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MileStones Gala 2012

Bob Keeley, founder and President of Diversified Project Management (DPM) in Newton, Mass., was honored with the Corporate MileStones Award at the MileStones Gala, Thursday, May 10. Keeley, whose mother was diagnosed with MS in 1985, has been a Chapter Trustee since 2006. Under his leadership, DPM has raised and donated over $750,000 to the Society during an 18 year period. Chapter Chairman Robert Shapiro presented the award before more than 400 people in attendance. Hosted by Anthony Everett, the Gala featured nationally recognized comedian and commentator Jimmy Tingle, who performed “Jimmy Tingle for President.” Also in attendance were Phyllis Rubin, who was honored in 2010, along with her sons, Larry and Rob Rubin, and daughter, Michelle Pepe. The MileStones Gala was Co-Chaired by Cathy MacPherson and Brandon Kelly, and sponsored by Alliance Energy Corporation, Diversified Project Management, Global Companies, LP, and Wells Fargo Bank.

Bob Keeley accepting the 2012 MileStones Hope Award,
with Robert Shapiro, Chairman of the Board

Bike MS: Ride the Vineyard

On May 5, our Chapter kicked off the Bike MS riding season with Ride the Vineyard. The event started on Friday evening with a reception to welcome riders and volunteers to the island at Sharky’s Cantina in Edgartown. Sharky’s donated 10 percent of the proceeds to the National MS Society. The next morning, over 700 riders participated, working their way around the island on 15, 30, or 60 mile routes. The weather worked out well. It turned into a good day for riding and there were smiles all around.

Climb to the Top Boston

The 2012 event season kicked off Saturday March 3 with Climb to the Top, Boston at the John Hancock Tower. Among the more than 200 climbers were a number of local firefighters climbing in full turn-out gear. Boston Celtic, Greg Stiemsma, cheered on the climbers. More than $100,000 was raised. Climb to the Top, Boston, 2013 has already been set for March 2. Thanks to Normandy Realty Partners and Boston Properties for their support and assistance.

(L-R) Boston Celtic trainer Brian Doo, Lori Grande of WKLB-FM, and Boston Celtic Greg Stiemsma.

Marathon Strides Against MS

More than seventy runners from team MSAMS completed the 2012 Boston Marathon on April 16 in unseasonably warm weather. These committed and focused runners combined to raise more than $350,000.

(L-R) Nelson Morse, Christi Kopsidas, Tony Kopsidas and Irawan Balcet at 17 miles.

Maine Honors Gail Kelly

Two special events honored Gail Kelly’s years of service to those with MS in Maine. On March 21, Gail, State Director for US Senator Olympia Snowe, was honored at the Wells Conference Center in Orono, ME at an evening Gala. She received the MileStones Award. On March 23, we presented Gail with first annual Women on the Move Award at Holiday Inn by the Bay during the luncheon. Congratulations and thank you Gail for your support, inspiration and dedication.

(L-R) Gail Kelly, Kim Block Anchor/Reporter WGME-TV13 Portland, and Kristie Salerno Kent, Singer/Songwriter/Actress and MS Ambassador.

Orange Blossoms for MS

Orange Blossoms for MS fundraising campaign with Edible Arrangements blooms into a $10,000 donation to the National MS Society, Greater New England Chapter. (L-R): Kevin Lombardi, “Lombardi Party” captain of the MS Challenge Walk team, Nick D’Alleva, Edible Arrangements franchise owner, Arlyn White, our chapter President & CEO, and Chris Dellamarggio, inaugural Edible Arrangements franchise owner and president of the Boston-Manchester Co-op.

Anime Boston

Anime Boston held their annual auction of all things Anime on April 8. All proceeds of the auction, as well as a portion of the ticket sales, went to the Greater New England Chapter. Excited bidders spent from $10 to over $500 on items. The total for the Chapter came to over $15,000.

Locke Middle School

On March 15, students and staff at the Locke Middle School in Billerica wore orange in support of the National MS Society. Delaney Waite, a seventh grader, organized a fundraiser selling our orange wristbands during lunch and raised nearly $300 for Team Colby, which participates in Walk MS Newburyport.