Community support is critical to the fight against MS.  It is the continued generosity of donors and volunteers that allows the Central Virginia Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to help fund vital research and provide local services to improve the lives of people with MS and their families.  Every gift of time or money is vitally important to our work and is deeply appreciated.

Here are some of the ways in which you can help us end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis:

• Become a volunteer or intern with the chapter.

• Volunteer at one of our events.

• Secure your company's participation as a sponsor of one of our events, such as the MS 150 Bike Tour, or the MS Walk for Multiple Sclerosis.

• Raise money in the fight against MS by participating in the MS Walk for Multiple Sclerosis, the MS 150 Bike Tour, or one of our other special events.

• Make to the National MS Society, Central Virginia Chapter.  Donations are tax deductible and a gift of $25 or more entitles you to the Society's newsletters and magazines.

• Support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society through your company's Workplace Giving Campaign. 
• 
   
  - For federal employees, designate #0549 in the Combined Federal Campaign.
  - For state employees, look for "Multiple Sclerosis Society, National" in the Combined Virginia Campaign.
  - For private sector employees, designate #6049 in the United Way Campaign.
   
   If you cannot find our number, write in "National Multiple Sclerosis Society."  City employees should either check or write in "National Multiple Sclerosis Society."  Ask your company to match your personal donation.
   
• Consider the tax benefits of making one of the following planned gifts to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society:
•  
  Pooled Income Fund
  Gift Annuity Programs
  Charitable Trusts
  Gifts of Stock and Real Estate
  Gifts of Life Insurance
  Retirement Gifts
   
• Remember the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in your will.  Contact us for more information.

MS Walk & MS Bike Tours

Please refer to Calendar of Events for dates and event location.  Once you have found the event and volunteer role you would like to do, please fill out the event registration form.  Be sure to select the main position and secondary position choices that you would like to perform.

WE WILL TRAIN YOU!  Don't worry about performing a task.  All positions come with training at the volunteer training meeting or day-of-event training.  The positions are fun and easy.

We will make every effort to assign the position that you requested.  If the position you requested is full, then we may need to move you to another available location.  We appreciate your understanding in this matter.  Thank you in advance for making a difference in the lives of our friends affected by MS.

If you have any questions on volunteer positions, please contact the chapter .

Committee Membership:  Do you like working as a leader or team member?  Then here's your chance to shine.  Positions include:  participant recruitment, event logistics, and sponsorship development.

Accounting:  Do you like to count money?  Well, then here's a position just for you.  Contact to request detailed information on this position.

Registration:  Be the first to greet and cheer on our wonderful event participants.  Collect the participants' event materials, pass out route maps, and other event supplies.

Staging Set-Up or Break-Down: Do you like to be creative and work on a team?  Then this is the role for you!  You can either set-up and decorate staging area, or break-down the area.  Some areas require moving tables and boxes.

Finish Line Certificates:  Welcome our event participants back from their long trek by providing them with their finish line certificate.  Some certificates will need to be hand-written, so if you like to print, then you'll enjoy this position.

Cheering Squad:  Bring out your noise makers and warm smiles for our event participants' return.  The participants love to see and hear your welcoming hospitality as they cross the finish line.

Balloon Arch:  Have you ever wanted to know how to build a balloon arch?  Well, then here's your chance to learn.  Space is limited, so sign-up early to get in on this team program.

Team Challenge Booth:  Help team members get into their best team spirit by grouping them together, taking their photo, and then rating them as a group in the designated "Team Challenge" categories.

Medical Support:  Nurses, EMTs, and other health care providers are welcome to provide a little TLC, while ensuring the safety of our event participatns.  Locations and positions are available throughout the event.

A volunteer at the Virginia Dare Bike Tour.

Communication:  HAM radio operators, walkie-talkie, and cell phone communication volunteers are needed throughout the event.

MS Bike Tour Bike Mechanics:  Do you know how to change a tire, fix a patch, place a chain back on multi-speed bicycles, and adjust or fix brakes?  Then have we got a fun position for you!  If you are not representing a bike shop, then we'll supply you with the parts, but you need to bring your own tools.  If you have a bike shop, then this is a great opportunity to meet your consumers on a face-to-face level.

MS Walk & MS Bike Tours

Contact the chapter to request detailed information on these direct marketing opportunities.

Cash Underwriting:  Showcase your company or product to thousands of participants and through various levels of advertising.  Cash underwriting levels include:  the event presenter, support level, brochure, and/or T-shirt.

Rest Stop:  Highlight your company or product by interacting one-on-one with event participants.  Rest Stop Sponsors have an opportunity to purchase a rest stop or multiple rest stops for the day, decorate their booth, and cheer on event participants while showcasing their service.

Mile Marker:  Get immediate name recognition on the route by having your company's name posted.  You may choose the start/finish line of the route, or a mile/miles along the route.

Product and Service:  Do you have a new product that you would like to introduce to a targeted demographic group?  Then we may have the perfect match you are looking for.  Contact the chapter. By providing food, beverages, gifts, or supplies, your company or organization will reach thousands of customers. 

Dinner of Champions

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Dinner of Champions made its debut in 1972 and has grown in stature and sophistication across the country over the years.  The Dinner of Champions is a national campaign with more than 90 local chapters annually recognizing leading corporate, civic, academic, and sports figures for the image and contributions they make to their communities.  The Central Virginia Chapter has hosted the Dinner of Champions locally for over fourteen years and has raised over one million dollars.

Cash Underwriting:  Outstanding opportunity to interact with top local and national corporate leaders.  Cash sponsors have the opportunity to underwite costs of the dinner and receive recognition in printed materials and at the dinner itself.

Product and Service:  Opportunities are available to present your product or service to a demonstrated consumer group.  By providing goods such as flowers, dinner favors, food, or services (such as photography), your organization will be featured before hundreds of influential community leaders.

to request information on linking your organization with this successful corporate dinner.