Challenge Walk MS
3 Days, 50 Miles (30-mile option available)
September 19-21, 2014
Door County, Wisconsin

Fees and Donations
Registration fees and all donations are non-refundable and non-transferable. The minimum pledge is $1,500.

Fundraising Deadline
The minimum pledge of $1,500 must be submitted by AUGUST 20 in order to participate.
The fundraising deadline is SEPTEMBER 30.
Promise to Pay

Food & Lodging Information
All walkers and super crew stay at Alpine Resort & Golf in Door County's Egg Harbor.   

Check-in
Challenge Walk MS check-in opens Thursday at 5:30 and Friday morning at 6 a.m. At this time, you will receive your Welcome Bag which includes your walker number, meal wristband, weekend itinerary, route maps and safety information, half-day bag and other weekend information.

The Route
Challenge Walk MS will guide you through the historic Door County Peninsula along designated daily routes. The walk will be a scenic experience that you can enjoy with your Challenge Walk MS companions. Rest stops every three miles will provide you with everything you need to make your walk a success! The route will also be staffed with plenty of support vehicles and medical staff. Challenge Walk MS is the ultimate experience you will never forget. 

Weather
Challenge Walk MS will take place rain or shine … so be prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings!

Massage Information
Licensed massage therapists will be on site at the Resort throughout the weekend to provide therapeutic and relaxing massages. No reservation required for 15-minute massages.

Half-day Bags
This is a small bag or back pack you wish to have transported each day from the start line to lunch then to the finish line. You may wish to pack a change of socks, shoes, shirt or any item you may want to access at lunch or the finish line.

Where to Send Donations:
Rather than mailing donations, please consider online donations via the website. This saves processing costs.

Medical Insurance
All participants must have valid medical health insurance to participate in Challenge Walk MS. You will be required to fill out a medical questionnaire, provide your medical health insurance information and sign a medical waiver prior to the event.

Minors
All walkers must be at least 12 years of age. All participants under age 18 must have a signed and notarized waiver completed. All participants under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent/responsible adult (at least 21 years of age) at all times.

Identification
All participants will be issued walker credentials at check-in that must be worn throughout the entire event. Credentials allow use of route support, such as rest stops, and entry into the restaurant for meals.

Pets
Pets are not allowed at Challenge Walk MS. (Registered service animals are accepted.)

Safety is the #1 Priority
We do everything we can to ensure the safety of all participants. We expect that all participants will personally assume the responsibility of safety for themselves and fellow walkers.

FAQs ABOUT THE WALK

Q:  Will there be massages available after the walk each day?

A:  Yes, professional massage therapists will be on site at Alpine Resort on Friday and Saturday to provide free 15-minute walk-in massages or reserved 30 minute massages.

Q:  I can't cheer on my walker at the walk. What can I do?

A: Give your walker or volunteer a Letter of Inspiration to cheer them on during the weekend. Chapter staff will deliver them for you. Complete an online form or mail your note or card to the Wisconsin Chapter office at 1120 James Drive, Suite A, Hartland, WI 53029. 

Q:  What is Multiple Sclerosis?

A:  With more than 10,000 children, women and men diagnosed, Wisconsin has one of the higher incidence rates of MS in the U.S. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. It usually strikes adults between the ages of 20 and 50, but children now represent the fastest-growing MS population. More than twice as many women as men have MS. Symptoms may be mild such as numbness in the limbs, or severe enough to cause paralysis and blindness. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted, but with the support of the National MS Society donors and volunteers, advances in research and treatment are giving hope to those affected by the disease.

Q:  What is the National MS Society?

A:  The National Multiple Sclerosis Society helps more people who have MS and funds more MS research than any private, voluntary MS organization in the world. The Society’s mission is to mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. The Wisconsin Chapter funds research and provides services and educational programming to support approximately 11,000 children, women and men statewide who have been diagnosed with MS. Nearly 80 cents of every dollar raised by the Society supports the mission.

Q:  What if I have more questions about Challenge Walk MS?

A:  Call or e-mail the Wisconsin Chapter at 800-242-3358 or info.wisMS@nmss.org.

Blue Line

GENERAL INFORMATION

Q: How old do you have to be to participate in Challenge Walk MS?

A: Anyone age 12 and older can participate in Challenge Walk MS. All participants under age 18 must have a notarized waiver signed by a guardian. And all participants under age 18 must also be accompanied by an adult throughout the event.

Q: What are the volunteer options for Challenge Walk MS?

A:There are two volunteer options for Challenge Walk MS:

  • Super Crew Members: These are a group of dedicated volunteers who pay the $125 registration fee and commit to the $1,500 pledge minimum and receive all the same benefits as Walkers. However, while they may opt to walk portions of the route including the Victory Walk to the finish line, Super Crew Members are dedicated volunteers who also provide assistance in a variety of capacities throughout the event.
  • Crew Members: These volunteers handle a variety of important assignments during Challenge Walk MS. While they are not required to pay the registration fee or fundraise, there are perks for those who do. Crew members who raise $750 receive overnight lodging on Friday and Saturday at the Alpine Resort plus a ticket to Friday’s celebration dinner. Those who raise $1,500 and pay the $125 registration fee move to Super Crew Member status and receive all Challenge Walk MS benefits.

Q: How many miles do we walk each day?

A: Challenge Walk MS participants walk 20 miles on Friday, 20 miles on Saturday and 10 miles on Sunday to complete the 50-mile event. A 30-mile option is available, whereby participants walk 10 miles each day.

Q: If I am in a scooter or wheelchair, can I still participate in Challenge Walk MS?

A: Absolutely! The route and Alpine Resort are fully accessible.

Q: What do we eat during Challenge Walk MS?

A: Challenge Walk MS is a fully-supported event. When it comes to meals and snacks, the Wisconsin Chapter has you covered! There are abundant snacks at rest stops located every three miles along the route, and at the Resort. Walkers and Super Crew also enjoy complimentary meals including two breakfasts, three lunches and two celebration dinners. (We recommend you bring any supplemental foods you may need for the three-day weekend if you have special dietary needs).

Q: What if I start and cannot complete 50 miles?

A: Do not worry. Recognizing that the personal physical challenge is different for each participant, the Chapter does not track your miles. SAG (Support And Gear) vehicles also regularly patrol the route to ensure your safety. If at any time you need a lift to the next rest stop or the finish location, just signal a SAG driver.

Q: What should I plan to carry with me when I’m walking?

A: We require that you carry water and identification with you at all times on the route. We also recommend carrying sun block, body-glide and any other toiletries you need while walking. Half-day bags will be available to transport other items to you at the lunch stop and finish line.

Q: Can I bring my dog?

A: With the exception of assistance animals, dogs are not allowed to participate in Challenge Walk MS.

Q: Is Challenge Walk MS a race?

A: Challenge Walk MS is not a race. It is a fully-supported event. Each day begins with a mass start, and then participants walk at their own pace. Routes close on Friday and Saturday between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday’s route closes mid-day prior to the Victory Walk to the finish line.

Q: What if I have already started fundraising but need to cancel my registration?

A: Because you registered for the event to raise funds to move the Society’s mission forward, the Wisconsin Chapter will accept your funds-raised-to-date as a donation and will provide the appropriate tax receipt. 

Q: If I have family and friends who want to support Challenge Walk MS but don’t want to walk, are there opportunities for them to participate in the event?

A: Absolutely! Encourage your family and friends to sign up to be Super Crew or Crew members. Crew members, for instance, are the backbone of Challenge Walk MS. They drive vehicles, run rest stops, deliver luggage and more. For more information about Super Crew, Crew and other volunteer positions at Challenge Walk MS, contact the Wisconsin Chapter at 800-242-3358. Those who can't be there are welcome to send a letter of inspiration to the Wisconsin Chapter and we will deliver it to you during the weekend.

Q: Is there a deadline for fundraising?

A: The minimum pledge of $1,500 must be submitted by AUGUST 21 in order to participate. The fundraising deadline is SEPTEMBER 30. Promise to Pay form 

Q: I registered for Challenge Walk MS as an individual. Can I still form a team?

A: No problem! Training and fundraising is often easier and more fun when you have team members to help. Contact the Wisconsin Chapter at 800-242-3358 or info.wisms@nmss.org and we’ll help sign you up as a Team Captain.

Q: Where can we stay on the Thursday night before the event?

Those interested in staying at Alpine Resort Thursday night are welcome to at their own expense. Contact Jamie Baker at 262-369-4435 or jamie.baker@nmss.org. A credit card will be required to reserve your room.

Blue Line

MY PARTICIPANT CENTER AND COMPUTER QUESTIONS

Q: I forgot my Username and Password.

A: Keep in mind when entering this information, your Username and Password are case sensitive.  Click here to retrieve your Username and Password (you will receive an e-mail with this information). If you still have problems, please contact us at 800-242-3358 or info.wisMS@nmss.org.

Q: How do I change my Username and/or Password?

A: First, login to the site using your current Username and Password. Once logged in, you will see a link at the top of the page called Update My Profile. Click on this and you will be able to change your contact information, e-mail address, Username and Password. All changes will be made to your account immediately. There is no need to sign in again.

Q: How do I unsubscribe from e-mail?

A: At the bottom of each Challenge Walk MS e-mail, there is a message stating: Click here to unsubscribe from the e-mail message. Click this link and follow the instructions provided to unsubscribe. Please be aware that important information about Challenge Walk MS is distributed via e-mail. Unsubscribing means you may not receive this information. If you are concerned about the e-mails you are receiving from the Wisconsin Chapter, please call 800-242-3358 and ask to speak to someone about modifying your e-mail preferences.

Q: What is a Personal Page?

A: A Personal Page is an online promotional tool you can use when asking your family and friends to join your team or sponsor you by making a donation. When you sign up for Challenge Walk MS online, a Personal Page will automatically be created for you. You have the option to customize the layout of your page with personal images, text and even your favorite colors. Studies show that a compelling, customized Personal Page attracts and engages supporters. Be sure to update your Personal Page each year. It does not automatically update.

Q: How do I change my personal fundraising goal?

A: First, login to your Participant Center. On the bottom right-hand side of the Participant Center home page, you will find the area where you can enter a new fundraising goal and submit the update.

Q: How do I change my team name, team division or team goal?

A: Only the team captain has the ability to change the team name or team division. The team captain will need to login to her/his Participant Center and click the “My Team Progress” button on the top right-hand side of the page. On the Team Progress page, team captains can update name, division and goal information.

Q: What is the difference between making my Personal Page public or private?

A: By default, your Personal Page is public meaning your name will appear in the participant search list, and anyone accessing the site will be able to support you. Setting your Personal Page to private means your name will not appear in the participant search list, and only people you personally invite will be able to support you.

Q: How can I see who has donated to me?

A: Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Participant Center and click the My Progress tab. You will be able to see your donor list and corresponding contributions.

Q: What is an unconfirmed gift?

A: One exciting feature of your Participant Center is that it allows you to record cash or checks that someone has promised you. The system adds these offline gifts to fundraising amounts that display on your Personal Page, My Progress page and Team Page (if you are a member of a team). All cash, checks and pay-later gifts that you enter are unconfirmed until the Wisconsin Chapter receives payment and marks them confirmed. Credit card gifts are confirmed immediately. To make sure we accurately confirm offline gifts, it’s extremely important that you follow the directions when entering cash, checks or pay-later gifts into your gift summary.

Q: How can I see who is on my team (Team captains only)?

A: Log-in to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Walk Center and click the Team Progress tab. You will be able to see your team roster and the amounts raised by each team member.

Q: How do I change the team message (Team captains only)?

A: Go to your Participant Center and click the Update Message to Team button. This will allow you to make all necessary changes to your team message.

 Blue Line

DONATIONS

Q: How do I turn in donations?

A: Please do not mail cash contributions. You can write out a personal check for any cash you receive, but please remember to list the name of the cash donors and the amount each person gave on a separate sheet of paper enclosed with the check. You can mail or drop off your donations* at the Wisconsin Chapter office: 1120 James Drive, Suite A, Hartland, WI 53029.

*Checks should be made out to the National MS Society. Please remember to include a note that states whose account should receive credit for the donations.

Q: What if my donors need a receipt?

A: Individuals who make an online donation via the website will receive an e-mail confirmation that can be used for tax purposes. Offline check or credit card contributions that are received and made out to the National MS Society for $250 or more will receive a thank you letter from the Wisconsin Chapter that can be used for tax purposes. Here is a PDF thank your receipt for less than a $250 donation.

Q: What can I do to make sure my donations are credited to my account?

A: Please make sure that your name is written in the memo line on all checks and/or include a note with your name and the mailing address you used when you registered.

Q: How do I get a copy of your 501(c)(3) letter and/or tax ID number?

A: Please call us at 800-242-3358 or e-mail info.wisMS@nmss.org to receive a copy of this letter.

Q: Are donations tax deductible?

A: All donations are tax deductible in the same calendar year your donation was processed to the extent allowed by law. Please work with your tax professional to determine what deductions you are eligible for.

Q: Are registration fees tax deductible?

A: No, registration fees are not tax deductible.

Q: Can I send a money order or cashier’s check?

A: Yes, we accept money orders and cashier’s checks for donation and registration fees.

 


 

Live Events


Please check back as events are added regularly!