The National MS Society is excited to announce the national launch of The Golden Circle – a special place for people with a special commitment to a world free of MS.
On behalf of everyone affected by multiple sclerosis, the National MS Society has created a membership program acknowledging the important support of individuals who truly make their mark against MS by making an annual gift of $1000 or more.
Members of the Golden Circle receive unique benefits, including:
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Access to chapter and national leadership
- Invitations to exclusive local and national special events
- Invitations to conference calls to hear the latest progress in MS research directly from world-renowned scientists, and to pose questions directly to the scientists on the calls
- The opportunity to connect with other Golden Circle members — people who share a passion for a world free of MS
For more information about the benefits of The Golden Circle or how you can join, talk to your chapter’s Golden Circle Program Manager.
Find your chapter
Meet Golden Circle member Julie Kaufer
L to R: siblings Julie Kaufer, Steve Kaufer and Fran Kaufer Shimp, recipients of the 2007 Philanthropic Family of the Year award
Julie Kaufer’s mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis shortly after her younger sister was born. At the time, there were no treatments available for MS. In 1986, Julie’s mom succumbed to the disease after a long, difficult battle. Julie and her family adopted a personal mission to fund the best MS research for a cure. When Julie joined the Southern California Chapter’s Board in 1996, she jumped into an active fundraising role and became involved with the Chapter’s Golden Circle campaign. In 2004, Julie agreed to Chair Golden Circle. Since that time, Golden Circle’s income has tripled. In December 2007, Julie became the first woman to chair the Southern California Chapter’s Board of Trustees. This November, Julie is included on the slate for election to the National Board of Directors.
1. What are you excited about at the Society?
My passion is for all the research initiatives and the results we’ve seen of late, some of which, I believe, might not have been expected. Promise:2010 and Fast Forward are very aggressive and progressive in approach. I appreciate the bold and persistent ways the Society is trying to increase funding to speed advancement and find the cure.
2. What do you find most significant about your involvement with Golden Circle?
It has been very meaningful to see the campaign grow every year – especially in the area of research funding. When we introduced the concept of the research “Salon” in 2005, the campaign really began to grow. Golden Circle provides donors the opportunity to contribute larger gifts to fund campaigns like Promise 2010 and Fast Forward. I also delight in telling donors that not only does a research-restricted gift fund research 100%, but the campaign’s costs are consistently between 2%-3%.
3. Why should people get involved and donate to the Golden Circle?
I’ll ask anyone to contribute to Golden Circle because I can stand behind the credibility and efficiency of the campaign and the Society’s efforts. If people want to get involved with Golden Circle, they can feel assured that their money is directed toward exactly what they want.
4. Why do you believe that Golden Circle is important to advancing the Society’s mission?
The only way to advance our mission is with contributions. We can’t wish it to happen, it has to be funded. This past year showed that even in the most challenging economic times, people can connect with the fact that MS doesn’t stop – and neither do we. Golden Circle is an avenue for more money to be raised for the mission.
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