding for people living with MS. Each member of the Hall of Fame committed to raising a minimum of $3,000. These members lead the way in our community as a driving force behind our vital research funding.
William P. Reddick
Tom Holler
Nancy Jo McDaniel
Tara E. Murphy
Oliver W. Holmes
Michael Wall
Solomon Nixon, Jr.
Brian D. Granville
Terry Brantley
Chelton D. Tanger
Harrison Rohr
Jennifer D. Guarton
Wight Mixon
Todd Ellis
Monica Davis
Ranse Partin
Larry Clements, MD
Lisa Lepping
Kurt D. Witter
Lee Kolber
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Chris White
MS Leadership Hall of Fame
Leadership Class Hall of Fame “I have benefitted tremendously from participating in the MS Leadership Class. The program introduced me to many other professionals outside of my normal routine, and provided a wonderful opportunity to learn about MS and get involved in the fight to find a cure.� Ranse M. Partin Attorney & Founder Partin Law Firm, PC Class of 2009
Name
Company
Total Donations*
Class
1 William P. Reddick
Celtaxsys
$11,250.00
2011
2 Tom Holler
UPS
$ 6,033.25
2009
3 Nancy Jo McDaniel
NJM Photography
$ 5,825.00
2009
4 Tara E. Murphy
360 Media, Inc.
$ 5,025.00
2011
5 Oliver W. Holmes
Georgia Commerce Bank
$ 5,000.00
2010
6 Michael Wall
Troutman Sanders, LLP
$ 4,668.00
2011
7 Solomon Nixon, Jr.
Franks & Associates Insurance
$ 4,014.00
2011
$ 3,702.00
2011
Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers, LLP $ 3,610.00
2010
10 Chelton D. Tanger
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
$ 3,600.00
2009
11 Harrison Rohr
The St. Regis Hotel
$ 3,550.00
2009
12 Jennifer D. Guarton
Atlanta Business Chronicle
$ 3,465.00
2011
13 Wight Mixon
Beacham and Company, REALTORS $ 3,370.00
2011
14 Todd Ellis
NAI Brannen Goddard
$ 3,175.00
2009
15 Monica Davis
Partners Atlanta
$ 3,165.00
2011
16 Ranse Partin
Partin Law Firm, PC
$ 3,120.00
2009
17 Larry Clements, MD
KenMar Pediatrics
$ 3,096.28
2009
18 Lisa Lepping
EnviroScent, Inc.
$ 3,045.00
2010
19 Kurt D. Witter
Sugar Hill Christian Academy
$ 3,040.00
2011
20 Chris White
Cushman & Wakefield
$ 3,000.00
2011
21 Lee Kolber
InterContinental Hotels Group
$ 3,000.00
2010
8 Brian D. Granville, Esq. The Granville Group, LLC 9 Terry Brantley
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Class of 2012 Roster FIRST NAME
LAST NAME
TITLE
COMPANY
Mr. William R.
Barney, III
Owner/President
Play It Again Sports – Buckhead
Mr. A. Grant
Bell
Senior Vice President
William Gallagher Associates
Ms. Tara
Brashear
Account Manager
Freeman
Mr. Chuck Burleson Principal
Sustainable Project Management, LLC
Mr. Jonathan
Carter
Manager
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Ms. Connie
Catalano
V.P., Business Solutions
Dale Carnegie Training
Mr. Jonathan R.
Chally
Attorney
King & Spalding, LLP
Ms. Cynthia Gibson Cook
Account Manager - IT Staffing
Visionaire Partners
Mr. Andrew
Director
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Ms. Crystal N. Crews
Planning & Policy Development Specialist
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
Ms. Shana Deluca
Director, Product Management
Liaison Technologies
Ms. Jennifer
Senior Associate
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Cooper
Demons
Ms. Audra Dial Partner
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton
Ms. Andreka M.
Eberhart
Medical Account Executive Chronic Health Management
Ms. Tennille
Edwards
Experienced Associate
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Ms. Rosalind R.
Fletcher
President & CEO
CarePoint Home Care
Mr. Darren Gaynor Associate
Parker, Hudson, Rainer, & Dobbs, LLP
Mr. Doug
AcuityCFO
Hale
Principal
Mr. Keith Hallman Senior Financial Planner
Hallman Walters Wealth Management Group
Ms. April
Cassidy Turley
Hawkinson Associate
Mr. Jon Howell President & CEO
Georgia Health Care Association
Ms. Shannon
ShopVisible
Johnston
Chief Operating Officer
Jennifer Guarton Account Executive Atlanta Business Chronicle Class of 2011
continued
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Across all non-profit sectors, businesses play a very important role and have responsibility in providing leadership, privatesector knowledge and guidance, community engagement and awareness, and financial support to ensure that a charity organization can stay true to its mission and make an impact for the local and national community. The MS Leadership Class invites individuals from the business community to become engaged on all levels.�
Class of 2012 Roster continued FIRST NAME
LAST NAME
Ms. Natalie Lawrence
TITLE
COMPANY
Enterprise Account Executive
McKesson Provider Technologies
Mr. Carson Matthews Associate Broker
Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby’s International Realty
Mr. Zach
McEntyre
King & Spalding, LLP
Ms. Linda Wise
McNay, PhD Partner
Associate
Alexander-Haas
Ms. Sue Newman
Real Estate Sales Associate
Beacham & Company REALTORS®
Mrs. Heather
O’Toole
General Manager
PM Realty Group
Ms. Jennifer
Pritchard
Managing Director
Alvarez & Marsal
Ms. Mahogany Rhodes Realtor®
Keller Williams Realty First Atlanta (The Rawls Group)
Ms. Stephanie Shelhimer
Profession Sales Representative, Sr.
Watson
Mr. David
Partner
Krevolin & Horst, LLC
Sirna
Mr. Alan Smith President
Smith, Smith, Smith and Smith Company
Ms. Renee
Spivy
Compliance Associate
Medical Doctor Associates, LLC
Mr. Max
Staples
Managing Broker
Buckhead Insurance Group
Mr. Bryan Stillwagon Attorney
Paul, Hasting, Janofsky & Walker, LLP
Mr. Joe Surber
SVP and Chief Information Officer
AGL Resources
Ms. Sara
Director of Leasing
Crescent Resources
Terry
Mr. Michael Wendt President
Wendt Corporate Realty Services, Inc.
Ms. Karrie
Westphal
Executive Director
CREW Atlanta
Mr. Charlie
Worthen
Principal
Madison Retail, LLC
Director
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Ms. Nicole Fabre Yesbik
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Sample Fundraising Letter Date
Dear: I am writing to you today to share some great news. I have accepted the nomination to join local business men and women in the MS Leadership Class of 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. As you can imagine, I feel honored and privileged to be singled out for such recognition. It also gives me an opportunity to enhance the work of a great organization like the National MS Society (www.nationalmssociety.org). The core belief of the MS Leadership Class is that a person who aspires to great leadership also champions community and social responsiveness. I want to ask if you would join me in my efforts to create awareness and greater understanding of the disease by making a contribution on my behalf. The National MS Society is creatively finding ways to enhance awareness, increase fundraising capacity and achieve winning performance in the areas of programs, services and research funding for people living with MS. My goal is to raise a minimum of $1,500 to fund research and help champion the rights of people with disabilities, namely 9,000 Georgians living with MS. You can go to my personal fundraising website at (Insert Personalized Fundraising Website URL Here) and follow the prompts to make a gift. I will be notified of your gift in a timely manner. Of course, you can also mail a check to me, made out to the National MS Society. As you are aware, the current economic landscape has put tremendous pressure on our community and the businesses we rely on to prosper and provide a sense of security for our families. We look to the future with greater optimism and support it with extraordinary opportunities for you to make a difference. Whether you work for or own a business; employed by a major corporation, people with MS are counting on our relentless pursuit of a cure. I am grateful to you for your consideration. We live in a high-dollar world of scientific research. Nonetheless, you are supporting an organization that is completely committed to creating a future free of MS. I know that your generous gift in any amount will capture and affirm, individually and collectively, what it is to make notable and deliberate contributions toward its mission: to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis.
Warmest regards,
MS Leadership Class 2012 Member
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Top 10 Tips for Successful Fundraising My participation in the 2011 MS Leadership Class was impactful. I have had the opportunity to impact the lives of friends close to me who have MS and the lives of so many others I don’t know. This class has allowed me to leave a footprint in the fight to end this disease. Solomon Nixon, Jr. CPCU Franks & Associates Insurance Agency Class of 2011
Online fundraising is the wave of the future! 1. Personalize Your Message The best fundraising pages tell a really good story. Let people know why you’re going to the trouble of raising money, and they’re much more likely to take the time to donate. Explain why the National MS Society deserves support and what their donations will mean to those living with MS. 2. Add Photos and Video Personal photos make your page much more engaging. Even better – add your own video. It gives you lots of scope to be funny, imaginative and compelling and gives your supporters a good reason to send your page on to their friends. 3. Tell Everyone about Your Page • Before you email your entire address book, ask your closest friends and family to donate first. An empty page can be a bit intimidating, so having a couple of donations on the page should encourage others to donate. People tend to match the amounts already listed on the page, so if they’re generous ones, all the better! • Email your other contacts in groups – colleagues, running club, friends overseas, etc – personalizing your message each time. Include your MS Leadership Class Liaisons’ email address, Jared.Miley@nmss.org, so anyone experiencing difficulty donating can contact him directly. • Use your own email system to set up groups, send emails to large numbers of people and keep your communications personal. Potential supporters are more likely to open an email that comes from you than an email address they don’t recognize. 4. Publicize Your Page Print some business cards with your page URL on the back and give them to everyone you meet! You can also share your page on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin. Ask your company if they’ll link to your page from their website or intranet.
5. Put a Link in Your Email Signature Add your page’s web address, or a ‘sponsor me’ link to your email signature. That way, every email you send raises awareness of your fundraising and attracts more donations. 6. Keep Your Page Up To Date Post regular updates on your progress and upload new photos. It gives people a reason to come back to your page and encourages them to donate again or to send your page on to their friends. 7. Send a Follow-Up Email Be persistent. It takes more than one round of emails to reach your target. You know what it’s like – people mean to donate, but sometimes they don’t quite get around to it on the first request. Remember to thank the people who’ve already supported you, and to ask them to send your page to their contacts. 8. Personalize Your Thank You You can edit the thank you email that we automatically send to people who donate, or write your own. Make sure you encourage people to send your page on to friends who might be interested in supporting you. 9. Contact Your Local Media A few lines in the local paper or an appeal on your local radio station can really help. By going straight to your MS Leadership Class 2012 Participant page, readers and listeners can support you really easily. We’ve got a sample press release for you to customize. 10. Keep Fundraising after the MS Leadership Class 2012 Ends Around 20% of donations come in after class members have graduated. So keep fundraising once you’ve walked across the stage – it’s a good chance to email an update and a final appeal! - Adapted from JustGiving.com
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MS Leadership Class 2012 Service Project Opportunities If you and/or your Work Group, colleagues, friends or family are interested in participating in any of the volunteer service projects listed below, please be sure to contact the staff person associated with the event. We look forward to your participation!
MS Day of Service In partnership with the Home Depot Saturday, March 10, 2012 This unique opportunity is a significant and rewarding way for passionate individuals to join together to make a difference in their community. The Georgia Chapter chooses families and/or individuals who are affected by MS and are unable to accomplish certain tasks in and around their homes. The purpose of this day is to attend to these individual challenges as a way to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of those most impacted by MS. Contact: Jared Miley Community Development Manager Jared.Miley@nmss.org 678-501-6622
Harvest for the Cure 2012 An exceptional wine event for discerning tastes and giving hearts Coming October 2012 Harvest For A Cure is an urban wine tasting event created to bring the world of fine wine to those with discerning tastes, mixed with the joys and heartfelt benefits of helping people living with MS. Feast to the culinary delights of local chefs and enjoy the colorful and creative art pieces that grace the walls of Mason Murer Gallery. All proceeds benefit the National MS Society’s vision of creating a world free of MS. For more information, please contact: Diane Flannery Jones Day dgflannery@jonesday.com 404-581-8579
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Service Project Opportunities continued
Walk MS 2012 Walk MS is the rallying point of the MS movement, a community coming together to raise funds and celebrate hope for the future. We come together to make a bold statement: We will achieve a world free of MS! Walk MS is a simple but incredibly powerful way to join the movement. It’s a place to come together with others in the community that care about MS. It’s a way to support research and help people with MS move their lives forward. Celebrate hope for the future at this year’s Walk MS. Contact: Laurie Palmer, Walk MS Manager Laurie.Palmer@nmss.org 678-501-6631
WALK MS IS THE RALLY POINT OF THE MS MOVEMENT, A COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER TO RAISE FUNDS AND CELEBRATE HOPE FOR THE FUTURE. REGISTER & START FUNDRAISING TODAY! walkMSgeorgia.org or 1-800-FIGHT-MS
03.24.12
03.31.12
04.14.12
Albany
Athens
Augusta
Macon
GEICI Corporate Campus
04.21.12
Columbus
Savannah
Marietta
Riverfront Park Lake Olmstead Golden Park
Oconee Veterans Park
Daffin Park
Atlanta
Piedmont Park
Marietta Square
Rome
Berry College
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Special Thanks Sponsors and Underwriters
Anonymous Donors Elaine and John Carlos Innovar Collective MS Center of Atlanta Robert C. O’Leary Piedmont Healthcare Shirley and Ed Schiffer UPS
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The Dale Carnegie Principles From Dale Carnegie’s book, How to Win Friends and Influence People,
Demonstrate Leadership 1. Begin With Praise and Honest Appreciation. When we acknowledge the value a person has to our organization, we establish a positive tone for open communication. 2. Call Attention to People’s Mistakes Indirectly. This creates an environment that keeps associates from becoming defensive. 3. Talk About Your Own Mistakes Before Criticizing the Other Person. This concept eliminates barriers and helps others to be more open to our coaching. 4. Ask Questions Instead of Giving Direct Orders. This allows the individual to take increasing ownership of both the problem and potential solutions. 5. Let the Other Person Save Face. Our goal is to deal with the inappropriate behavior and still maintain the dignity of the associate. 6. Praise the Slightest Improvement and Praise Every Improvement. Be “Hearty in Your Approbation and Lavish in Your Praise.” There is no better way to increase the productivity, efficiency, and commitment of others than praise. We must notice and give recognition to our colleagues. 7. Give the Other Person a Fine Reputation to Live Up To. When we set high expectations, we help others achieve their full potential. 8. Use Encouragement. Make the Fault Seem Easy to Correct. By expressing our belief in the other person’s ability to correct the fault, we give him or her confidence to improve their performance. 9. Make the Other Person Happy About Doing the Thing You Suggest. By encouraging a person’s desire to improve performance, we can help develop the attitudes and behaviors that are most productive.
www.dalecarnegie.com
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National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Georgia Chapter 1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite E-101 Atlanta, GA 30338 678-672-1000 O 678-672-1015 F www.nationalmssociety.org/gaa
1 800 FIGHTMS | www.nationalMSsociety.org/gaa