National Multiple Sclerosis Society Event on May 10th

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

        The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is kicking off the 20th Anniversary of the "Walk MS" fundraiser event in Colorado.  I am participating in this event as a member of the Loveland Rotary Club Team, and I am asking you to join me by making a contribution to support our efforts, and/or by participating with me on walk day. The event will be held on Saturday, May 10th in the new Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra.  State Senator Steve Johnson has kindly agreed to give a welcoming message and to act as Honorary "Starter" of the Walk at about 9:00 am.

        The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of MS.  They simultaneously fund research for a cure while also helping people who currently live with MS lead more fulfilling lives.  I believe in the work they do, and I invite you to see for yourself all the good they've done for the community by joining me on walk day.  More than 400,000 Americans live with MS, and your support can, and will, make changes in their lives.  Colorado is a "hot-spot" for MS in the USA and I am sure many of you have colleagues, or family members, who have this disease.

        You can make a secure online donation at my Walk MS personal page, or, join me on the day of the event.  Become a participant and we can work together to raise the funds to make a difference.  If you prefer to give a check please make it payable to "NMSS" and I will forward it to the MS Society office.

       Last year a few of you asked about the "efficiency" of the National MS Society, and how much of their money comes into Colorado.  I have found that the MS Society is among the better charities based on how much of every $1 raised is spent on programs, not on overhead and fundraising -- that number is about $0.87.  This compares favorably with other major charities (March of Dimes: $0.77; Alzheimer's Assocn: $0.78; Susan G. Komen [Breast Cancer]: $0.83; ASPCA: $0.81.  Data from Charity Navigator - see below)  The National MS Society has made several major grants to researchers in Colorado, including the U. Colo. Health Science Ctr at Fitzsimons in Aurora, National Jewish in Denver, and the Rocky Mountain MS Center.  Grants to Colorado researchers currently total over $2.3 million.

        Once again this year, the Rotary Club Officers and Directors have agreed that the Club will match your contributions to the extent of $1 for every $4 donated. Therefore, an $8 donation is worth $10 to the MS Society.  I hope all of you will consider making a contribution, however large or small.

        While I am away in March, please pass any contributions to Phil Farley or Lynn Matson.

        Sincerely,

        David Blythin;  e-mail:  blythind@comcast.net;   tel:  970-667-1008

Here are three useful links (they may not be active links - if you are interested, please copy the address and paste it into your browser):

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Walk/COCWalkEvents?px=3243300&pg=personal&fr_id=8927       My Home Page -- sign up or contribute

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=HOM_RES_homepage     Information on current MS research projects

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4189       Evaluation of the National MS Society by Charity Navigator