The Society on Facebook
People with MS and the people who care about them are discovering the potential of Facebook to raise awareness about the disease—and funds to fight it.
On the Society’s fan page at facebook.com/nationalmssociety, over 11,000 fans are sharing their feelings and fears. It’s a space where people ask questions they don’t necessarily feel comfortable asking a professional, questions like how to manage fatigue and a toddler, or if there’s any merit to an herbal tea. You don’t even have to join Facebook to view the page.
The Central New England Chapter has it’s own page at facebook.com/MSnewengland, with groups for Bike MS: Bike and Hike the Berkshires, Bike MS: Cape Cod Getaway, Bike MS: Ride the Vineyard, MS Challenge Walk NE - Walkers and Crew, Walk MS Boston, Fashion Plates and Central New England Chapter Young Adults, Peer Support, and more.
16th Annual Corrib Pub Classic 5K Road Race
Veteran Challenge Walker, Jack Enright, who is chair of the Challenge Steering Committee and a Chapter Trustee, is a founder of the Corrib Pub 5k Road Race. The Corrib Pub 5K supports many local charities in West Roxbury, and donates a significant portion of its proceeds each year to the MS Challenge Walk. Representing the Chapter in the photo is Assoc. V.P. of Communications Steve Sookikian (fourth from right).
Support the Society without Leaving the Office
Every year, more than 1.5 million employees support non-profit organizations through employee giving campaigns. If you are a federal government employee or your private employer offers a charitable giving campaign, help move us closer to a world free of MS by designating a contribution to the National MS Society.
To designate your gift to the Society, select the number 11409. If you work in the private sector, look for us listed under Community Health Charities or ask your campaign coordinator.
Your company doesn’t offer an employee giving program? Talk to your benefits administrator about starting one. And call us. We can give your company the resources needed.
Fashion Plates
On Friday afternoon, November 6, supporters of the Central New England Chapter gathered at Fashion Plates: Fashion Show and Luncheon sponsored by Lord & Taylor and the Sheraton Boston Hotel. Board of Trustees member Anthony Everett and his wife Lydia co-hosted the event for over 300 attendees who came together to enjoy an afternoon of clothing, accessories, good food and more in an effort to raise much needed funding for vital MS education, support, advocacy and research. In its fifth consecutive year, Fashion Plates celebrates Real Women, Real Stories. Women with MS and their loved ones who are affected by MS strutted down the runway donning this season’s most fashionable Lord & Taylor apparel. Thanks to our 16 terrific models and the numerous women with MS who shared their stories.
Wine & Dine
The 2009 Wine & Dine for MS Dinner & Auction (October 16) was a fabulous evening of fine wine, fine food, and fine friends that raised thousands of dollars to help people who have MS. Led by auctioneer extraordinaire Cathy MacPherson, NAA, the auction featured exciting packages that stimulated enthusiastic bidding on wine country trips, sporting event tickets, and of course select rare and collectable wines. Served in the luxurious Wharf Room of the Boston Harbor Hotel, the four course menu featured the outstanding talent of Chef Daniel Bruce of Meritage Restaurant, who specially paired the meal to the wines served with each course. Sponsored by Kappy’s Fine Wine & Spirits and fine wine merchants W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Ltd., Wine & Dine for MS included a wide range of silent auction items, plus a champagne reception and the musical entertainment of The Winiker Band Jazz Trio. Complimenting the room were lovely centerpieces by Karla Cassidy Designs and cookie favors by Harvard Sweet Boutique, whose owner, Sue George, has supported Wine & Dine for the last three years.
(L-R) Auctioneer Cathy MacPherson, Joyce Hulm of United Liquors,
Committee Co-Chair Anne Bresnahan, and
Brian Moore and Vincent Monaco of Kappy’s Fine Wine & Liquors.
Bike MS: The Minuteman Ride
The inaugural Minuteman Ride on Saturday, August 22 brought out over 20 cyclists. The start/finish location was the District Court in Concord, and the ride explored many of the areas’ historic locations on a choice of 40K and 100K routes. Riders were welcomed to the finish line with lunch from Dave’s BBQ. The day laid a good foundation for building ridership next year, offering another alternative to cyclists for dates, distances, and convenience.
See also: