Ways to Give
Swimming with Sharks
Thousands of people across the United States are using their creativity and talents to forge unique Do It Yourself (DIY) fundraising events that raise awareness and critical funds in support of life-changing programs for people with MS and cutting-edge research. Last summer, devoted husband Keith Padien joined them.
"My wife Christina was diagnosed with MS shortly after our honeymoon in November of 2008," Padien, 37, explains. "We got involved with the Society after that, and participated in Challenge Walk MS in 2009 and 2011. However, this year I wanted to splash things up a bit."
An avid swimmer, it was an easy decision to combine swimming with his passion for MS advocacy. So in June 2014, Padien raced against 228 participants in Sharkfest, a 1.6-mile swim under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, to raise more than $32,000 for the MS movement.
A Few Fundraising Secrets
Padien shares a few insider secrets for anyone who is interested in hosting their own DIY event:
- Fundraising is a "contact sport." The more contacts you make, the more likely you are to raise money. Email everyone you know.
- Send email(s) when people are more likely to be in front of their computers. Monday mornings seemed to work best for Padien.
- Thank everyone (non-donors included) with a follow-up email. Include your fundraising results and pictures of the event.
Padien encourages anyone who wants to raise money or awareness for MS to find a personalized way to get involved. "If walking or biking for MS doesn't get your heart pumping, join us DIY folks and create your own event!" he says. "Your enthusiasm will be infectious, and I find people always seem happy to give to a good cause."
Visit www.DIYMS.org to find out how to support the MS movement your own way.
Megan O'Neal is a supporter of the National MS Society and has participated in the Challenge Walk MS for many years.Originally published in the Pacific South Coast MS Connection newsletter.