Thoughts about Giving

Your Time is Treasured

By Bruce Makous

We are very grateful to everyone who generously contributes to MSAA! Your gifts help us to help people living with multiple sclerosis.

Some very involved supporters contribute not only funds but also their time as MSAA volunteers. They find opportunities to help us with our programs for people living with multiple sclerosis, whether it's by hosting a local fundraising event, serving as an MSAA ambassador, serving on the national Board of Directors, or becoming involved in a regional MSAA function.

The most popular forms of volunteer involvement have been through local fundraising events. One type of event that has really skyrocketed in popularity in recent years has been our Swim for MS™ fundraiser. Swimmers all across the country have been conducting events at their local pool facilities and recruiting sponsors for their efforts.

David Poskin from Kansas conducted a model Swim for MS™ campaign. Last summer, he pledged to swim 50 miles between July 1 and Labor Day. He achieved his goal and attracted gifts from 58 supporters! It was a great, successful fundraiser.

Friends and supporters nationwide have come up with many other creative concepts for events, including golf tournaments, bake sales, luncheons, dinners, and carnivals. Students hold car washes for MSAA and teachers have dress-down days. Many engaged couples have arranged to make contributions to MSAA in place of wedding favors at their receptions. (Please see the advertisement on the inside front cover of this issue of The Motivator.)

There are a number of types of volunteer opportunities in addition to fundraising events. Programs that invite your involvement include our Public Education Ambassadors, regional volunteers, Resource Detectives, President's Circle Advisory Council, and others. We are looking for volunteers who want to help MSAA achieve its mission, by raising funds and awareness. If you would like to become more involved with MSAA, please contact Malcolm Friend at (800) 532-7667, extension 117, or go to support.mymsaa.org/volunteer and register your interest.

This type of assistance helps MSAA deliver its programs and services that enrich the quality of life for everyone living with MS. For your enthusiastic involvement as a volunteer, we are extremely grateful.

If you have thoughts about giving, please feel free to contact Neal Zoren at (800) 532-7667, extension 128, or email nzoren@mymsaa.org.

MSAA Volunteers Make a Splash by Organizing Swim Fundraisers

Natalie Domeisen of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, organized a swim fundraiser with more than 50 of her friends participating.

David Poskin of Lenexa, Kansas, has raised over $3,500 for MSAA through his swim fundraiser.

President's Circle Reception at Madame Tussaud's in New York

On January 29, 2010, MSAA hosted a President's Circle recognition event at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum in New York City to honor our many supporters in the area. This provided a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the individuals who have been helping MSAA through their volunteer efforts, as well as our generous financial supporters.

Romance and mystery novelist Laura Bradford (right) of Mohegan Lake, New York, diagnosed in 2007, delivers remarks at the President's Circle Reception in New York. In her talk, Laura shared her thoughts about major watershed moments in life, including the moment when you hear the words, "You have MS." In the photo at left, President's Circle Chair Ross Maclean (left) and Board Chair Eric Simons thank Kelly Donovan of Brooklyn for serving as a Public Education Ambassador in the area.

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