5 Things You (Probably) Don’t Know About Challenge Walk MS

1. There are eight Challenge Walk MS locations in the U.S. including Cape Cod, Washington, D.C., San Diego and, yes, Door County.
2. You can choose to walk 30 miles (10 miles per day) instead of 50.
3. It’s an all-inclusive weekend for walkers and super crew members; meaning your meals, accommodations and evening entertainment are provided.
4. Each day’s route takes walkers along some of Door County’s most scenic settings and well-known attractions, and themed rest stops are located every three miles along the way.
5. A new Bring-A-Buddy incentive will make it even easier to recruit friends and family to join you. Watch for details in early 2014!

Make 2014 the year you join the Challenge Walk MS community of spirit and strength. Register today.

Want to know more about what the Challenge Walk MS experience is all about? Check out the Challenge Walk MS blog, written by event participants. 

Training T-shirts
Let everyone know you’re up to the challenge. Every registered Challenge Walk MS walker receives a free 2014 Challenge Walk MS training T-shirt. They will be mailed beginning in January.

Challenge Walk MS Supports Research Into Myelin Repair
A Wisconsin company was among those to recently receive part of a $7 million commitment by the National MS Society to support 15 new research projects focusing on myelin protection and repair. That grant and others like it are supported by funds raised in part through Challenge Walk MS.

Make the Most of the Holidays
The holidays are the perfect time to share your Challenge Walk MS goal with family and friends. Be sure you’re ready to receive any donations they want to make by being a registered participant. Click here to sign up today.

Personalized Participant Pages
Every Challenge Walk MS walker and Super Crew member gets a participant page on the Challenge Walk MS website, challengewalkMSwi.org. A template is provided, and personalizing that page can drive your success even higher. Here’s a great example from veteran Challenge Walk MS walker (and volunteer photographer) Diane Thompson. Contact the Chapter at 262-369-4400 or 800-242-3358 if you need assistance setting up or personalizing your participant or team page.

Tips for Successful Fundraising
For many, the idea of raising the $1,500 minimum fundraising requirement is what puts the “challenge” in Challenge Walk MS. But as the 48 participants who raised $2,500 or more in 2013 can tell you, it may easier than you think. Here are four tips to help you get started:

1. Make a pledge first. Asking others to support your effort is easier when you can show that you’ve made a commitment too. (Studies show that people who self-pledge and fundraise wind up with a contribution that is 2½ times larger than those who only fundraise.)
2. Ask in person. Nothing works as well as a face-to-face conversation.
3. Ask for a specific amount. Suggest an amount that will help you reach your goal.
4. Just ask. “Could you donate $___?” No one can say yes unless you ask! 

Have Ideas? Join the Committee.
Marketing. The Challenge Walk MS silent auction. In-kind sponsorships. Whatever your specialty or interest, there’s a position on the Challenge Walk MS 2014 Planning Committee for you. Contact Ashley Wissinger, development coordinator for volunteers and outreach, at (262) 369-4426 or ashley.wissinger@nmss.org for details.

National MS Society-Wisconsin Chapter
1120 James Drive |  Suite A  |  Hartland, WI 53029
800.242.3358  |  262.369.4400  |  info.wisMS@nmss.org |  wisMS.org