2010MS Walk Dates

You’ll Move. Be Moved. Join the Movement!

This issue of Footnotes is generously sponsored by:

SSuunnddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 77tthh

Fort Lauderdale - Hugh Taylor Birch State ParkStuart – Flagler Park

SSaattuurrddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 1133tthh

Weston/Sunrise – Markham Park

SSuunnddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 1144tthh

Boca Raton – South County Regional Park

SSaattuurrddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 2200tthh

Lee County - Lakes ParkNaples – Lowdermilk Park

SSuunnddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 2211sstt

The Palm Beaches – CityPlace

SSuunnddaayy,, MMaayy 22nndd

Aventura – Founders Park SouthCoral Gables - The Park at City HallVirtual Walk

Footnotes

Footnotes

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MS Walk is the rallying point of the MS movement; a community of friends, familyand co-workers coming together with a shared commitment and determinationto create a world free of MS. Please join the National Multiple Sclerosis Society,South Florida Chapter at a MS Walk near you! If you ask $10 from 25 people, youcould raise $250. If every participant raised $250, we would reach our $$11 mmiilllliioonnggooaall!!

Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce futuredisease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. The NationalMS Society’s medical advisors recommend that people with MS talk with their health careprofessionals about using these medications and about effective strategies and treatments tomanage symptoms. If you or someone you know has MS, please contact the National MS Societyat www.nationalmssociety.org or 1 800 FIGHT MS (800-344-4867) to learn more.

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Contact UsNNaattiioonnaall MMSS SSoocciieettyySouth Florida Chapter3201 W. Commercial BoulevardSuite #127Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309

1 800 FIGHT MS(800-344-4867)

www.nationalmssociety.org/fls

MMaarryy JJoorrddaannDevelopment Managermary.jordan@fls.nmss.org

JJaaiimmee VVaallddiivviiaaDevelopment Coordinatorjaime.valdivia@fls.nmss.org

MMSS WWaallkk WWeebbssiitteewww.mswalksouthflorida.org

MMSS WWaallkk EE--mmaaiillmswalk@fls.nmss.org

Letter Writing as a Fundraising ToolBy using the mail and e-mail to raise money, you can solicit contributions from avariety of sources such as: family, neighbors, friends (holiday card list; colleagues(inter-office mail); business associates (rolodex); college friends, fraternity/sororitymembers.

TThhee ffoolllloowwiinngg aarree ssoommee iiddeeaass ffoorr aa ssuucccceessssffuull lleetttteerr--wwrriittiinngg ccaammppaaiiggnn::� Always include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your letter if using regular

mail, or include your name and address to send pledges to if using e-mail. Make it easy for your potential donors to respond to you.

� Personalize your appeal by using familiar details about yourself, or your history walking in the MS Walk.

� If the donor is not paying immediately by cash, check or credit card, specify a deadline in order to get pledges to you in time to receive your prize.

� Follow up with a note, e-mail or phone call to all those who have not responded.Always send a “thank you” note when you receive a pledge. After the MS Walk, include details about your day, maybe even a photo to your top donors (you can even copy a color photo of you on the route!). Your donors will be curious about your performance.

Internet as a Fundraising ToolThe internet makes fundraising easy! Online tools allow you to save time and receiveinstant gratification!

Utilize our online tools to create a personal and/or team webpage. E-mail your friends,family, and co-workers promoting your cause, inviting them to join your team, or askingfor support! The internet allows donors to make electronic donations with the click of amouse!

Internet fundraisers have found that by using the internet rather than snail mail, theirpast supporters have donated higher amounts. Statistics show that on average, Internetfundraisers raise over 116% of their fundraising goal!

For more information about our online tools or how to create / customize your personalpage or team page, please visit the MS Walk website at www.mswalksouthflorida.org orcontact the MS Walk Team by e-mail: mswalk@fls.nmss.org or phone: 1-800 FIGHT MS(800-344-4867).

Helpful Hints for Successful Fundraising

Footnotes 2010 Page 3

Face-to-Face FundraisingFace-to-Face is said to be the most effective way to raise pledges. It may appearintimidating, but often all you need to do is get past your first “ask,” and then it seems likea breeze. Becoming fully informed about the MS Society will help greatly in your efforts.

HHeerree aarree ssoommee ootthheerr hheellppffuull ssttrraatteeggiieess::� Remember you are not asking for the contribution for yourself; you are asking on

behalf of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and all people with MS.� Educate your potential sponsors so they feel comfortable about making a

contribution. Use the information on our website to inform them about how their donation will be used.

� Build your “ask” around your excitement and enthusiasm for walking and for the fight against MS. Share stories why the MS Walk is fun and/or important to you.

Ultimately, your friends, family and co-workers will support you because it’s you doingthe asking!

OOtthheerr HHeellppffuull IIddeeaass::� Keep your contribution form with you at all times. You never know when you will

run into a potential sponsor. Know your donor... have one contribution form with high donations and another with smaller amounts.

� Look for sponsors where you spend your money. Ask the manager of your dry cleaner, coffee shop, newspaper stand, deli, etc. for his or her support.Remind your sponsors to get matching gifts from their companies.

� Start with an “easy target” -- your family and friends. Practice your technique and build your confidence!

� Take advantage of positive “peer pressure” and ask a group for donations.� Keep brochures on your desk at work. When you are asked about the MS Walk, ask

for a donation or ask them to walk with you!� Try to get your pledge money when people agree to sponsor you, or suggest payment

by check or credit card, so you don’t have to go back to your sponsors twice.

Donations can be called in with a credit card at 954-731-4224 or made on-line atwww.mswalksouthflorida.org. Please specify who the donation should be credited to.For questions about electronic donations, please contact the MS Walk Team by e-mail:mswalk@fls.nmss.org or phone: 1 800 FIGHT MS (800-344-4867).

Telephone FundraisingTelephone Fundraising is a great way to raise pledges. It’s an effective, direct, and easymethod of reaching out to your prospective list of contributors, particularly those youdo not see on a daily basis.

HHeerree aarree tthhee sseevveenn eeaassyy sstteeppss ttoo rraaiissiinngg ddoonnaattiioonnss vviiaa tthhee tteelleepphhoonnee::1. Develop a target list.2. Pick the best time to call. Should you call people at home or at the office?3. Know what you are asking for before you ask. Suggest an amount that is appropriatefor your potential donor.4. Once you are on the call, be direct. Use sentences like, “I need your help to accomplishmy goal of $__________. Will you sponsor me for $$$$?”5. Silence is not a “no.” If you have suggested an amount that is too high, they will let youknow. Remember no gift is too big or too small!6. Thank them regardless of the outcome. If they can’t contribute, invite them to volunteeron the day of the MS Walk.7. Follow up with a written thank-you note and self-addressed, stamped envelope fordonations.

The National MultipleSclerosis Society, SouthFlorida Chapter providesprograms and services forthose living with MS. Some ofour current programs are:

CCaassee MMaannaaggeemmeenntt Case Management is acollaborative process in whichthe case manager assistsindividuals in navigating acumbersome health care andsocial services deliverysystem.

LLooaann CClloosseett The South Florida Chapter hasmultiple loan closets thatprovide services to individualswith MS. The equipment inthe loan closets include:walkers, canes, shower chairs,wheelchairs, scooters andmore!

EEdduuccaattiioonnaall TTeelleeccoonnffeerreenncceessThese are free educationalcalls that focus on differenttopics and feature expertkeynote speakers.

WWeellllnneessss PPrrooggrraammTo keep people moving.

SSuuppppoorrtt GGrroouuppss MS can make people feelisolated. This is why we havesupport groups.

Where theDollars Go? Fundraising Tips and Tools

NON PROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDNAT’L MS SOCIETY

National Multiple Sclerosis SocietySouth Florida Chapter3201 West Commercial Boulevard Suite 127Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

South FloridaChapter

MS Awareness Week March 8-14, 2010

We would like to invite all local schools to participate in Dress Down on Friday, March 12. For $3 studentscan wear an orange t-shirt or blue jeans to Join the Movement. If you have a contact (teacher, principal, etc.)at a school and you are willing to help us get them involved, please call the Walk Department at954-731-4224, 1 800 FFIIGGHHTT MMSS or email mswalksouthflorida.org.

2010 Prize Levels$5,000 – MS Jacket$3,000 – MS Fleece Throw Blanket$1,000 – MS Polo$ 750 – MS Drawstring Bag$ 500 – MS Hat$ 275 – MS Go Green Bag$ 100 – MS Walk T-Shirt