walkMSgeorgia.org
Welcome to Walk MS
walk to create a world free of MS
March 19, 2011 Walk MS: Southwest GA Walk MS: East Central GA Walk MS: Chattahoochee Valley
April 2, 2011 Walk MS: Northeast GA Walk MS: Middle GA Walk MS: Northwest GA Walk MS: Coastal Empire
April 9, 2011 Walk MS: Atlanta
April 30, 2011 Walk MS: Marietta
What’s Inside? Welcome to Walk MS................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Why we Participate.. ................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Where Does the Money Go?...................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Getting Started: 3 Simple Steps to Success.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Online Tools make Fundraising Fast & Simple. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Fundraising Tips & Ideas.. .......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Social Media....... ................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Top 100 Club.. ........................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Join the MovementŽ & Team Up!................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 General Information.. ................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Event Dates & Deadlines........................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 For more information & team resources, please go to: walkMSgeorgia.org
Thank you to our Sponsors PRESENTING SPONSOR
PLATINUM & GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER & BRONZE SPONSORS
MEDIA SPONSORS
Welcome to Walk MS: 2011 Walk MS is the rallying point of the MS movement; a community coming together to raise funds and celebrate hope for the future. Walk MS is a simple, but incredibly powerful way for you to share in the hope for the future. It is a day to come together, to be together, to celebrate the movement together. Moving forward, this guide will help keep you organized and motivated, as well as provide some great tips for having fun while fundraising. WALK WITH US - WALK MS: 2011 March 19, 2011 Walk MS: Southwest Georgia Walk MS: East Central Georgia Walk MS: Chattahoochee Valley
Host City: Albany Host City: Augusta Host City: Columbus
April 2, 2011 Walk MS: Northeast Georgia Walk MS: Middle Georgia Walk MS: Northeast Georgia Walk MS: Coastal Empire
Host City: Athens Host City: Macon Host City: Rome Host city: Savannah
April 9, 2011 Walk MS: Atlanta
Location: Piedmont Park
April 30, 2011 Walk MS: Marietta
Location: Marietta Square
For more information, visit walkMSgeorgia.org or call 678.672.1000 press #2. 1 | 2011: Walk MS
Why we Participate “The most fun part of the event is being surrounded by my friends and family. Being able to see and feel their support.” “The walk is a celebration for me every year. I celebrate what I can do physically but also for the community as a whole. I look forward to spending time with friends and family on this day and seeing my other friends with MS.” “It is all about being with my friends, family and supporting a great cause. It is a chance for us to get together an do good as a family.” “I just love being there and seeing all the love and support from everyone! It’s a good feeling to see that people really do care, and that with their help, we will find a cure!!!” “The close knit relationship I sense among those who have MS and the way they accept it. Also, the feeling of hope and optimism among them. Beside being an annual fundraiser, it also a kind of reunion for all, those who are afflicted with the disease and those who raise funds.” “…the community and camaraderie. The feeling that we are all in this together and actually doing something about it.” walkMSgeorgia.org | 2
Where Does the Money Go? Chapter Program & Research Highlights For over 50 years, the Georgia Chapter has been providing hope to nearly 8,500 individuals and families affected by multiple sclerosis in Georgia. The Georgia Chapter provides outstanding, comprehensive programs and support services designed to help people with MS and their families better address the challenges of living with this unpredictable disease. We strive to provide knowledge and assistance to help people with MS to maintain the highest possible quality of life. Offering much needed services and funding top-rated research, our staff and volunteers are dedicated to achieving a world free of MS.
Chapter Financial Information 78 cents of every dollar raised in the Georgia Chapter is spent towards addressing the challenges 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. 78% Programs/Education Research
22% Fundraising/Administration
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Getting Started:
3 Simple Steps to Success As a part of the MS movement, you are committed to a world free of MS. We’re committed to you and your Walk MS experience.
1. Raising Money (Pages 5-12) Fundraising comes more naturally when you make it personal. Share your story, or ask to share the story of someone walking with you. Don’t forget to ask everyone who sponsors you if their employer offers matching gifts! Remember, you are raising important dollars through Walk MS for vital research and client programs. Ask Boldly!
2. Preparation (Pages 13-18) With a little preparation, this event will be an experience you can be proud of. Prepare yourself with general knowledge about the National MS Society and MS, details about the event, and how to prepare for the walk.
3. Really Having Fun! Walk MS can be more than a fundraising event — it can be a joyous celebration of how far we’ve come together! This is an opportunity to share a great experience with friends and family members, or coworkers— a community coming together for a common goal and the accomplishment of a unique personal challenge! Experiencing the Walk MS as part of a team can make your experience that much more fun. Continue reading for more information on joining or forming a team.
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Online Tools make Fundraising Fast & Simple How it works Everyone who registers for Walk MS gets a “Participant Center”, the online hub for managing online fundraising efforts. From the Participant Center, you can edit your Personal Page, e-mail donors, manage your campaign and, for team captains, follow your team’s progress. To get to your your Participant Center account, log in to your Walk MS event and click on “My Account” where you will be prompted to: 1.
Update your Personal Page — It’s easy to change the layout, colors and story and upload pictures to your Personal Page. Make it about you and your friends and family will make generous donations! You can even keep a blog on your Personal Page.
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Send e-mails to friends and family asking for their support — You can easily import contacts into your Address Book from other e-mail applications such as Microsoft Outlook, AOL . or Yahoo! Or add them manually. In just a few clicks select and send an appeal for support or a thank-you. Use a prewritten e-mail or write your own.
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3. Fundraise online —
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Track your fundraising progress.
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Update your fundraising goal.
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View reports on your team members’ contributions.
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Send follow-up messages and thank-you e-mails to your supporters.
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Boundless Fundraising & Social Networking — Fundraise with Facebook through the new Boundless Fundraising tool available on your personal page. Create a Facebook fanpage for your team. You can also post tweets on Twitter for your group and videos on YouTube. walkMSgeorgia.org | 6
Fundraising Tips & Ideas Be creative! Be fun! Be enthusiastic…you are making a difference! Here are a few ideas to get you started, but remember, there are hundreds of ways to raise money — Set up your personal web page and fundraise online. It is free, easy and pays off. Online fundraisers raise double the money.
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Set a goal. Make it lofty but attainable and contribute yourself. This will help motivate your teammates and people who donate to you.
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Host a “free” doughnuts and bagels breakfast at your office or place of worship. Set up the goodies in high traffic areas and ask for donations. Sometimes local bakeries will donate the goods.
Having a birthday or anniversary soon? Ask people to contribute in lieu of gifts.
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Have fun with it — interested in scrap-booking? Hold a scrapBooking fundraiser. Like wine? Host a wine auction. Have a mow-a- . thon, snow-a-thon, whatever-a-thon in your neighborhood. Offer to mow, remove snow, etc., for a donation. This is a great way to involve the entire family or team. Visit www.walkMSgeorgia.org for sample contribution letters and more fundraising tips.
Double Your Pledges with Matching Gifts! Many companies sponsor matching gift programs to encourage employees to support numerous charities and non-profit organizations. By informing your donors of this opportunity, you could greatly increase your fundraising total with little effort. Spread the word! Encourage your event donors to see if their company participates in a matching gift program. Remind donors to include information on whose event campaign they are supporting so the gift will be credited correctly.
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Have Matching Gift Forms When You Approach Co-Workers: If your company participates in a matching gift program, have the forms available when you approach your co-workers to donate.
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The Earlier the Better: Providing the matching gift forms on the weekend of the event or even before will ensure that your matching gift will be included with your current year’s total.
Remember: No one can say yes unless you ask! walkMSgeorgia.org | 8
Social Media Use Social Media to fundraise, grow a team and to increase awareness. Facebook
www.facebook.com
Facebook is the most popular social network in the world, helping people connect and communicate with people they know, and encouraging easy sharing of important news, events and pictures. Share the word about your upcoming Walk faster and easier than ever before! You can now fundraise with Facebook through your Participant Center. Log into your Participant Center to get started using this fantastic tool today!
www.LinkedIn.com Geared towards professionals, LinkedIn has the potential to expose your team to folks who are capable of making donations. LinkedIn Groups can help you to connect with others of similar passions and interests who could potentially create or join a team.
www.twitter.com
Twitter is one of the fastest growing social networks. It is a microblogging platform that allows you to send a 140-character (or less) about anything you want to anyone “following� you. Tweet about your Walk and team often! 9 | 2011: Walk MS
YouTube
www.YouTube.com
YouTube brings your cause to life by giving friends, family and fans a place to view footage of events, inspirational videos and slideshows. Share your Walk experiences and invite others to join you or support you with a donation.
Your Personal Fundraising Web Page url varies by event
Create and customize your personal fundraising webpage after you register for a Walk event. You can accept donations online, send “thank you� emails, share your progress and, invite your friends to join your cause. The Society makes it quick and easy to get started with a simple login.
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Top 100 Club The Top 100 Club is an exclusive club available to fundraisers who achieve the highest fundraising pledges among all participants of Walk MS: Georgia. Ranking for the 2012 Top 100 Club will be based on participants’ 2011 fundraising and will be tabulated as of the deadline of June 30, 2011. There is no fixed dollar amount that guarantees club membership. To find out more about this special club, and the exclusive benefits available to club members, visit the website at www.walkMSgeorgia.org. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society would not be able to fund cutting-edge research, provide services, host programs, or educate healthcare professionals and the public if it were not for the extraordinary fundraising efforts of those who support Walk MS: Georgia. Once again, we’d like to show our appreciation to the 2011 Top 100 Club:
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2011 Top 100 Club
Ranking Name 1 Chuck Paul 2 Therese Stepowany 3 Michael Combs 4 Cindy Freeman 5 Pam Gardner 6 Kelly Freeman 7 David Sirna 8 Christen Cayce Carter 9 Caroline Kulinski 10 Brent Wilkes 11 Dennis Conway 12 Steven Farmer 13 Susan Steinberg 14 Abby Karsch 15 Nancy Jo McDaniel 16 Linda Agnello 17 Elizabeth Barfield 18 Mackenna Basteyns 19 Todd Hardy 20 Martina Flanagan 21 Eben Hollingsworth 22 Cherryl Harris 23 Scott Wigley 24 Millie Brune 25 Linda Hilscher 26 Martha Matthews 27 Julia Murphy 28 Charlotte Wilson 29 Jane Branham 30 Jodi Giles 31 Jennifer Moore 32 Brandy Huot 33 Stacey Cross 34 Sallie Hunt 35 Diane Wright 36 Jane McCabe 37 Eve DeVane 38 Katie Kulinski 39 Dawn Stone 40 Mary Beth Ritthaler 41 Eric Stepowany 42 Jennifer Bond 43 Catherine Mock 44 Kelli Zaremba 45 Lauren Rykowski 46 Maureen Holder 47 Jeffrey Cook 48 Mara Strickland 49 Cris Davis 50 Fay Gibson
Amt. Raised $12,261 $10,807 $8,467 $7,775 $7,395 $7,000 $6,545 $5,725 $5,415 $4,950 $4,700 $4,666 $4,514 $3,956 $3,950 $3,873 $3,730 $3,550 $3,500 $3,335 $3,210 $3,155 $3,040 $2,960 $2,715 $2,665 $2,658 $2,618 $2,505 $2,496 $2,483 $2,210 $2,200 $2,128 $1,975 $1,800 $1,780 $1,763 $1,704 $1,700 $1,700 $1,680 $1,665 $1,656 $1,646 $1,620 $1,600 $1,595 $1,525 $1,500
Ranking Name 51 Tom Purcell 52 Robert Stephowany 53 Amy Stiso 54 Brenda Hawkins 55 Jeffrey Jones 56 Rick Stone 57 Rachael Stepowany 58 Lee Kordel 59 Mike Freeman 60 Stephanie Ivy 61 Donna Jordan 62 Natalie Walker 63 Thomas Pitts 64 Monica Senior 65 Alice Croxall 66 David Hicks 67 Carol Fuller 68 Amy Ingram 69 Jackie Stone 70 Kathryn Harris 71 Judy Crutchfield 72 Brian Ozden 73 Julie Bumpus 74 Melody O’Hare 75 Carolyn Staton 76 Lisa Hecht 77 Dawn Dorsey 78 Johnathan Reiss 79 Lindsey Snyder 80 Stephanie Ingram 81 Bob Stuth 82 Valerie Matthews 83 Robert Udwin 84 Russ Johnson 85 LeeAnn Lanier 86 Jeffery Poole 87 Eileen Rarick 88 Beth Dieterich 89 Karen Rodi 90 Sally Whetton 91 Monroe Matherly 92 Frank Curti 93 Rebecca Hampton 94 NeeNee Kay 95 Susan Kilmczak 96 Jonathan Carter 97 Britney Vollmer 98 Rhea Davis 99 Theresa McDaniel 100 Crystal Watson
Amt. Raised $1,500 $1,495 $1,495 $1,450 $1,430 $1,430 $1,400 $1,395 $1,382 $1,380 $1,380 $1,356 $1,308 $1,300 $1,275 $1,225 $1,220 $1,205 $1,200 $1,200 $1,155 $1,142 $1,135 $1,129 $1,125 $1,114 $1,101 $1,100 $1,074 $1,055 $1,055 $1,050 $1,040 $1,035 $1,035 $1,025 $1,005 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $973 $970 $955 $950 $950 $940 $935 $930
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Join the Movement® & Team up! Nearly 75 percent of walkers in the Walk MS participate as part of a team. By forming a team, training and fundraising is easier and more fun leading up to the event as you work together toward your goals.
What makes a team? It only takes four or more like-minded people to join together and form a team. Teams come in all shapes and sizes, anywhere from four to 600 people.
Why form a team? Because joining the movement is more fun with others around!
Forming a team is easy Designate a team captain, make up a fun team name, and when you register online for Walk MS, choose the option to “create a new team.” Already registered, but want to start a team? Contact us at 800-FIGHTMS option #2.
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Congratulations to our Top Teams in 2010 n
FUSiON - $20,547.00
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Team Dave - $7,798.00
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Wearing Red Shoes - $19,813.00
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Walking on Sunshine - $6,210.00
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Val’s Pals - $13,649.00
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Hatcher Hikers - $5,425.00
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. A Closer Look, Inc. - $12,511.00
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Team Agnello - $5,394.00
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Kelly’s Heroes- - $12,235.00
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MS WITH A HART - $5,049.00
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Team Carter - $10,420.00
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The Stepping Stones - $5,046.00
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Team Combs - $10,277.00
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Wilson Trackers - $5,002.94
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The MSketeers - $9,458.00
General Information Registration & Check-In Registration and Check-In begins one hour before the Walk, except in Atlanta and Marietta where registration will begin 2 hours before the Walk. All Walkers must check in at the Registration Tent the morning of the Walk, even if they have preregistered for the event, to turn in an individually signed waiver form. In addition, they may turn in any collected contributions and pledge envelopes. Top 100 Club members may pick up their Walker number and gifts at the VIP Tent.
Waiver Forms All walkers must sign and turn in a waiver form the morning of the Walk. This waiver can be found on the back of your pledge envelope (which will be mailed to you) or at the Registration Tent the morning of the Walk.
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Pledge Envelopes If you have pre-registered two weeks in advance, you will receive a pledge envelope in the mail prior to the event weekend. To speed up the registration and check-in process on the morning of the event, please fill out both sides in its entirety, place all collected donations to-date in the envelope and seal the envelope.
Financial Commitment First and foremost, Walk MS Georgia is a series of fundraising events to support the research, programs, and services provided by the National MS Society. The Georgia Chapter of the National MS Society does not currently charge a registration fee or require a minimum pledge amount to participate. However, each Walk participant is individually responsible for collecting and turning in money. NOTE: There is a cost to the National MS Society for every person who registers to walk. So the society actually LOSES money when someone registers and does not raise money.
T-shirts The coveted Walk MS event t-shirt is available to all participants raising a minimum of $100 or more. All participants who turn in $100 or more before or on the day of the Walk will receive their t-shirt at Walk MS. Participants turning in pledges after the Walk will be able to request a t-shirt at that time. Only one shirt per person will be given.
Route Walk MS routes are 5k (roughly 3 miles). There are rest stops along each route, stocked with healthy, high-energy snacks and drinks. Roads will NOT be closed to vehicular traffic. Please respect pedestrian and motorist laws.
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Support As with all National MS Society events, your day will be filled with pampering, food and great fun with the greatest volunteers in the business providing support! Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles are driven by volunteers who patrol the routes between rest stops. SAGs will transport participants to a rest stop if medical attention is needed or if you’re just plain tired! Additionally, medical support personnel will be available at all times.
Food You will receive energizing snacks and beverages at each break point. Depending on your Walk site, a light breakfast and/or lunch may be served.
Inclement Weather All walks are held RAIN or SHINE! Wear appropriate clothing. Under most conditions, the Walk will continue. In the event of severe weather (e.i., snow, tornadoes or severe thunder and lightning), the National MS Society staff may temporarily stop the Walk by holding you at break points or cancel the Walk. We ask for your cooperation with this policy, as your safety is our first concern.
Participants Under 18 All participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, age 21 years or older. The adult must stay with the participating minor on the route at all times. If the minor at any time is transported by a SAG, an adult must accompany him/her.
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2011 Walk MS Event Dates & Deadline March 19
Walk MS: SOUTHWEST GEORGIA TIME: Registration 9:00 am/ Walk 10:00 am HOST CITY: Albany, GA
Walk MS: EAST CENTRAL GEORGIA TIME: Registration 9:00 am/ Walk 10:00 am HOST CITY: Augusta, GA Walk MS: CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY TIME: Registration 9:00 am/ Walk 10:00 am HOST CITY: Columbus, GA
April 2
Walk MS: Northeast Georgia TIME: Registration 9:00 am/Walk 10:00 am HOST CITY: Athens, GA
Walk MS: MIDDLE GEORGIA TIME: Registration 9:00 am/ Walk 10:00 am HOST CITY: Macon, GA Walk MS: northwest GEORGIA TIME: Registration 9:00 am/ Walk 10:00 am HOST CITY: Rome, GA
APRIL 9
Walk MS: Atlanta TIME: Registration begins 8:00 am/Walk 10:00 am LOCATION: Piedmont Park
APRIL 30
Walk MS: MARIETTA TIME: Registration begins at 8:00 am/Walk 10:00 am LOCATION: Marietta Square
Walk MS: coastal empire TIME: Registration 9:00 am/ Walk 10:00 am HOST CITY: Savannah, GA
June 30 Deadline to Turn in Pledges. Top 100 Club Deadline Team Ranking Deadline july tbd
Walk MS Awards and Volunteer Recognition Party
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“I volunteer because, as the husband of someone with MS, I read about MS and watch the progress of research, and I can see where the money I raise is actually going. It’s almost instant reward.” — Don Huston
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Suzanne, diagnosed in 1994
National MS Society Georgia Chapter 1117 Perimeter Center West Suite E101 Atlanta, GA 30338