Where does the money go?
Walk MS provides a significant contribution to the many programs and services offered by the Greater Carolinas Chapter. YOUR dedication ensures that people in the Carolinas affected by MS are able to receive the emotional, physical, financial and educational support they need. In 2011, the average Walk MS participant raised $120; here are examples of how your donations are directly changing the lives of people living with MS:
- $10 provides 3 educational booklets for a person newly diagnosed with MS.
- $25 pays for one couple to attend an overnight retreat.
- $50 funds one family weekend social event to alleviate the stress of having a family member with a chronic illness.
- $75 provides a basic access ramp for a home.
- $100 pays for bathroom safety grab bars or one wellness program at the YMCA.
However, many walkers raised more than $120 dollars, impacting the lives of people with MS through:
- $250 funds a Physical or Occupational Therapy assessment.
- $500 provides financial assistance to a family struggling with rent.
Our 2011 Elite Feet walkers raised more than $650 each for people with MS. Their donations made a huge impact on the lives of people with MS, including:
- $650 offsets 50% of the cost of the quarterly newsletter dispensing research, advocacy and programs information for people with MS in South Carolina and western North Carolina.
- $1,000 pays for one month of consumable lab supplies for a research project or the co-pay on an electric scooter.
- $3,000 funds one month of a post-doctoral fellowship to train a future MS researcher or physician.
- $5,000 creates a memorial scholarship to help a student who lives with MS or has a parent with MS attend college.
Our Mission Possible club members raised $8,000 each - a dollar for each person in our chapter affected by MS. Their contributions, combined with contributions from other Mission Possible club members across the region, will:
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$44,000 funds a one-year research grant to a scientist seeking better treatments or a cure for MS.
The Mid-Atlantic Chapter works hard to ensure that funds raised by events like Walk MS go directly to benefit people with MS. Our 2009 external audit showed:
- 51.5% of total revenue remained in the Carolinas, providing programs and services to help people with MS, including education events, financial and employment counseling, couples and family retreats, financial assistance and more.
- 30.0% of revenue was dedicated to national research initiatives that continue to improve the treatments for MS and will one day reveal a cure.
- Less than 18.1% of overall revenue went to fundraising/admin.