walk ms georgia 2011 summer newsletter
DESCRIPTION
Walk MS Georgia 2011 Summer NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
walkMSgeorgia.org | 1
lllWalk MS Summer Newsletter
walk tocreate a worldfree of MS
walkMSgeorgia.org
Summer Newsletter
2 | 2011: Walk MS
What’s Inside?Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Summary of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Why we Participate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Where Does the Money Go? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Top 100 Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Top 3 Walk Fundraisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Join the Movement® & Team Up! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Team Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
For more information & team resources, please go to: walkMSgeorgia.org
Team Hatcher Hikers, Walk MS: Marietta Top Fundraising Team
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BRONZE SPONSORS
MEDIA SPONSORS
Thank you to our SponsorsPLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD & SILVER SPONSORS
4 | 2011: Walk MS
Summary of Walk MS: Georgia 2011 Walk MS: Southwest GA March 29, 2011 •Total Participants: 167 •Total Raised: $8, 167 •Top Fundraising Team: Beth’s BFF •Largest Team: Albany Elite Sports
Walk MS: East Central GA March 29, 2011 •Total Participants: 488 •Total Raised: $28, 400 •Top Fundraising Team: Team Z •Largest Team: Augusta Strides
Walk MS: Chattahoochee Valley March 29, 2011 •Total Participants: 273 •Total Raised: $9, 090 •Top Fundraising Team: Ellaville Belles and Beaux •Largest Team: Charlie’s Angels
Walk MS: Coastal Empire April 2, 2011 •Total Participants: 175 •Total Raised: $21, 708 •Top Fundraising Team: Team Rosebud •Largest Team: Team Rosebud
Walk MS: Northeast GA April 2, 2011 •Total Participants: 417 •Total Raised: $27, 472 •Top Fundraising Team: Rowland Over MS •Largest Team: Rowland Over MS
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Summary of Walk MS: Georgia 2011 Walk MS: Middle GA April 2, 2011 •Total Participants: 196 •Total Raised: $18, 525 •Top Fundraising Team: Friends of Heather’s Walk Together •Largest Team: Friends of Heather’s Walk Together
Walk MS: Northwest GA April 2, 2011 •Total Participants: 291 •Total Raised: $40, 167 •Top Fundraising Team: Amy’s Armor •Largest Team: Angie’s Calvary
Walk MS: Atlanta April 9, 2011 •Total Participants: 1999 •Total Raised: $319, 975 •Top Fundraising Team: Wearing Red Shoes •Largest Team: Wearing Red Shoes
Walk MS: Marietta April 30, 2011 •Total Participants: 990 •Total Raised: $114, 472 •Top Fundraising Team: Hatcher Hikers •Largest Team: KSU Ophia and Diva’s Team Divine Inspirational Virtuous Annointed
6 | 2011: Walk MS
Why we Participate Quotes from 2011 Walk MS Participants “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 and 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. Besides being an annual fundraiser, it’s 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.”
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78% Programs/Education Research
22% Fundraising/Administration
Where Does the Money Go?
Chapter Program & Research Highlights For over 50 years, the Georgia Chapter has been providing hope to over 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 ad-dressing 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 mem-bers 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.
8 | 2011: Walk MS
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.
1-Chuck Paul- $13,235.00
2-Michael Combs - $11,437.00
3-Kelly Freeman- $11,166.00
4-Therese Stepowany- $9,355.00
5-Brent Wilkes- $6,200.00
6-Jeff Wigley- $5,115.00
7-Elizabeth Barfield- $4,920.00
8-David Sirna- $4,845.00
9-Abby Karsch- $4,774.00
10-Amy Nash- $4,565.00
11-Susan Steinberg- $4,467.00
12-Peter Bade- $4,421.00
13-Lynn Kaden- $4,097.00
14-Linda Agnello- $3,990.80
15-Heather Miller- $3,951.25
16-Nancy Jo McDaniel- $3,650.00
17-Fay Gibson- $3,500.00
18-Amanda Fowler- $3,295.00
19-Martina Flanagan- $3,243.00
20-Katherine Davis- $3,221.00
21-Linda Hilscher- $3,220.00
22-Millie Brune- $3,175.00
23-Dennis Conway- $3,170.00
24-Kelli Zaremba- $3,073.35
25-Cherryl Harris- $3,000.00
26-Julia Murphy- $2,980.00
27-Brian Ozden- $2,960.00
28-Kathryn Youmans- $2,835.00
29-Sallie Hunt- $2,791.97
30-Caroline Kulinski- $2,560.00
31-Katie Kulinski- $2,442.00
32-Martha Matthews- $2,320.00
33-Terri Wigley- $2,305.00
34-Melody O’Hare- $2,150.61
35-Mary Beth Ritthaler- $2,080.00
36-Charles Coulter- $2,080.00
37-Dawn Stone- $2,073.00
38-Robert Stepowany - $2,033.00
39-Joy Mock- $2,024.00
40-Jeffery Poole- $2,011.00
41-Todd Hardy- $1,970.00
42-Cris Davis- $1,960.00
43-John Young- $1,947.29
44-Jane Branham- $1,912.00
45-Eric Stepowany- $1,900.00
46-Rachael Stepowany- $1,900.00
47-Randy Layne- $1,892.00
48-Diane Wright- $1,800.00
49-Theresa McDaniel- $1,800.00
50-Adrienne Boyer- $1,775.00
Congratulations to the 2012 Top 100 Club!
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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.
76-LeeAnn Lanier- $1,335.00
77-Barbara Donaldson- $1,325.00
78-Stacey Cross- $1,325.00
79-Russ Johnson- $1,270.00
80-Kristen Evans- $1,238.15
81-Susan Holler- $1,200.00
82-Natalie Walker- $1,190.00
83-Misty Ford- $1,148.54
84-Ellen Davis- $1,125.00
85-Marsha Johnson- $1,100.00
86-Britney Vollmer- $1,090.00
87-Frank Curti- $1,085.00
88-Christine Batta- $1,045.00
89-Lisa Hecht- $1,043.86
90-Stephanie Ingram- $1,040.00
91-Janie McCabe- $1,040.00
92-Alice Croxall- $1,025.00
93-Seniqua Williams- $1,020.00
94-Jim Moore- $1,010.00
95-Lorraine Hill- $1,010.00
96-Michele Northenor- $1,010.00
97-Yvette Morgan- $1,001.00
98-Monroe Matherly- $1,000.00
99-Lisa Daffinson- $1,000.00
100-Brenda Nord- $985.00
51-Jeffrey Cook- $1,745.00
52-Robin Wilkes- $1,725.00
53-Lee Kordel- $1,700.00
54-Jodi Giles- $1,684.00
55-Robert Udwin- $1,675.00
56-Mandy Watson- $1,671.00
57-Carolyn Staton- $1,655.00
58-Amy Ingram- $1,650.00
59-Mackenna Basteyns- $1,640.00
60-Beth Dieterich- $1,625.00
61-Gwendolyn Albrecht- $1,620.00
62-Tom Purcell- $1,600.00
63-John Rezac- $1,550.00
64-Stephanie Ivy- $1,545.00
65-Rick Stone- $1,540.00
66-Joseph Goscha- $1,526.00
67-Amy Howe- $1,515.00
68-Heather Talley- $1,500.00
69-Sarah Neighbors- $1,476.00
70-Joy Moore- $1,475.00
71-David Hicks- $1,400.00
72-Kellie Fielding- $1,395.00
73-Johnathan Reiss- $1,375.00
74-Valerie Hopper- $1,360.00
75-Natalie Ward- $1,340.00
10 | 2011: Walk MS
For the second year in a row, Chuck Paul, team captain of A Closer Look, Inc., is the top fundraiser for Walk MS: Georgia. Below is his story:
“I attended my first MS WALK 19 years ago (1991) at the Atlanta Druid Hills location as I had been diagnosed with MS 6 months earlier. I knew very little about MS at that time and was not sure how to deal with the diagnosis so the MS WALK just made sense. It was not until 1996 and a trip to a new Neurologist that I found (through an additional MRI) that I had been misdiagnosed and that I likely suffered a mini stroke. It was during that 5 year period (1991-1996) that a fraternity brother of mine had been diagnosed with MS and it appeared to be chronic progressive. Although Phil (my fra-ternity brother) lived in Rockford, IL, I decided that I would continue to attend the Atlanta MS WALKS in his honor and have done so every year since.
Since 1991, I have had the opportunity to attend a number of MS events across the country and wit-ness the love and devotion of so many who work tirelessly to help find a cure for this debilitating disease. One day a cure will be found; let’s pray that it’s SOON.” -Chuck Paul
2011 Top 3 Walk FundraisersChuck Paul
Top Walk Fundraiser 2011
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Mike Combs #2 Walk Fundraiser 2011
Team Combs, led by captain Mike Combs (center standing), has been a part of Walk MS: Georgia for four years.
“I was diagnosed with MS about six years ago. After my diagnosis I decided that the walks were a great way to stay active while helping others, as well as helping myself. We look at these walks as a great fundraiser and a good time. It has amazed me what a strong support group I have. My neighbors, friends and family
have provided a strong foundation and I have between 70-80 people walk with me on the day of the walk. My mom passed away two years ago, and her birthday fell on the day of Walk MS. All of my family was there walking alongside me and we walked in memory of my mother. It was a really special time, and these walks mean a lot to me.” -Mike Combs
12 | 2011: Walk MS
Kelly Freeman #3 Walk Fundraiser 2011
Team Kelly’s Heroes is the number 3 Walk MS fundraising team in the state of Georgia. The team is inspired and put together by Kelly Freeman. This year, they raised $ 14, 676.00 and have 104 members.
“When I was diagnosed with MS in 2006, I decided I needed to do something about it. After being diagnosed, I had a much more positive outlook on life and realized that MS is a god given gift and I must do something with it. I’ve always hated to ask people for help, but MS has showed me that it’s okay to ask for help and I can lean on people without feel-ing bad about it. My amazing friends and family are so supportive of me. Each year we set our goal higher than the previous one, and this year we not only reached our goal, but we exceeded it, and it felt awe-some. It is really special to see people I barely know or may never meet donating to such a wonderful cause. I really look forward to the walk each year and I’m already looking forward to next year.” -Kelly Freeman
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Join the Movement® & Team up! Nearly 75 percent of walkers in 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: Georgia 2012, choose the option to “create a new team” or contact us at 800-FIGHTMS option #2.
Team Still Steppin
14 | 2011: Walk MS
Team Highlights
Lincoln Elementary Magnet School
Walk MS : Southwest GA Team Captain, Stacey Cross
Stacey Cross is the counselor at Lincoln Elementary as well as the sponsor of their student council organization. Lincoln Elementary is both one of the largest teams and the top fundraiser in the Southwest Georgia area. Inspired by Kathy Glass, a teacher diagnosed with MS, Lincoln Elemen-tary began participating in the Walk MS program four years ago. Lincoln Elementary saw the walks as a great way to support Ms. Glass. Student Council representatives and sponsors have come up with a num-ber of creative ways to raise money for the walk. Their most popular and effective fundraiser has been selling “No Homework Passes” that students can use to avoid doing homework on a night of their choice. Teachers, students and family members join together to walk on behalf of Lincoln elementary and enjoy the walk and look forward to participating every year.
Team Ashford Advisors
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Team Kristen Walk MS : Northeast GA
Team Captain, Alison Evans
Alison Evans was captain of Team Kristen last year. Her sister, Kristen, is the team’s namesake. Kristen was diagnosed with MS four years ago. Alison was born and raised in Augusta, Georgia. She attended the Uni-versity of Georgia for two years and is currently in nursing school at the Medical College of Georgia. Team Kristen is primarily comprised of family members and Tri Deltas. Although most of their extended family lives in the Atlanta area, Team Kristen originally decided to walk in Athens, since both Alison and Kristen were attending school at UGA. For four years in a row, Team Kristen has exceeded its fundraising goal. In addition, Team Kristen has been the largest team at the walk for the last four years.
Team J.A.D.
16 | 2011: Walk MS
Team Momentum
Friends of Heather Walk Together Walk MS : Middle GA
Team Captain, Heather Miller
“I was just diagnosed with MS on October 26, 2010. My doctor sug-gested that my first contact be the National MS Society, and on my first visit to the website, I saw information about walk MS and eagerly got involved. My team started with just a few friends and family members, but rapidly grew as the word spread. I had the most fabulous corporate sponsor, McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Company LLC, who donated individually as well as donated t-shirts for my team. I was absolutely amazed at the turnout and number of friends and fam-ily members who came to support me on the day of the walk. Friends who saw my Blog on Facebook that I had not seen or talked to in 10 or 20 years raised money and walked alongside me. The support from my hometown was amazing, and there is no telling what we will be able to do next year! I would like to thank my husband, Danny, and son, Cole, for all of their love and support!” -Heather Miller
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Team MS WarriorsTeam Momentum
Team Rosebud
Walk MS : Coastal Empire Team Captain, Jennifer
Moore
Jennifer Moore is the captain of Team Rosebud. For the second year in a row, Team Rosebud was the Top Fundraising Team for the Walk MS: Coastal Empire. The name, “Team Rosebud,” is based on a nickname given to Jennifer when she was born. Her Aunt Linda said she looked like a rosebud and the name stuck. There are approximately 30 members of her team with ages ranging from 9 months to 84 years young! They come from Georgia, Alabama, Ten-nessee, and Virginia to support her and raise money to find a cure for MS. Since her diagnosis at age 22, Jennifer and her family have learned a lot and met many amazing people living with MS. She takes comfort knowing she is not alone in dealing with a lifetime of unpredictability. Jennifer is motivated to become involved because, “the symptoms of MS are so different and devastating for everyone. I want to do what I can to make a difference in the lives of those diagnosed and to prevent more people from learning what it means to live with MS.”
18 | 2011: Walk MSTeam Ashford Advisors
Beth’s BFF AKA Best Friends and Family Walk MS : Southwest GA Team Captain, Billy Cuff
Beth’s BFF AKA Best Friends and Fam-ily is an inspiring team. Billy and Beth Cuff started the walk team 2 years ago. At the time, they were not aware it was a fundraiser, but felt elated after the walk. This year, they challenged themselves, friends, and family, and came out as the top fundraising team for Walk MS: Southwest GA. “We got involved with Walk MS be-
cause my wife, Beth, was diagnosed with MS at age 17 and has been living with it ever since. I knew she wanted to get involved, and the answer to our prayers appeared on Facebook. There was an advertisement for Walk MS and we showed up at the event with a team. We were not aware it was a fundraising event, so this time we started fundraising in November for the March walk. We did all of our fundraising via Facebook. We continued to repost the walk, and made a special page for Beth. Our total remained around $600 for a while and our goal was $1,000. A high school friend of Beth’s saw her Facebook post and felt moved by it. He donated $1,000 which brought our total to $1,595.00. These walks have made a world of difference for Beth. Prior to the walk, she was not open about having MS. After the walk, she realized how many thousands of people are just like her and it has been so encouraging. The walk motivated her to get involved and walk again. The immense support from friends and family has really pumped her up and we are excited about the next walk.” - Billy Cuff
walkMSgeorgia.org | 19Team J.A.D.
Augusta Stride Walk MS : East Central GA
Team Captain, Rebecca Rahn
Rebecca Rahn is the captain of The Augusta Stride. She is a physician as-sistant at the MS Center at the Medical College of Georgia. After working with patients, at the MS Center, Rebecca was motivated to walk in the Walk MS event. The Augusta Stride is made up of patients, fam-ily members and staff of the Augusta MS Center. Although the team has a very diverse background of lifestyles, careers, education and ages, they are united by a common goal of finding a cure. The team had over 100 people register for the walk and raised almost $4000 – four times their goal. Rebecca is inspired by those with MS. As she puts it, “The patients are amazing in their ability to lift your spirit. Even in difficult circumstances, they have hope, looking forward to the next step.”
20 | 2011: Walk MS
General Chemical Walk Team Walk MS : East Central GA Team Captain, Sara Walls
The General Chemical Walk team really shines with the help of team captain, Sara Walls. “My plant manager’s wife is living with MS and I have been a part of the cause for the past three years. Initially, we got the plant to help fund t-shirts and recruited co-workers for the team. After 3 years, our team is filled with friends and family as well as co-workers. Nearby plants even jumped on board and have helped support us financially. The first year, our goal was to raise $200. We surpassed that goal, raising close to $2,000. It is inspiring to see how far we have come and how much support our team recieves from friends and families. It was really special to see my family lead our team through the finish line.” -Sara Walls
Team D.I.V.A.’s
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Strong Stones for Mary Ann
Rowland Over MS Walk MS : Northeast GA
Team Captain, Tawana Meeks
Tawana Meeks was this year’s captain for Rowland over MS. Rowland Over MS was this year’s largest team at the Northeast GA Walk, as well as the top fundraising team for the Northeast GA Walk. “I attribute our success to the strong connection of my family. I got involved with Walk MS, six years ago when my aunt was diagnosed.”
In 2007, Rowland Over MS began with 27 members and has con-tinued to grow every year. 2011 marked their largest year yet with 70 members and ranked as the top fundraising team for Walk MS: Northeast Georgia!
Team D.I.V.A.’s
22 | 2011: Walk MS
Walking With Red Shoes Walk MS : Atlanta
Team Captain, Caroline Kulinski
“After being diagnosed with MS in 2007, we learned about the NMSS and my family and I knew we wanted to become involved, so we formed Team “Wearing Red Shoes” in 2008. We began with just 23 members and in four years have grown to over 100 team mem-bers. It has always been my style to be open about my MS and what I have discovered is that sharing my experience often gives other people the courage to share their own stories - whether it’s battling MS themselves, or watching a loved one struggle with it. Our 2011 team
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included 4 people living with MS, and each brought their own coura-geous spirit as well as the support of their friends and family. That’s how we continue to grow as a team, raising awareness and raising money to fight the MonSter. I am lucky to have a fearless, creative team of people wearing their red shoes with me each year. We have held numerous types of fundraising events and over the years have had the financial support of wonderful local businesses as well. You would be surprised how many companies are willing to support a great organization like the NMSS - but as I often tell my teammates - you have to be willing to ask! It also helps to have a little friendly competition. The past two years we have gone head-to-head with the team led by the amazing Ste-powany family. After they claimed the #1 spot in 2010, it fired up my team even more to beat our “nemesis” in 2011! I laugh every year with Eric and Robert that I can’t be seen hugging and congratulating my “mortal enemy,” while in truth, we are thrilled that our pretend rivalry inspires both our teams to raise more money for the cause we all care so much about. Other than looking down each year at the many pairs of red shoes taking over Piedmont Park, a personal favorite moment was when I checked off an item on my Bucket List and sang the national anthem to kick off WalkMS. On behalf of all of my red shoe-wearing team-mates, thank you to the National MS Society (especially the GA Chapter) for everything you do for us!” -Caroline Kulinski
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