Bike MS: Cape Cod Getaway
The 2010 Bike MS: Cape Cod Getaway, presented by EMD Serono and Pfizer was a great success. The weather was once again on our side supplying us with two days of sun. We registered more than 2,000 riders and they traveled 150 (or 175) miles from Marina Bay, Quincy to Provincetown raising awareness and $2.3 million to create a world free of MS.
Once again, we saw teams grow to new levels with the team of presenting sponsor EMD Serono exceeding 240 riders. The top friends and family team, Velox Rota, brought 119 riders. Each of these teams raised more than $100,000, and we had two additional teams raising more than $90,000 each. Representation from local police and fire departments continues to grow, and included Firefighters for MS (Auburn, MA), Peabody Fire Local 925 Miller Highlife, Plymouth Fire & Police, Team MSP (Massachusetts State Police), and Westborough Professional Firefighters. In total there were 143 teams. More than 77 percent of funds raised by the ride were through the efforts of these great teams.
Finally, we could not have put on such a great event without the help and support from our generous sponsors, including: presenting sponsor EMD Serono and Pfizer, Hannaford, South Shore Music Circus, Premier Education Group, Data Associates, Wachusett Brewing Company, Liberty Mutual, Chappaqua Crunch Granola, Hydrive and Nantucket Nectar Beverages, Brightroom, Chobani Greek Yogurt, and Road ID. Route support was provided by Landry’s Bicycles, Wheelworks, Cycle Loft, and Quad Cycles.
Remember the Occasion with a Gift
By Susan Goldsmith
Honor a loved one or celebrate a special day with a gift that will make a difference for people living with MS. Creating a tribute or memorial fund to benefit the National MS Society can make your special occasion unforgettable.
Here’s how to do it. Go to nationalMSsociety.org and click the “Donate” button to create a fundraising web page. Personalize your page with photos and stories. Then, e-mail invitations to friends and family to visit your page, make an online donation and sign the guestbook. It’s an easy and accessible way to remember a loved one, recognize an accomplishment or milestone or just to say thank you.
People who have already set up Society pages left these inspiring messages:
“Grandma Ann has always been giving to those around her. So, it is in this spirit of giving and nurturing that we ask you that in lieu of gifts for Ann’s 90th year, we’d like you to give a donation to MS in her honor!”
“I have everything a 40-year-old babe could want or need. I have wonderful family and friends who love me, so no gifts please. If you would like, please consider making a donation to the MS Society.”
“My mother was diagnosed with MS 19 years ago. She continues to wage a courageous battle. There is a cure. It can be beaten. All it takes is funding.”
“Since Jessica’s dad Bill will not be there to walk her down the aisle, Jessica and Rob would be honored by your donation to the National MS Society in his memory. With your help, our wedding could help some other little girl’s father be around to walk her down the aisle.”
Susan Goldsmith is the director of the Golden Circle program for the Society.