Walk 2013 Participant Guide

PARTICIPANT GUIDE

25th Year

NYC - Southern NY2013

Saturday, April 27, 2013 Sunday, April 28, 2013

Be Inspired.Get Connected.Seven walks. A world free of MS.

Thank you for registering for Walk MS New York City – Southern New York! This year is a milestone as we host our 25th Walk MS, and we are excited that you will be joining us. Walk MS is the Society’s largest rallying point, connecting people living with MS and those who care for them. It is an experience unlike any other – a day to come together, to celebrate the progress that’s been made and to show the power of our connections.

In 2013, we have a goal of recruiting 10,500 participants to raise $3.2 million! Gather your friends, family and co-workers and mark the 25th year of the NYC – Southern New York Walk MS!

WELCOME TO WALK MS NEW YORK CITY – SOUTHERN NY 2013!

TABLE OF CONTENTS:A Championship Tale................................................................................................2Event Dates and Locations.....................................................................................3Fundraising 101............................................................................................................4Fundraising Strategies.............................................................................................5Using Your Online Tools.........................................................................................10 Teams..............................................................................................................................11Other Ways To Help.................................................................................................13 Fundraising Benefits.................................................................................................142013 Elite 200 Club Members.............................................................................16Important Fundraising Days................................................................................18Mission First................................................................................................................19 Frequently Asked Questions...............................................................................20About Multiple Sclerosis.......................................................................................24NOW: An MS Research Revolution...................................................................25

1 | walkMSnyc.org | Call: 212-463-9791 | Email: [email protected]

One day in May 2008 I visited the Walk MS website after the event and noticed that something called “The Terrific 200” had been created to recognize the top fundraisers. It has been my honor to be a member of the “Terrific (then “Top”, and now “Elite”) 200” Club for each year of its existence. Our walk team is named “Scrabble Champion” because of my mother’s supremacy at the game. My

mother, who has taught me more than she will ever know, has imparted certain guiding principles on how to play the game of Scrabble, and this has served me well in many areas of my life. Her strategy of employing thoroughness, a sharp sense of humor, calm confidence and ruthless (in a good way) determination with Scrabble is the same one that she employs in her fight against multiple sclerosis.

As we gather each April at our Walk MS sites, we connect without regard for race, political orientation or sports loyalties (heck, one of my team-mates is a friend and a Red Sox fan).The primary focus of all of the Walk MS participants is for each of us to do our part to combat the disease which has impacted us or our loved ones. Healthy competitive energy and pride in the importance of our Walk MS efforts is an essential element of success. When fundraising hits a rough patch (and it will) and when we assume there is no one left to reach out to (and we will), it is important to re-energize and get motivated. For me, being a member of the Elite 200 is part of my motivation. With the generosity and sup-port of many donors over the years, I have ranged between 170th and 97th on the list. My mother is a fighter and a competitor, and on her behalf and others like her, I begin each Walk MS campaign looking to defend my spot in the Elite 200. I really have no alternative, since I was

raised by, and walk for, a Champion.

Andrew A. Smith

#97 - Elite 200 Member

A CHAMPIONSHIP TALE

Email: [email protected] | Call: 212-463-9791 | walkMSnyc.org | 2

SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2013Rockland CountyRockland Lake State Park, Valley Cottage, NY Staten IslandClove Lakes Park, Staten Island, NY Sullivan CountyBlue Horizon Diner, Monticello, NY

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2013New York CitySouth Street Seaport, New York, NY

Orange CountyCrane Park, Monroe, NY

Putnam CountyCarmel Fire Department, Carmel, NY

Westchester CountyGlen Island Park, New Rochelle, NY

Why do you walk?

Share your story with

us by emailing

[email protected].

Also, be sure to

personalize your

participant “I Walk

For” bib that you will

receive to wear

during the event. Or

feel free to write a

message on our

Virtual Wall of Hope at

www.walkMSnyc.org.

EVENT DATES AND LOCATIONS


HERE ARE FIVE STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING:1. START EARLY: Don’t procrastinate! Successful fundraising is planned and executed. You can start your fundraising off with a bang by making a self-pledge towards your fundraising goal. Others will be more inclined to give if they see you have made a donation yourself.

2. SET A GOAL: Think big! Our participants have found that the higher you set your goal, the more money you will be able to raise. Utilize your Participant Center to set your goal for all to see and be sure to share your goal when asking your friends and family for support. Don’t forget to increase your goal once you have passed it. It will encourage others to continue to donate.

3. PLAN AND FOLLOW THROUGH: Start a calendar, create a contact list of everyone you know and break down your pledge goal into smaller goals. Schedule dates on your calendar for asking people to support you, for throwing events and for following up. Keep your donors posted on your fundraising and training progress, send thank you notes and invite donors to celebrate with you at the finish line!

4. HAVE FUN AND BE CREATIVE: We have all kinds of innovative fun-draising ideas and tips to help get you started. Some ideas are listed in this guide or visit www.walkMSnyc.org to find over 100 ideas and ways to fundraise. No idea is too small!

5. INSPIRE OTHERS: There are over 400,000 people living with MS in the United States. You’re not asking for the contribution for yourself, you’re asking on behalf of others. Share your story with your donors. When you tell others why you are involved with Walk MS you motivate them to participate by giving.

FUNDRAISING 101


"YOU’VE GOT MAIL" EMAIL CAMPAIGNEmails are a great way to instantly reach a wide variety of people and we’ve made it easy for you through our online participant center. Listed below are ways your Participant Center can help you execute your email campaign: • Personalize and send pre-written letters to all of your contacts. • Create a quick and easy personal web page to tell your story of why you walk and to track your fundraising progress. • Create personalized “Thank You” emails to send to your generous donors.

START A TRADITIONAL LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGNMany participants have great success by sending out personal written letters and doing face to face asks with friends and family members. Customize your letter for each person and share your goal that you are trying to raise. Once you have mailed your letter give your prospects time to respond; two weeks is a good amount of time to wait before you follow-up. We’ve included a sample letter on the next page. Other tips include: • Write your letters on special stationary. Think about using a bright colored envelope to really stand out in the mail! • Follow up with a phone call to anyone who you have not heard from. • Send thank you notes to those who have donated. • Keep donors updated about your training and fundraising!

Fundraising is easy if you keep it simple and start small. Ninety percent of people will donate when asked personally. Start by creating a contact list.

WHO DO YOU KNOW?• Family members • Friends

• Neighbors • Your Company

• Colleagues/Clients • High School and College Alumni

• Community/Social Clubs • Child’s School

• Places of Worship • Fraternity/Sorority

• Vendors/Suppliers • Sports Teams and Activity Groups

• Social Networks

FUNDRAISING STRATEGIES


SAMPLE LETTER Along with a sample letter, listed below are some helpful elements for a power-ful and meaningful fundraising letter:• Be personal – tell your story.• Include facts about the cause, the National MS Society and its mission to create a world free of MS.• Share your fundraising goal and ask for support.• Give a clear deadline.

<Date>

Dear <Name,>

On April 27th and 28th, the NYC – Southern NY Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will host its annual Walk MS to raise vital funds to support hun-dreds of local programs and services as well as fund critical research initiatives to find the cause of the disease, improve treatment therapies and ultimately, find a cure.

I am walking because <insert YOUR story>.

My goal is to raise $xxx by <date> toward a world free of MS. Please join me in the MS movement by making a tax-deductible donation to help raise the much needed funds for people living with and affected by multiple sclerosis. You can make a donation online (insert your personalized URL) or mail in your dona-tion to the address below (be sure to add my name in the memo section of the check).

National MS Society, NYC – Southern NY ChapterAttention: Walk MSP.O. Box 10123Uniondale, NY 11555

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about Walk MS NYC – Southern NY or if you would Iike to participate with me! I sincerely thank you in advance for your contribution toward my fundraising efforts.

Together, we can create a world free of MS.Sincerely,<Your Name>



FUNDRAISE THROUGH FACEBOOK AND OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETSOur Boundless Fundraising application allows you to use Facebook to raise awareness of your fundraising efforts. You can access this application through your online Participant Center. To get started, click on the blue “Fundraise with Facebook” button on the homepage of your Participant Center.

PLAN YOUR OWN FUNDRAISING EVENTSWhether it’s a dinner party at your home, a garage sale, a karaoke night or a bowling tournament, planning an event is a great way to have the proceeds benefit your fundraising goal for Walk MS NYC – Southern NY. Ideas include:• “A Night Out” Take Over: 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! The business may even be willing to put out MS information or brochures on the tables to help raise awareness AND money. To receive a list of reco- mendations of local bars/restaurants to partner with, contact us at [email protected]. • Bake Sales/Garage Sales: Ask neighbors to donate used goods or baked goods that you can sell at your home or a community event. • Exercise for a Cure: Ask a local gym if they would be willing to teach a Zumba or yoga class for free and invite friends, family and community members to participate for a set donation fee.

HELP US RAISE AWARENESS AND FUNDS!

“Like” our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walkMSnycSny.

Walk MS NYC – Southern NY is on Twitter! Follow us @walkMSnyc.



The New York City – Southern New York Chapter can support your event in the following ways:• Provide you with a list of list of recommendations of local bars are restaurants to use for an event.• Provide you with literature about multiple sclerosis and the National MS Society.• Provide you with the Walk MS NYC – Southern NY logo (The chapter must approve use of the logo on materials in advance).

• Society staff members may be available to attend your event.

MATCHING GIFTS AND EMPLOYER CHARITABLE DONATIONS Many companies have matching gift and volunteer incentive programs to maximize their financial contributions to non-profit organizations. This means they will match their employees’ donations to non-profits, increasing your fun-draising total and bringing us closer to a world free of MS. Check for eligibility by visiting www.nationalmssociety.org/employermatch.

You can drastically 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 Match- ing Gifts and let them know that they can access an employer by visiting www.nationalmssociety.org/employermatch.

• Follow the procedure outlined by your company’s matching gift program; printed materials may be mailed to: National MS Society 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.




MOBILE FUNDRAISINGManage your fundraising on the go with our new mobile fundraising applica-tion. Update your web page, send emails and check your progress. The free application is available for iPhones and Droids and is available to all registered participants.

HOW IT WORKS:• Search MS NYC SNY 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 contact us at [email protected] or call 212-463-9791.

• Use the app to email, view your donors, update your fundraising progress to

Facebook and to check the status of your personal team fundraising.

Still having trouble?

If you would like to

set up a fundraising

consultation, contact us

at [email protected].


USING YOUR ONLINE FUNDRAISING TOOLS

Your participant center is your personal webpage to share your story of why you are walking, 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, send emails, monitor your team and follow your own progress.

Upload contacts to your address book to be able to email them all at once

Keep track of your personal fundraising and update your goal

Customize your personal Web page with personal messages and photos

Send emails to your contacts – you can use template messages already created or personalize your own

TWO FUN FACTS ABOUT USING YOUR PARTICIPANT CENTER:• People who updated and personalized their personal page at least once raised an average of $715 – versus the $59 from people who never updated their personal page.

• People who sent one or more emails raised $886 on average -

versus the $148 from people who sent no emails.


TEAMS

The more the merrier - start or join a team! There is no better way to make the experience more fun than to do it with a group of family, friends or co-workers. It is even easier to raise money as a team.

START A TEAMThere are many benefits to creating a team:• Being a team captain makes you a key leader in our mission to create a world free of MS.• You can recruit your friends, family and co-workers to walk with you.• Teams raise more money, and fundraising is much easier with a group!

HOW TO FORM A TEAM• Pick a team captain (you)!• Pick a team name (be creative) and then register online at walkMSnyc.org. If you are already registered, contact us at [email protected], and we will set it up for you! • Recruit, recruit, recruit – Teams should be made up of three members – including the team captain – but there is no limit to how many members you can have! Be sure to use your Participant Center to send out recruit ment emails.

We provide team captains with special guides that give recruitment ideas, fun-draising and training tips. Team captains will also receive team captain emails with tips and advice on recruitment and ways for groups to fundraise. You will also have the opportunity to participate in team contests to win great prizes!

Want proof that teams

are more successful in

fundraising? Walk MS

NYC – Southern NY 2012

teams raised a total of

$2,350,000! –that’s 89%

of the total amount raised!


TEAMS

ELITE TEAMSTeams that commit to raising $40,000 or more receive these great benefits:

• Exclusive, private spot in the VIP Area to meet and enjoy breakfast the morning of the event and relax at the finish line.• Personalized Walk MS NYC – Southern NY team T-shirts.• Team photographs at the start line.• Acknowledgement in Walk MS NYC – Southern NY materials and much more!

SUPER TEAMSTeams that commit to raising $15,000 or more receive these great benefits:

• A reserved spot at the finish festival to celebrate with your team after Walk MS.

Interested in forming a team? Contact [email protected] or 212-463-9791, option 3.


OTHER WAYS TO HELP

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 We are so grateful for our volunteers and we could not put on Walk MS NYC – Southern NY without their participation! Please spread the word about volunteering to your friends and family members. There are many perks of being a volunteer: • Commemorative volunteer T-shirt.• Chance to meet new people. • Opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people living with MS.• Opportunity to take on a vital leadership role by becoming a Volunteer Captain!

VOLUNTEER CAPTAIN The role of a Volunteer Captain is to help the day run smooth by managing the logistics and volunteers in an area such as Registration Team, Food Team and Information Team. Volunteer Captains add an extra level of expertise, go-ing above and beyond to learn what goes on behind the scenes, while working with 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 contact [email protected] or 212-453-3258.

New in 2013! Volunteers will have the

option to fundraise for

Walk MS NYC – Southern

NY and will be eligible for

fundraising benefits!


We’re so grateful for your hard work and commitment to raising funds to sup-port the mission of the National MS Society. There are many perks that come with fundraising – so don’t wait, start now! Check out these great fundraising reward opportunities and set your personal goals accordingly.

T-SHIRTSAll participants who raise $125 or more will receive the official Walk MS NYC – Southern NY T-shirt distributed on the event day. • $125 - $999: General 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.

EARLY FUNDRAISING INCENTIVE All individuals who raise $250 by February 28, 2013 will receive a commemora-tive pair of Walk MS socks!

TOUR OF CHAMPIONS All individuals who raise $15,000 or more by the fundraising deadline earn the opportunity to attend the Tour of Champions at the Society’s National Confer-ence in Denver, Colorado in November 2013. 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 Tour of Champions celebrates the top fundraisers from across the country.

RAISE $1,000 OR MORE AND BECOME A TOP FUNDRAISER! All participants who become Top Fundraisers, by raising $1,000 or more, by the post event fundraising deadline (May 31, 2013), will earn a specialty wearable prize. • Top Fundraisers will have their item embroidered with the Walk MS NYC – Southern NY logo and “Top Fundraiser.” • 2014 Elite 200 Club members will have their item embroidered with the Walk Elite 200 Club logo.

*All eligible participants must claim the prize in order to receive it – prizes will not automatically be mailed if they are not claimed. An email will be sent after the fundraising deadline to claim the prize.

FUNDRAISING BENEFITS


OTHER BENEFITS• Specialty Top Fundraiser “I Walk For” bib. • Specialty Top Fundraiser event T-shirt. • Admission with a guest to the Top Fundraiser Lounge in New York City on event day

ELITE 200 CLUB Our top 200 fundraisers at Walk MS NYC – Southern NY 2012 make up our 2013 Elite 200 Club. These elite fundraisers receive a variety of benefits including: • A personalized bib with name and Elite 200 ranking.• Listing on the website and in the participant guide. • Admission with a guest to the Top Fundraiser Lounge in New York City on event day • Elite 200 goodie bag on event day. • Invitations to special events throughout the year.

• Dedicated staff member to provide guidance and answer any questions along the way. We may even be able to send a staff member someone to attend your event!

Our 2013 Elite 200 Club members from Walk MS NYC – Southern NY 2012 collectively raised $1,221,820 – this is 46% of the

overall total raised last year!

FUNDRAISING BENEFITS


2013 ELITE 200 CLUB MEMBERS

1. Dave Van Der Linden $51,1002. Adam Popper $34,0803. Scott Richter $26,9364. Jackie Popper $23,9555. Dalia Sussman $22,3356. Michael Cerveris $20,0757. Carolyn Protass $19,8228. Barbara Wander $17,8949. Steven Protass $17,56010. Theresa LaRocca $17,51111. Andrea Glenn $15,60212. Eden Lopez $15,36913. Paul Weiss $14,70014. Kyle Warendorf $14,41515. Jennifer Schack $13,98816. Liz Goldman-Sider $13,04017. Vicky Bashant $12,63418. Alexandra Levin $12,49019. Richard Hofstetter $12,23520. Ron Cohen $12,04021. Julie Greenholtz $11,93522. Alan Legatt $11,78323. Leslie Ilany $10,71324. Lynn Ruane-Tuttle $10,30425. John Schiaroli $10,19926. Homero Perez $10,00027. Kimberly Davis $9,52028. Scott Gold $9,32429. Karen Ann Vangor $8,95530. Erica Bersin $8,58531. Nicole Mynarski $8,45932. Thelma Hart $8,39533. Glenn Domilici $8,25534. Lauren Schulman $7,96435. Lauren Uberti $7,85036. Heather Schwartz $7,82537. Philip Palmer $7,80038. Audrey Sasson $7,73739. Stacey Max $7,73240. Donna D'Agostino $7,60041. Ciara Nolan $7,51542. Hannah Popper $7,51543. Nancy Schmidt $7,51044. Max Popper $7,48045. Rob Paul $7,26446. Kyle Hunt $7,18247. Allison Hoshia $7,04548. Karen DeMario $7,01549. Elyse Dubin $7,00050. Shelley Fischel $6,940

51. Anthony Burns $6,85052. Mimi Leitner $6,81853. Jon Chappell $6,72554. Robert Sorin $6,64055. James Schiro $6,62356. Jennifer Valente $6,59557. Dana Foote $6,49558. Siobhan Murphy $6,35059. Jennifer Ciolli $6,33460. Vincent Leva $6,31561. Kathleen Fennessy $6,24062. Karen D'Ambrosi $6,19463. Melissa Goodman $6,03964. Carol Levine $6,00065. Paula Rivera $5,90066. Julie Burek $5,81067. Lucille Zarin $5,80368. Shelley Lazar $5,80069. Myrna Korman $5,50770. Noel Moore $5,36671. Miguel Valcarcel $5,33872. Eileen Hofstetter $5,25373. Elissa Levy $5,24074. Aaron Miller $5,15175. Thomas Catterson $5,11576. Rosaria Tripodi $5,08377. Irene Unger $5,05078. Shera Salgado $5,04479. Mark Daniels $5,00080. Mark Mandel $5,00081. Michele Mandel $5,00082. Robert Greenholtz $4,96783. Sherri Heller $4,88884. Felice Recupero-Dworet $4,87585. Jon Coplon $4,85086. Paul Carlucci $4,71587. Susan Sinek $4,70588. Robert Prisament $4,69689. Noreen Nezaj $4,68690. Jahn Wolland $4,58791. Emily Munoz $4,58592. Terese Catterson $4,55193. Anne Merla $4,51194. Melissa Perlin $4,47195. Rosanna Frank $4,38296. Lou Pastina $4,37897. Andrew Smith $4,34898. Robert Muller $4,33599. Liz Samurovich $4,296100. Ritu Ahuja $4,235


2013 ELITE 200 CLUB MEMBERS

101. Julie Schneier $4,201102. Bryan Woolley $4,190103. Marlowe Bamberger $4,155104. Andrea Thompson $4,151105. Rachael Lieberman $4,096106. Mary Ellen Ryan $4,030107. Charles Lacina $4,020108. Regina Schroeder $4,018109. Amy Bubbs $4,005110. Dominick Tanzi $4,000111. Michael Shapiro $3,963112. Nancy Fernandez $3,860113. Alden Miles $3,821114. Jessie Drescher $3,808115. Shevon Maguire $3,804116. Murray Akresh $3,785117. Shara Shetrit $3,731118. Peter Brunner $3,700119. Nilda Hernandez $3,660120. Melissa Heller $3,656121. David Schafran $3,640122. Daniel Marshall $3,625123. Sasank Chary $3,560124. Annamarie Prono $3,554125. Carol Nagel $3,543126. Shari Rosenberg $3,533127. Jessica Gatti $3,530128. Margaret Dougherty $3,515129. John Parks $3,515130. Exzera Hope-Gaskin $3,500131. Michael Fontaine $3,468132. Karen Holloman $3,450133. Lev Gewirtzman $3,390134. Jill Rodgers $3,346135. Alison Thurshwell $3,346136. Kameka Dempsey $3,342137. Perry Shapiro $3,329138. Sonia Hoffman $3,311139. Sarah Gorney $3,262140. Laura Yost $3,250141. Kristine Aldana $3,191142. Andrea Presser $3,148143. Deandra Joannon $3,130144. Hilda Salgado $3,130145. Lori Bores $3,116146. Shari Laskowitz $3,108147. Kathy Papantoniou $3,100148. Luis Salgado Sr. $3,040149. Liza Handman $3,030150. Howie Weiss $3,029

151. Maria Alataris $3,025152. David Snyder $3,000153. Amanda Caban $2,968154. Melissa Antonucci $2,961155. Morgan Meis $2,940156. Alison Hughes $2,935157. Valerie Dorinson $2,921158. Lauren Parra $2,916159. Karen Frank $2,910160. Luis Salgado Jr. $2,880161. Natasha Adams $2,868162. Susan Achey $2,850163. Barbara Rothstein $2,850164. Marilyn Lopez-Echevarria $2,840165. Christopher Mangan $2,820166. Jessica Axelrod $2,808167. Mary Elizabeth Kennedy $2,785168. Amy Fenning $2,779169. Che' Travers $2,770170. Glen Wolland $2,764171. Evan Schweitzer $2,752172. Phyllis Levine $2,750173. Barbara Poplack $2,739174. Christina DeClemente $2,735175. Sam Hofstetter $2,725176. Frank Martinez $2,725177. Donna Smera $2,723178. John Goulah $2,680179. Karen Schlotter $2,660180. Noreen Coll $2,645181. Amy Mackenzie $2,638182. Bob Simon $2,620183. Josephine Delosreyes $2,583184. Daliah Amar $2,566185. Annette Hidalgo $2,550186. Joel Siegel $2,525187. Caroline Haladjian $2,521188. Chiara Fontaine $2,510189. Jamie Wagner $2,502190. Justina Antonio $2,475191. Kim Dontas $2,470192. Angela Lattanzi $2,460193. Jennifer Swanson $2,438194. Meghan Long $2,433195. Anne Rueth $2,405196. Dominick Saladino $2,385197. Hannah Kauffman $2,380198. Nicole Kasbar $2,373199. Beth Fetner $2,352200. Yael Maxwell $2,304


IMPORTANT FUNDRAISING DAYS

Fundraising Day #1: February 20, 2013Early Incentive Deadline: February 28, 2013Fundraising Day #2: April 17, 2013Fundraising Week: April 1 – April 5, 2013

EARLY FUNDRAISING INCENTIVE DEADLINE FEBRUARY 28, 2013All participants who raise $250 or more by February 28 will earn a pair of commemorative Walk MS socks!

FUNDRAISING WEEK APRIL 1 - APRIL 5, 2013During Fundraising week, we kick off the fundraising season with tips, encouragement and fundraising challenges that give you a chance to win great prizes! Check your email for information about daily and weekly contests.

FUNDRAISING DEADLINE - MAY 31, 2013The total you have raised by the Fundraising Deadline is used to rank all individual and team fundraising efforts. You can still continue fundraising towards your personal goals.


MISSION FIRST

Many of our participants who earn prizes generously donate them back to the further support our vision: To create a world free of multiple sclerosis.

By donating the cost of your prize back you are directly helping the National MS Society invest more money towards making a difference in the lives of those affected by MS. The Mission First Club is set up to honor and recognize those individuals. Last year’s Walk MS NYC – Southern NY Mission First Club saved the Chapter an estimated $10,000 with the donated prizes. Contact us at [email protected] or 212-463-9791 if you would like to forego your prize and become a member of the Mission First Club.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

REGISTRATION FAQSIS THERE A REGISTRATION FEE? No. There is no registration fee to participate in Walk MS.

I’M WALKING, AND MY FAMILY WILL JOIN ME. SHOULD THEY REGISTER FOR WALK MS NYC – SOUTHERN NY? Yes. All walkers, regardless of age, must register to participate in Walk MS NYC – Southern NY. This is for your safety and so that each participant qualifies for fundraising incentives, including the $125 minimum to receive a T-shirt.

CAN MY CHILD (12 OR UNDER) PARTICIPATE IN WALK MS NYC – SOUTHERN NY? Yes -this is a family event for all ages! Please note that all children must regis-ter regardless of age. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

I WILL BE OUT OF TOWN DURING WALK MS NYC – SOUTHERN NY. CAN I STILL PARTICIPATE?Yes. You do not have to physically be at the Walk event to participate. Virtual participants can register as an individual or team participant. Virtual partici-pants will receive the same benefits and prizes as event participants.

CAN I REGISTER THE DAY OF THE EVENT? Yes. While it is encouraged to pre-register we do offer registration the day of the Walk. Visit the registration area when you arrive at your site.

FUNDRAISING FAQSIS THERE A MINIMUM FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENT? There is no minimum fundraising requirement, but all participants are encour-aged to fundraise. To receive an official Walk MS NYC – Southern NY event T-shirt, participants must raise a minimum of $125. In 2012, participants raised an average of $462 per person. Be bold in setting your goal and don’t forget about our Top Fundraiser Club for individuals who raise $1,000 or more.

WHERE DO I SEND MY DONATIONS?Mail all Walk MS NYC – Southern NY donations to the address below. Be sure to include your name and account number in the memo section of the check. Please do not send cash. Checks should be made payable to Walk MS.Mail Donations To: National MS Society Attn: Walk MS NYC – Southern NY P.O. Box 10123 Uniondale, NY 11555



WHAT IS AN ACCOUNT NUMBER?Your account number is assigned to you upon registration. If you are a past participant, your account number was assigned to you when you registered for your first event with the National MS Society. This number is found in your Participant Center and on the mailing label from any mailing you receive from the Society. If you have more than one account number please contact us at walkMSnyc.org or 212-463-9791 to receive the correct account number.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR DONATIONS TO APPEAR ON MY PERSONAL WEB PAGE? Donations made online are immediately posted to your account and will ap-pear on your website at the time of the donation. Donations that are mailed prior to the event can take two to four weeks to appear on your website. Do-nations submitted on the day of the event can take up to six weeks to appear on your website. To avoid the wait, encourage your donors to sponsor you online. Online donations are safe and easy.

WHAT IS THE TAX ID FOR THE NATIONAL MS SOCIETY, NYC – SOUTHERN NY CHAPTER?The National MS Society Tax ID # is 13-2835721. Official 501(c)(3) letters and W-9 forms are available by request.

ARE DONATIONS TAX DEDUCTIBLE, AND HOW DO I GET A RECEIPT? Yes. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Your cleared check or credit card transaction serves as a receipt. Donors giving $250 or more will automatically receive an acknowledgement letter from the National MS Society. Receipts are also available for the donor upon request. Contact us at [email protected] or call us at 212-463-9791 for assistance.

TEAM FAQSWHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF STARTING A TEAM? Participating in Walk MS NYC – Southern NY is more fun when you are part of a team, and it’s a proven fact that team members raise more than individuals. Teams get a meeting area at the event, a team photo and the chance to participate in team contests with great prizes. Teams can also qualify for top fundraising honors and rewards.

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I HAVE ON MY TEAM? There is no limit to how many team members you can have – the more, the merrier! Teams must consist of three or more members in order to receive any team recognition and awards.



I’D LIKE TO JOIN AN EXISTING TEAM, WHAT SHOULD I DO?Go to www.walkMSnyc.org, choose your Walk site and click on the “Join A Team” link. You will need to locate your team using the team finder and select it as part of the registration process to ensure you’re added to your team roster. If you have already registered as an individual and would like to create or join a team, please email [email protected] for further assistance.

DOES MY TEAM HAVE A SEPARATE MEETING AREA? Yes, all teams meet in the Team Meeting Area the morning of Walk MS NYC – Southern NY where they can meet their team members and have their team photo taken.

EVENT INFORMATION FAQSHOW MANY WALK MS EVENTS ARE HOSTED BY THE NEW YORK CITY – SOUTHERN NEW YORK CHAPTER?The New York City – Southern New York Chapter will host seven Walks this spring in Manhattan and Staten Island, and in Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Sullivan counties.

WHAT IF I CAN’T FINISH WALK MS?Each site will have an accessible support vehicle patrolling the route. If neces-sary, a support vehicle can pick you up and take you to the finish line location.

WHAT DO I WEAR AT WALK MS NYC – SOUTHERN NY?Dress in layers so you are warm at the start and finish lines and cool while walking. In addition, wear comfortable walking shoes. Please note: there is no baggage check at Walk MS NYC - Southern NY.

WHAT FOOD IS AVAILABLE AT WALK MS? Light snacks and a variety of beverages are available at the start line, rest stops on the route and the finish line. A full breakfast and lunch are not pro-vided. If you have special dietary restrictions or needs, please bring your own food and/or beverages.

WHAT ARE THE SAFETY RULES AT WALK MS NYC – SOUTHERN NY? The routes are not closed to traffic, and city and state laws must be obeyed at all times. Participants are instructed to stay on the sidewalks and listen to law enforcement and official route marshals during the event. Participants under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Wearing head-phones and using cellular phones while walking is prohibited; please stop and move to the side if you need to use a cell phone. The use of headphones limits your ability to hear critical safety notifications, as well as traffic, other pedes-trians and participants around you. To ensure the safety of all participants, roller blades/skates and bicycles are prohibited.



WHAT DO WE DO IF IT IS INCLEMENT WEATHER?The event goes on rain or shine! In case there is severe weather, we will spread the word as early as possible via email and the website. Please check weather reports and come prepared.

If you still can’t find the answer to your question after reviewing the above information, please feel free to contact our office at [email protected] or 212-463-9791.


ABOUT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body, and it stops people from moving. Every hour in the United States some-one 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 2.1 million worldwide.

ABOUT THE NEW YORK CITY – SOUTHERN NEW YORK CHAPTERThe New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society is committed to helping the thousands of residents affected by multiple sclero-sis in the five boroughs and Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Sul-livan counties continue moving their lives forward. The chapter raises funds locally to support the Society’s critical research initiatives and to provide hundreds of comprehensive support services and educational programs for people living with MS, their family and friends. Visit www.MSnyc.org for more information.


80 cents of every dollar raised in the New York City- Southern New York Chapter is spent addressing the challenges of each person whose life is affected by MS. Early and ongoing treatment with FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people 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).

NOW: AN MS RESEARCH REVOLUTION

Through the NOW campaign we will: STOP the progression of MS in its tracks; RESTORE function that has been lost; and END the disease forever. With your participation and support in Walk MS, we can make a bold commitment to do more NOW.

WHERE THE MONEY GOES:Funds raised through Walk MS NYC – Southern NY will go toward our new NOW initiative to fund more cutting-edge research than ever before. The National MS Society has declared that NOW is the time to take action and that when it comes to a world free of MS, enough is not enough. Only all is enough. Through the NOW (No Opportunity Wasted) research revolution, the Society has committed to raise $250 million to support critical MS research.


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.September 7-8, 2013 MSchallengewalkcapecod.org

Race toStop MS

www.raceMSnyc.org

October 6, 2013www.bikeMSnyc.org

UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS


Climb to the Toppresented by:

March 3, 2013www.climbMSnyc.org

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733 Third Ave., Third Floor

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25th Year

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Walk 2013 Participant Guide

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