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We want to hear from you!

Written by on Sep 25, 2012
Danielle

As we start our planning for the 2013 event, we are eager to hear your comments about MS Challenge Walk 2012. Please take a moment to complete the online survey.  Thank you for your feedback.

Once again, thank you so much for walking at the MS Challenge Walk.  You should feel proud that your every step helped give hope to the 19,000 individuals with MS and their families in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Congratulations

Congratulations to our top fundraisers!

Top Five Individual FundraisersTop Five Fundraising Teams
Tom Olafsson$14,654The Lombardi Party$59,501
Sue Carrai$13,220Blister Buddies$38,452
Kevin Lombardi$12,430Team Brian$38,311
Stephen Urquhart$10,975Chili Head Striders$27,863
Nicholas D'Alleva$10,150Team DEA and friends$25,360

If you have not yet reached your $1,500 raised, please keep up the fundraising to help us reach our goal of over 1 million raised by the MS Challenge Walk Cape Cod 2012. The last date to submit donations for the 2012 event is October 7.

Are there friends and family members who have promised to donate but have yet to do so?  We encourage you to send them and email or letter reminding them of their pledge.  We need all Challenge Walkers to reach their fundraising goals so that together we can all continue to create a world free of MS.  If you are having troubles reaching your goal, please do not hesitate to contact the MS Challenge Walk Team and we can work together to find the best fundraising methods for you.

We look forward to seeing you September 6–8 at the 2013 MS Challenge Walk!

All the best,

Danielle Kempe
Manager
MS Challenge Walk Cape Cod

Danielle was a Development Manager for the Greater New England Chapter of the National MS Society, managing MS Challenge Walk 2011 and 2012. Prior to joining the staff of the National MS Society, Danielle served as a crew team captain during the 2009 and 2010 MS Challenge Walks.

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August update

Written by on Aug 31, 2012
Danielle

Hi, Challengers!

The MS Challenge Walk is only 7 days away!

Try to think back on all the hours of training you've completed and all your efforts in fundraising to fight MS. The MS Challenge Walk weekend is the culmination of a tremendous amount of work and a celebration of all that we have accomplished together.

As event weekend quickly approaches, we are putting the finishing touches on all details. Please let the MS Challenge Walk Team know if you need any last-minute fundraising help or have any lingering questions about the weekend. We look forward to seeing you all very soon.

Thursday Night Early Check-In Party

For those of you arriving to the Cape early, please join us on Thursday night at the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis for an early check-in party.  Pick up your walker/crew credentials and sign the appropriate waiver forms, and meet other walkers and crew!  Enjoy delicious catering and celebrate the start of a great weekend. The festivities begin are from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. We hope to see you there.

For arrival information and instructions, please see the Travel & Information Guide.

Please note – housing at the Sea Camps is for Friday & Saturday night only. If you're attending the Thursday night early check-in party, you must make your own accommodation arrangements.

Reminder – Travel Guide

Our Travel and Information Guide has all of the who/what/where's of the 2012 MS Challenge Walk.  Use this guide to find directions to the Kalmus Beach Parking Area in Hyannis (where all walkers and crew park their cars for the weekend).  The guide also has useful information on packing and the weekend schedule. To download this document, click here.  If you are having trouble downloading this document, feel free to contact the MS Challenge Walk Team.

Last Minute Fundraising Notes

We are striving to reach our goal this year for the MS Challenge Walk. Donations are coming in online and through the mail every day and will continue to do so after the walk. But, we need your continued efforts to ensure we hit this mark. Are there friends and family members who have promised to donate but have yet to do so? We encourage you to send them and email or letter reminding them of their pledge. We need all Challenge Walkers to reach their fundraising goals so that together we can all continue to create a world free of MS. If you are having troubles reaching your goal, please do not hesitate to contact the MS Challenge Walk Team and we can work together to find the best fundraising methods for you.

From Crew Member to Super Crew

We are encouraging all crew members at the Challenge Walk to become a member of the Super Crew. A member of the Super Crew is someone who raises at least $200 for the MS Challenge Walk. Last year, crew members raised over $50,000 for the MS Challenge Walk. Members of the Super Crew will receive a Super Crew cap and 2012 pin to commemorate their success. As of right now, we only have a handful of Super Crew and would like to add more, so please send in your donations!

Congratulations

Kudos to our current top five fundraisers and top five teams listed below.

Top Five Individual Fundraisers

  1. Tom Olafsson                  $12,266
  2. Sue Carrai                       $12,055
  3. Nicholas D'Alleva              $10,150
  4. Kevin Lombardi                   $9,055
  5. James Derick                     $8,130

Top Five Fundraising Teams

  1. The Lombardi Party        $43,227
  2. Blister Buddies              $27,967
  3. Team Brian                   $25,850
  4. Chili Head Striders         $22,516
  5. Team DEA and friends   $20,699

MS Challenge Talk

Have you been listening to MS Challenge Talk?

The Challenge Blog has always been letting the MS community read stories and advice from veterans of the MS Challenge Walk. Now, you’re able to hear from these pros directly, in a series of audio interviews. Called MS Challenge Talk, these recordings profile walkers who have accepted the challenge to walk 3 days and 50 miles. Each week, you'll hear from a different walker or volunteer about their connection to the cause, the training and fundraising tricks they've learned, and the memories they've made along the way.

Thank you to all the walkers and crew who have been interviewed as a part of our MS Challenge Talk series.

The episode that seems to have generated the most response so far was with “The General”. With his military garb and drill sergeant-like demeanor, The General (or sometimes "Sarge") has been rallying the troops of MS Challenge Walk for more than a decade. In this interview, John commends walkers for not resting on the sidelines and instead doing something to find a cure for his bride's MS, and reflects on the heroes who have inspired him along the trail and the unique challenges that caretakers experience

The MS Challenge Walk staff is looking forward to seeing everyone soon!

All the best,

Danielle Kempe, Manager, MS Challenge Walk Cape Cod

P.S. Remember to "like" us on Facebook to join the conversation about the upcoming MS Challenge Walk!

Danielle was a Development Manager for the Greater New England Chapter of the National MS Society, managing MS Challenge Walk 2011 and 2012. Prior to joining the staff of the National MS Society, Danielle served as a crew team captain during the 2009 and 2010 MS Challenge Walks.

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It's Fun in Fundraising Week!

Written by on Jul 31, 2012
Danielle

We know MS Challenge Walkers (and some crew) fundraise year round.

Since the MS Challenge Walk is fast approaching, we'd like to offer some incentives for you to boost your fundraising this week.

There are 3 chances to win!

  • If you raise at least $250 online during fundraising week you will be entered to win a $25 a restaurant gift card.
  • If you make a self-donation of $10 or more during fundraising week will be entered to win a $10 Dunkin Donuts gift card.
  • Our grand prize winner who raises the most during fundraising week will receive a $100 American Express gift card.

Raising $1,500 can be a challenge for walkers, but we know that you are not deterred! You know that the MS Challenge Walk pushes you to exceed what you think are your limits, physically and philanthropically.

Our goal is to support and encourage your fundraising efforts every step of the way. One of the keys to successful fundraising for the MS Challenge Walk is to ask absolutely everyone for support.  The more donors you solicit, the more donations you get!

Did you know that walkers who make self-pledges and ask friends for donations typically raise up to six times more money than those who only do one or the other?

Want to learn how others fundraise and see what events are coming up? Check out our MS Challenge Blog to get fundraising ideas, and browse the events calendar.

I look forward to seeing everyone on Cape Cod in a little over a month.

All the best,

Danielle Kempe
Coordinator
MS Challenge Walk Cape Cod 

P.S. Remember to "like" us on Facebook!

Danielle was a Development Manager for the Greater New England Chapter of the National MS Society, managing MS Challenge Walk 2011 and 2012. Prior to joining the staff of the National MS Society, Danielle served as a crew team captain during the 2009 and 2010 MS Challenge Walks.

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July update

Written by on Jul 10, 2012
Danielle

Hi, Challengers!

The MS Challenge Walk is fast approaching. There is just 1 month and 29 days until we'll be together on Cape Cod.

Important Form – Housing

The online housing form is now available. Everyone attending the MS Challenge Walk must complete this form, regardless of where you are staying during the event weekend. (This form verifies your emergency contact information as well, so all walkers and crew need to fill it out, even if you're staying at a hotel, not the Sea Camps.) We will do everything we can to accommodate your needs, but priority will be given to those who return their forms first. Deadline to complete the form is August 6, 2012.

We will not be sending out paper forms, so if you are having trouble completing the form, or would like to complete the form over the phone with a member of the MS Challenge Walk team, please call 800-344-4867.

Travel Guide

Our Travel and Information Guide has all of the who/what/wheres of the 2012 MS Challenge Walk. Use this guide to find directions to the Kalmus Beach Parking Area in Hyannis (where all walkers and crew park their cars for the weekend). The guide also has useful information on packing and the weekend schedule.

Training Walk

The next training walk will be held on 7/28 at D.W. Fields Park in Avon/Brockton, the starting address is 156 South St., Avon, MA. The walk is 10-15 miles in length with an start time of 8:00 AM. Walk the entire training route or as much as you wish to do. Find more details on this blog.

Team Apparel

Are you planning on purchasing team t-shirts or other apparel to wear during the Cape Cod Challenge Walk? If you purchase a tee shirt through our Spreadshirt MS Challenge Walk store, 20% of the proceeds will be donated to the National MS Society. The shirt can be fully customized with your team's name, logo, or any other design you wish.

Fundraising

Walkers and Super Crew, how is your fundraising going? Raising $1,500 is a challenge for all walkers. Our goal is to support and encourage your fundraising efforts every step of the way. Crew members achieve "Super Crew" status by raising at least $200 for the MS Challenge Walk.

Our MS Challenge Blog offers many tips on fundraising.

MS Challenge Talk

Have you been listening to MS Challenge Talk?

The Challenge Blog has always been letting the MS community read stories and advice from veterans of the MS Challenge Walk. Now, you're able to hear from these pros directly, in a series of audio interviews. Called MS Challenge Talk, these recordings profile walkers who have accepted the challenge to walk 3 days and 50 miles. Each week, you'll hear from a different walker or volunteer about their connection to the cause, the training and fundraising tricks they've learned, and the memories they've made along the way.

These interviews are completely free and can be listened to anytime you want on the MS Challenge Blog. Every Monday until the walk a new episode will be posted.

Thank you to all the walkers and crew who have been interviewed as a part of our MS Challenge Talk series.

All the best,

Danielle Kempe
Coordinator
MS Challenge Walk Cape Cod

Danielle was a Development Manager for the Greater New England Chapter of the National MS Society, managing MS Challenge Walk 2011 and 2012. Prior to joining the staff of the National MS Society, Danielle served as a crew team captain during the 2009 and 2010 MS Challenge Walks.

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Notes from the Jumpstart

Written by on Jun 1, 2012
Danielle

Thank you to the 60 Challenge Walk participants who attended our Jumpstart Your Fundraising sessions on 2/25 and 5/19.

We greatly appreciate veteran Challenge Walk fundraisers working with new participants (and other veterans who are looking for new ideas) to help increase their fundraising.

Here's a summary of the speakers:

  • Tracy Bolduc spoke about the success of her comedy night for team "Stop MS(ing) With Us" and how other teams can replicate their success.
  • Ann Scannell spoke about the Cocktails for a Cure cocktail party and they lesson's they've learned to improve each year.
  • Jack Enright, captain of Team Brian, spoke about his letter writing campaign and how to keep expanding the pool of potential donors you reach out to.
  • Ken Gagne, Challenge Blog webmaster, bike crew member, and Captain of the MSchief Makers, explained how to use the online tools the National MS Society provides.
  • Kevin Lombardi, Co-Captain of the Lombardi Party, shared the different events his team uses to fundraise and raise awareness of MS: including a pub crawl, comedy night, concert, and raffles at each event. New this year, his team has placed lottery card trees in local salons resulting in a 300+% return on investment. He's also started an eBay account for his team, and has offered to list things for other MS Challenge Walk participants, and mail the sale proceeds to them.
  • Patty Thorpe, team captain of the Blister Buddies, spoke about presenting to rotary clubs about MS & the MS Challenge Walk, and holding 2 events, Chowderfest and Night at the Museum, to target different audiences.

Here's a list of some of the ideas discussed:

  • Wine Chest Raffle from TWA
  • Scarfs being sold by new Challenge Walker Dorrie Riley
  • Restaurant nights out with proceeds going to the MS Challenge Walk — Try to target local restaurants or restaurants that do not require a patron to use a flyer for your team to get a donation. Flatbread, Cosi, Fresh City, Not Your Average Joes and Fuddruckers were recommended.
  • Joint team events (Teams working together on a fundraising event and sharing the proceeds)
  • "Jeans Day" at work in exchange for donations
  • Sending letters to a friend or family member's address book. See Ken's blog on sending letters to his brother's contacts for an example.
  • Including return addressed envelopes in any mailed letters you send
  • Theme raffle baskets at a fundraising event
  • Balloon pop with prize numbers inside
  • Lottery basket in salons
  • Party of Gold
  • Grill Raffle from Sole Train
  • Use VistaPrint for business card and postcard purchases at a deep discount for non-profits
  • Contact your local paper to share why to walk and you may get some unexpected donations
  • Asking your donors to check if their company offers matching gifts, to increase their donation

Thank you to everyone who attended. If you have questions about fundraising, please let us know. Our speakers and National MS Society staff will be happy to answer your questions, and connect you with a mentor (if you would like one).

Danielle was a Development Manager for the Greater New England Chapter of the National MS Society, managing MS Challenge Walk 2011 and 2012. Prior to joining the staff of the National MS Society, Danielle served as a crew team captain during the 2009 and 2010 MS Challenge Walks.

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Fundraising materials available from the National MS Society

Written by on May 29, 2012
Danielle

Are you looking for supplies to use for fundraising, or information on the MS Challenge Walk Cape Cod to display at a fundraising event?

We can provide the following materials to you, free of charge:

  • MS Challenge Walk Cape Cod brochures
  • MS Challenge Walk Cape Cod posters
  • Verification of participation letter (to be used when approaching businesses for donations)
  • MS Awareness Bracelets (to be sold for fundraising)
  • Pin Up Footprints (to be sold for fundraising)

E-mail Danielle.Kempe@nmss.org with the type and quantity of the supplies you would like, and I will get supplies out to you.

Remember to check our online Fundraising & Training Guide for the MS Challenge Walk Cape Cod for fundraising and training advice. Team captains, we also offer an online team captain guide!

Danielle was a Development Manager for the Greater New England Chapter of the National MS Society, managing MS Challenge Walk 2011 and 2012. Prior to joining the staff of the National MS Society, Danielle served as a crew team captain during the 2009 and 2010 MS Challenge Walks.

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Red Sox Nation and the MS Challenge Walk Cape Cod mourn the passing of Carl Beane

Written by on May 11, 2012
Danielle

Many in Red Sox Nation learned the sad news that Fenway Park public address announcer Carl Beane died after suffering a heart attack while driving his car in Sturbridge, MA. Beane, 59, had been the "Voice of Fenway Park" since the start of the 2003 season.

What many do not realize is Carl Beane's connection to the MS Challenge Walk Cape Cod. He's been a part of the Cocktails for a Cure Softball Tournament since 2007.

Carl Beane

John Scannell and Carl Beane at the 2010 Cocktails for a Cure MS softball tournament.


Cocktails for a Cure team member Amy Scannell met Carl Beane at an event at Fenway Park in 2007. Says Amy, "He was so approachable, kind, and easy to talk to. That year, and every year since, he was our special guest at the Cocktails for a Cure MS Softball Tournament. He would let the attendees try on the 2004 and 2007 World Series Championship Rings and take photos with everyone, too. He never asked for anything in return. He was a great friend of our team and a wonderful supporter of our cause. He will be missed."

Danielle was a Development Manager for the Greater New England Chapter of the National MS Society, managing MS Challenge Walk 2011 and 2012. Prior to joining the staff of the National MS Society, Danielle served as a crew team captain during the 2009 and 2010 MS Challenge Walks.

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