What is WOMS?
Over 6,800 people in the Gateway Area Chapter live with multiple sclerosis. MS is most often diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. MS affects close to four times as many women as men, and the disease affects men and women differently. Women on the Move, one of the National MS Society's premier fundraising events, is an empowering way for women to support women in the movement towards a world free of MS.
The Gateway Area Chapter has been holding Annual Women on the Move Luncheons since 2009. Highlights of the event always include a raffle, inspirational speaker, Women of Courage award and lunch.
What is a Table Hostess?
A Table Hostess is an individual who commits to supporting Women on the Move by filling a table of 8 (one hostess and seven guests) at the event. A table can also be co-hosted with a friend (each Table Hostess has three guests). Individual tickets cost $75, and a table of eight costs $600.
I’m interested in becoming a Table Hostess. How do I sign up and how can I fill my table?
Contact the Gateway Area Chapter at 800.344.4867 and we will be happy to explain the process thoroughly. If you are interested, start compiling a comprehensive list of possible guests from your personal and business contact lists, civic organizations, volunteer organizations, religious groups, friends, relatives, etc. While the Women on the Move event is driven by a steering committee of women, it is not exclusive to women and we encourage you to invite men who might be interested in attending the event. As the Table Hostess you will receive all of the materials necessary to recruit your guests.
How do guests reserve and pay for a seat at the event?
It’s simple! Here are the options:
All guests must register and pay the minimum $75 ticket price in advance. Your Table Hostess will provide you with pre-payment forms and return envelopes, which can be mailed to the Gateway Area Chapter with a check or credit card number. If you do not have a Table Hostess, you may also mail a check to the chapter indicating that it is for Women on the Move tickets. Please be sure to include the names of all attendees. Once payment is received, you are automatically registered for the event.
Guests can also register and pay online. Please remember to enter your Table Hostess name so you will be seated at the appropriate table at the WOMS Luncheon. You will automatically be registered for the event.
Guests may also call the Chapter at 800.344.4867 and register by phone with a credit card.
Do I need a ticket to get in?
No. Once you have prepaid, your name will automatically be added to the event registration list. All you have to do is give your name at the registration table.
What if I cannot attend but still want to make a donation?
That is wonderful! You may submit a donation at any time by mail, phone or online.
How is my donation used?
Sixty percent of every dollar raised stays in the Gateway Area to support vital local services and programs. Forty percent of every dollar raised is used to support national programs and vital MS research. The National MS Society, Gateway Area Chapter is very proud of its low overall fundraising and administrative costs. Of the money raise, 89 percent goes directly to helping people with MS.
Does my Women on the Move fee have to be a personal donation?
No! If you would prefer to raise funds to cover your $75 donation, or be sponsored by someone else, you may do so. Please be sure to communicate to your Table Hostess and chapter staff where the donation will be coming from and who the ticket is for so that there is no confusion.
What is a sponsorship?
A sponsorship is a donation, usually from a corporate entity, that helps the chapter underwrite the expenses associated with the event so that we can increase our fundraising capabilities. There are many levels of sponsorship and a variety of benefits associated with each, including tickets to the luncheon and promotional opportunities. If you think that your company might want to sponsor the Women on the Move Luncheon, please contact the Gateway Area Chapter at 800.344.4867 and we will be happy to discuss sponsorship options.
Are there scholarships/discounts available for WOMS?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any discounts on Women on the Move tickets. There are many expenses associated with this event and we require a $75 minimum donation from each guest so that we can achieve our fundraising goals. We highly encourage that anyone who is interested in attending but unable to pay try to raise the funds. The Chapter will be happy to offer suggestions and assistance.