Marathon Strides Against MS
It was another successful year for the Marathon Strides Against MS team at the 2010 Boston Marathon on April 19. While the events of the marathon take place over one weekend, it takes months of work, planning and counseling to hold the team together. Thank you Nancy Dlugoenski, who formed the team, managed the registration process with the BAA and made more than 70 runners feel appreciated with the Saturday night pasta party and post race event on Monday.
This year’s team included 60 invitational runners and 13 qualified runners. While many of us can’t imagine running a marathon, we had six team members who not only ran but have MS. Additionally, many of the runners are on the team to support a loved one with MS and the post-race party allowed runners to meet their friends and family when they completed their 26+ mile journey.
While the BAA minimum fundraising requirement for charity team members is $3,250, many runners raised more. To date, the team has raised over $350,000. Four of the team members raised more than $10,000. The Marathon Strides Against MS team raises more money per participant than any other event we have.
Ways to Give: Let Us Count the Ways
There are many ways that you can make a significant gift today or plan a gift for the future and join the movement to create a world free of MS.
Give a gift today
Give online. Set up a tribute or memorial fund to honor someone special; become a monthly sustaining donor; give a one-time gift using your credit card. Your gifts will support local and/or national programs and services and ensure that MS research continues to develop better treatments to stop the disease process. Click the “Donate” button at nationalMSsociety.org.
Mail your gift. Your check or stock gift may go to the general fund or be restricted to the research or the service program of your choice. Restrict your Golden Circle membership or campaign gift by indicating your preferences when mailing it to the Golden Circle Program Manager at this chapter. Gifts of securities are always welcome; step-by-step instructions for DTC stock transfers are available at nationalMSsociety.org/donatestock.
Plan a gift for the future
Bequests. You can create a legacy by naming the Society in your will, charitable remainder trust, charitable lead trust or living trust. Your bequest will provide important support to the Society in the future and may be exempt from federal estate taxes. For complete estate and gift planning resources visit nationalMSsociety.org, click on “Donate” and then “Planned Giving.”
Charitable gift annuity. Provide lifetime income for yourself or someone you love while supporting the Society’s mission with a charitable gift annuity. Learn how you can contract to transfer assets to the Society in exchange for payments for life to one or two annuitants at nationalMSsociety.org/annuities.
Life insurance gifts. Designating the National MS Society as owner and beneficiary of an insurance policy is an easy way to make a gift that costs you little while creating your legacy of support to the Society.
Want to talk to a person?
For more information on any of these options or additional gift opportunities, please contact our national gift planning specialist Carrie Radant at 1-800-923-7727 or giftplanning@nmss.org.
Bike MS: Notes
The Chapter’s 2010 Bike MS riding season officially kicked off on the 1st of May with “Ride the Vineyard.” Nearly 700 cyclists and 100 volunteers traveled to Martha’s Vineyard to help create a world free of MS. The ride offered three routes, 100K, 50K, and 25K, that travelled to some of the most scenic locations on the Island, including Aquinnah, South Beach in Edgartown, and East Chop. Riders enjoyed picture perfect weather, clear skies, cool air, and no wind, while making wonderful memories along the way. The smiles on everyone’s face told the story of the day. While every dollar truly makes a difference, special thanks go to Team Martin for demonstrating their commitment to the movement by raising over $40,000! Bike MS: Ride the Vineyard is on track to raise $450,000...what a way to kick off the riding season! Thanks to all who rode, volunteered, and donated for making Ride the Vineyard a success!
Bike to the Breakwater
Sponsored by St. Joseph’s College
Standish, Maine — July 31-August 1
Join us at Saint Joseph’s College campus, which hugs the shore of beautiful Sebago Lake, just 18 miles from Portland. Your choice of several fully supported route options through the picturesque Maine countryside to the distinctive rocky coast. Wrap up your weekend with a barbeque and old fashioned Maine lobster bake.
Green Mountain Getaway
Castleton, Vermont — August 7-8
Experience the beauty of Vermont in this figure-eight route beginning and ending at Castleton State College. There’s a route for everyone, no matter your cycling ability level. On Saturday cycle 20, 40, 75 or 100 miles. On Sunday select 40, 75 or 100 miles.