May 01, 2009
“North Florida Chapter Celebrates a 20 Year Partnership with THE PGA TOUR and THE PLAYERS.”
Golf fans and TV viewers can expect to see a sea of orange in the stands as the first pairings of the world’s best golfers tee off on Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 7:30am for the beginning of the 2009 PLAYERS Championship.
Hundreds of supporters of the North Florida Chapter of the National MS Society will be wearing their signature color to acknowledge the 20-year partnership between the Society, the PGA TOUR and THE PLAYERS Championship. The organization and its supporters have been invited to participate in the kick-off of this year’s tournament and will make a presentation to leaders of the TOUR and THE PLAYERS commemorating the milestone immediately following the start play.
“The PGA TOUR and THE PLAYERS Championship have donated more than $750,000 to our Chapter over the last 20 years, primarily through their support of and participation in Bike MS: PGA TOUR Cycle to the Shore,” said Jennifer Lee, chapter president. “To further emphasize their commitment to us they have signed on as our lead sponsor of Bike MS through 2010. The TOUR and THE PLAYERS have been incredible partners and are setting an important example for other groups, especially at a time when so many organizations are cutting back on financial commitments to nonprofits. We will work hard to continue to earn their trust and maximize the reach of their support for individuals and families living with MS in Northeast Florida.”
This year’s Bike MS: PGA TOUR Cycle to the Shore will take place October 3-4. The event, which typically attracts several thousand riders, will travel from St. Augustine to Daytona Beach and back over the 2-day event. The first training ride for the event will scheduled for June starting from the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Those interested in participating in Bike MS may register at http://bikefln.nationalmssociety.org.
Riders are encouraged to support the Chapter for the Tournament start on May 7th. For information or to register to attend (via bus or bike), call (904) 332-6810 or visit http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/Calendar/537474625?view=Detail&id=185204.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by the disease.
Since it was founded more than 30 years ago, NMSS-NFL has grown to serve approximately 18,000 people including their families, who live with MS through educational and client programs. The Chapter serves 34 counties throughout North Florida and provides information & referral; educational programs; financial emergency assistance; medical equipment loan closet; and self help groups.