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Frequently Asked Questions
About the Challenge Walk MS Event
About My Participant Center
Donations
ABOUT THE CHALLENGE WALK MS EVENT
What is the Challenge Walk?
This is the greatest walk you will ever take: 2 days, 30 miles, closer to a cure! Challenge Walk MS pushes you to exceed what you think are your limits, physically and philanthropically. Challenge Walk MS is a 30-mile, 2-day walk benefiting MS education, support, advocacy, and research through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. It’s not about being athletic, it’s about showing compassion. Join our commitment to raise funds for and awareness of a disease that affects thousands of families in our area. Join our commitment to end this devastating disease. Join our commitment on this life-changing journey...Challenge Walk MS.
When and Where is the Challenge Walk?
The walk spans two days, the weekend of October 16-17, 2010, in the scenic Brandywine Valley and historic Philadelphia.
The terrain throughout the event is mostly paved, with some hills. The National MS Society supports walkers every step of the way! People of all mobility levels are provided accessible options for the Challenge Walk.
Who is organizing the Challenge Walk?
The Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of the National MS Society, with the help of many volunteers, is organizing Challenge Walk MS. We have a longstanding history of producing stellar bike rides and the fantastic Walk MS. We work hard to make sure your experience in Challenge Walk MS is safe, fun, exciting and rewarding!
How can I participate?
You can join the movement by walking, crewing, or volunteering! There is an early bird registration fee for walkers and crew of $35 until January 31, $55 until March 3. The registration fee will increase on March 4 to it’s regular fee of $75. This commits walkers to the Challenge of walking 30 miles and raising $1,500 or more. Register online, through e-mail, or by calling 1-800-883-WALK.
How do I register?
Click here to register online or call 800-883-WALK.
What is the minimum donation required?
Walkers pay the registration fee and are required to raise at least $1,500. Crew must also pay the registration fee and there is a suggested fundraising minimum of $200.
Why is there a fundraising minimum?
The primary goal of the Challenge Walk MS Event is to raise funds to support people living with MS. By raising funds, you are helping the National MS Society support vital medical research and local programs for the 11,000 area residents in our chapter area.
How do I start my own team?
It’s very simple! When you register, you will have the ability to start a team and serve as the team captain or join an existing team. If you opt to register as an individual, you may still create or join a team at any time before the event. To do so, please contact us.
Where do the funds from the Challenge Walk MS Events go?
Multiple sclerosis stops people from moving. We exist to make sure it doesn’t.
The National MS Society uses the funds raised through Challenge Walk MS to fuel medical research and provide more services than any other organization in the world. We help local people through essential direct services that empower and increase independence, including:
- Specialized MS clinics
- Education and information
- Home/vehicle modifications
- Emergency financial assistance
- Medical supplies
- Home care
- Support groups
- Family programs
What if I want to fundraise but I don't want to participate? Will I still have access to these tools?
Yes, you can register as a virtual challenge walker or a volunteer and have access to the same fundraising tools!
What kind of support does the Society offer to walkers?
The Challenge Walk MS Participant Guide (PDF) helps you create a successful training regimen. Optional training walks help you get in shape while getting to know your fellow walkers. At the event, expect a fully stocked rest stop every three to four miles, offering fruit, snacks, water, fluid-replacement drinks, port a potties and the support of the Temple School of Podiatric Medicine. If necessary, support vehicles patrolling the route will give you a lift to the next rest stop or to the finish.
Where do I sleep?
Walkers stay at Double Tree Hotel Wilmington. Housing forms are sent out in late July.
What if I have more questions about the event?
Call or e-mail Sarah Talasnik at 1-800-548-4611 x133 or challengewalk@pae.nmss.org.
ABOUT MY PARTICIPANT CENTER
I forgot my Username and Password.
Remember that your username and password are case sensitive. Click here to find your password. You will receive an e-mail with your username and password. If you still have problems, please contact us at challengewalk@pae.nmss.org.
How do I change my Username and/or Password?
First, log in to the site using your username and password. Once logged in you will see a link at the top of the page called "Update My Profile." Once in your profile, 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.
How do I unsubscribe from e-mail?
Towards the bottom of each e-mail message there is a link stating, "Click Here to Unsubscribe from this E-mail Message." Click this link and follow the instructions given to unsubscribe.
What is a Personal Page?
A personal page is an online promotional tool for your use when asking your friends and family to join your team or sponsor you. Once you sign up for an event online, by default, you will have a personal page created for you. You have the option of personalizing this page by going to your Participant Center. You will be able to customize images, text and the style/color layout of the page.
By default I have a personal page, do I have to change it?
Once you sign up for an event online, by default, you will have a personal page created for you. A compelling personal page attracts and engages supporters. While you can spread the word using customized e-mail solicitations, your personal campaign page can be your own creative expression of your commitment to the cause. Customize your page by selecting the layout and style that work best for you. Utilize the elements of text, photo and status indicators to their fullest advantage.
How do I change my personal fundraising goal?
First, you will need to login to your Participant Center. On the bottom right side of the Walk Center home page is the location to modify your personal fundraising goal. Enter your new goal and submit the changes.
How do I change my team name, team division or team goal?
Only the team captain has the ability to change the team name or team division. The team captain will need to login to his/her walk center and click the "My Team Progress" button on the top right. On the Team Progress page, team captains will have the ability to update the team name, division and goal.
How can I see who has donated to me?
Log in to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Walk Center and click the "My Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your donor list and any amounts having been donated.
How can I see who is on my team?
Log in to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Walk Center and click the "Team Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your team roster and the amounts raised by each team member.
What is a team message?
Simply go to your Walk Center and click the "Update Message to Team" button. This will allow you to make all necessary changes to your team message.
What is the difference between making my personal page private or public?
By default, a 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.
DONATIONS
How do I turn in donations?
Please do not mail in cash contributions. You can write out a personal check for any cash you receive. To turn in your contribution, you can mail or drop off your donations* at the chapter office:
Challenge Walk MS
1 Reed Street, Suite 200
Philadelphia, PA 19147
*Checks should be made out to the National MS Society. Please put your name on the memo line of each check.
Can I use FedEx, UPS or Certified Mail to turn in my donations?
Yes, at your discretion, you may use the above methods to turn in your donations. Please use the chapter office address:
Challenge Walk MS
1 Reed Street, Suite 200
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Why is PAE Anonymous listed as a donor on my pledge report?
If we receive an offline contribution that does not include the donors name and mailing address, it will be credited to your account under the name PAE Anonymous. To update this information, please email challengewalk@pae.nmss.org.
What if my donors need a receipt?
Sponsors who make an online donation via our 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 $100 or more will receive a thank you letter from us that can be used for tax purposes. You can request receipts for other contributions here.
I mailed a donation to the National MS Society but it’s not listed on my pledge list.
Please allow 10-15 business days for processing. If the donation does not appear after 15 business days, please contact us at 800-883-WALK or challengewalk@pae.nmss.org.
What can I do to make sure my donations are credited to my account?
Please make sure that your name is written in the memo line on all checks and/or include a note with your name and mailing address you used when you registered.
Can I send in donations for more than one walker in one envelope?
Yes, but please be very specific as to how the donations should be credited. The more information you provide the faster we can process your donations.
Can I mail in cash?
No, please don’t send in cash. For any cash donations you receive, please deposit the contribution into your checking account and send in a personal check. You can request receipts for cash contributions here.
What happens to the donations if I can no longer participate in the event?
All registration fees and donations are non-returnable and non-transferable. Your donations allow the National MS Society to fund vital medical research and support over 11,000 local residents in the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter living with MS, regardless of your participation in the event.
How do I get a copy of your 501(c)(3) letter and/or tax id number?
Please contact us to receive a copy of this letter.
Are donations tax deductible?
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.
Are registrations fees tax deductible?
Registrations fees are not tax deductible.
Can I send a money order or cashier’s check?
Yes, we accept money orders and cashier’s checks for donations and registration fees.
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