Fundraising

Where does the money go?
Of the funds raised, 40% of the proceeds are sent to the National MS Society to aid research efforts for the cause, cure and treatment of MS. The remaining 60% stays in our local area to provide programs and support to local people with MS and their families.

How much do I need to raise?
To help continue efforts to end the devastating effects of MS, riders are required to raise a minimum of $200. The average rider raises $750.

Incentives
By raising $400 or more, you will be eligible for fundraising awards like gift certificates and event apparel. Go way above and beyond by raising $20,000 and you can ride in the RTA Big Ride in Australia, which benefits the MS Society in Australia. Money must be turned in by Oct 15th.

VIBE (Very Important Biking Entrepreneurs)
VIBE members are cyclists who raise and turn in at least $1,000 by August 27th. VIBE's receive a cycling jersey that will identify them throughout the weekend. In addition, VIBE's will be catered to above and beyond the call of duty throughout the Tour. Interested cyclists must sign up to be a VIBE by August 1st.

Fundraising Tips

Set up a Personal Page Online
You can send your friends and family members a link to your very own Tour to Tanglewood webpage with your story, fundraising goal and picture. Click here to set up your page.

E-Pledges
Encourage your friends and family to make an online donation to your account. Click here for a link to e-pledges.

Matching Gifts
Does your company have a matching gifts program? If so, check off the box on the registration form. If not, inquire within your company about starting a matching gifts program. A matching gifts program is a great way to increase your pledges while showing your company's support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

In your registration packet will be a pledge envelope. Enclose the matching gifts form in the envelope and bring it with you to the MS Bike Tour.

More ideas...

• Make a list of family, friends, co-workers, and businesses that you will ask for a donation to ensure no one is forgotten
• Set a goal and tell people what it is
• Ask them to ride first, if they say no ask for the donation
• Ask for the donation in lieu of a birthday gift
• Hold a bake sale of donated goodies
• Buy doughnuts at the discounted fundraising price to sell at work, through your neighborhood or at children's sporting events
• Take breakfast orders to have delivered to co-workers at a profit
• Ask your company to make a donation
• If your business has heavy street traffic, ask customers to contribute their spare change
• Ask your company's vendors for a donation equal to 1% of the annual business you give them
• Have a dress-down day at work where employees pay to dress casual
• Ask businesses you frequent to donate gift certificates or other items and hold a raffle
• Babysitting
• Make and sell jewelry
• Wear an "Ask Me About the Tour" button
• Hold a used book/CD/tape sale
• Have a dinner party and ask guests to bring a donation
• Take out your neighbor's garbage, mow the lawn, etc. in exchange for a donation
• Car wash
• 50/50 raffle
• Hold a potluck at work and ask participants to donate what they would've spent on lunch
• Sponsor me letters and emails
• Put containers in breakrooms for spare change