Before the walk
The day of the walk
After the walk
How much does it cost to walk?
There is no fee for Walk MS, but we ask that all walkers bring a pledge/donation to help create a world free of multiple sclerosis. Your donations and efforts help the 13,500 individuals in our chapter region living with multiple sclerosis. If your pledges total $100 or more, you will receive an official Walk MS t-shirt. You can also qualify for other great prizes the more you fundraise. In 2011, the average walker raised $172 to help fight MS, and some raised thousands!
Who will sponsor me?
ANYONE can sponsor you! Walkers can sponsor themselves or ask co-workers, friends, neighbors, local businesses and family members. Many companies sponsor their employees; be sure to ask if your company offers a matching gift program.
People have asked me for a receipt. What should I do?
For donations of $250 or less, we have a packet of receipts we can send you to give to your donors. Call us at (704) 525-5906 to request them. If you have to leave a message, please leave your name and address with the number of thank you pads you would like and we can mail them right away. Donations over $250 will get a letter from the Chapter that will serve as a receipt, as long as a name and address accompany the donation (on the check, for example).
Who do I make checks payable to?
Please make checks payable to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Where do I send my money/checks/donations?
Your donations can be mailed at any time to:
National MS Society
Attn: Walk MS
3101 Industrial Dr., Suite 210
Raleigh, NC 27609
Include your name in the memo section of the check and note that it is for Walk MS or include a note in the envelope. This will help to properly credit the donation to your account.
If you want to hold on to your checks until Walk Day, you will receive a collection envelope for your money, which you can bring the day of the walk to turn in donations.
The best option is to turn in the money early or as you receive it so it can be entered quickly and reflected in your personal fundraising goal. You also can request to have additional envelopes sent to you.
What if my company wants to match my pledges?
To take part in the Matching Gifts Program, please visit your human resource department or your Matching Gifts coordinator and ask for a Matching Gift Form. Then you can mail it to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Please include your information so we can apply the match correctly.
If you would like to find out if your company participates in the matching gift program, or have any questions about the program, please email Beth Nolen or contact her at (704) 525-5906.
After all of your hard work recruiting and fundraising with your teams, friends and family, celebrate at the Walk MS event in your community!
Here are some things to remember for Walk day:
You will receive an envelope in the mail a few weeks before Walk Day – fill this out and bring it with you to the walk to make the check-in process easier.
What if a friend wants to walk last minute and isn't registered?
No problem. They can register the morning of the Walk as a team member or individual walker. An entire team can register the morning of the Walk! Just fill out the registration form stating your team name and team captain.
Can I bring my dog?
Animals are allowed at all locations. Please remember that dogs must be kept on a leash and please be prepared to clean up after your dog.
How long is the Walk?
Walk distances vary depending on the site, but generally options range from 3 to 5 miles round-trip. Visit the registration page and click on your community Walk to read specific details about the Walk.
Are the routes accessible to people using wheelchairs and scooters?
Yes! All Walk MS routes are fully accessible to those using wheelchairs and scooters, as well as strollers and wagons!
What if I get tired along the Walk?
Rest stops will have restrooms and will be stocked with water and snacks. All Walk MS routes will have SAG support to drive participants back who cannot complete the entire route.
Will we get food?
We do our best to get all of our food donated to make sure the largest percentage of your donations go directly to the mission. If you know of any companies that may be interested in donating food, please contact us at mac@nmss.org (704) 525-5906. All sites will have snacks and lots of drinks!
Even after the walk is over, you can continue raising funds!
Mail your post event pledges to:
National MS Society
ATTN: Walk MS
3101 Indusrial Dr., Suite 210
Raleigh, NC 27609