|
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Walk
General
About My Participant Center
ABOUT THE WALK
How do I get to the start sites and finish line?
Do I have to choose my distance before the day of the walk?
No, you may decide that day how far you walk.
If I'm on a team, do I register differently?
Team captains must register first. Even if you're on a team, you must register individually. Your donations are calculated separately. A team total is calculated automatically.
How long will it take to finish the Walk MS: Christopher & Banks Walk 2009?
The average person walks two to three miles per hour. Select a route based on how far and long you want to walk. You can make this decision at the event.
What do I need to bring?
Bring a completed and signed walker check-in envelope and pledges you’ve collected. Your check-in envelope is mailed to you if you register before April 30.
How do I turn in pledges?
We recommend turning in pledges right away. The faster you turn in your pledges, the faster the MS Society can begin putting those pledges to good work. Don’t hold on to checks! Mail them in with a deposit slip included in this packet or download online. Deposit slips are available for download on the event details page. Use one deposit slip per mailing and send it to:
MS Society/Walk MS,
200 12th Ave. S.,
Minneapolis, MN 55415.
Online pledges are automatically credited to your account. Include remaining pledges in your check-in envelope and bring it with you on May 3. This envelope also serves as your waiver. Prize redemption is only based on total pledges turned in on or before May 3.
When will I receive my prize[s]?
The official Walk MS: Christopher & Banks Walk 2009 T-shirt and long-sleeve T-shirt will be available at the event. We try to order correct sizes. If your size is unavailable, prize volunteers will take your information, and we will mail one to you after the event. You selected your gift card choice when registering. Gift cards will be mailed six to eight weeks after the event. Prizes are based on money turned in on or before May 3.
Do I raise money based on how far I walk?
No. Ask your donors for a flat donation. Ask BIG. You'll be surprised how much you'll raise simply by asking.
What if I cannot finish the entire route?
There will be transportation along the route to bring participants back to the start/finish site.
What if there is inclement weather?
Like the effects of MS go on, so do we — rain, snow or shine. Please dress in layers accordingly.
Can I bring my dog to the event?
Because of the large number of people present, we strongly discourage pets at Walk MS. If you bring your dog, make sure it is not agitated by large groups and noise. Keep your pet on a leash. Attention Twin Cities walkers: Due to risk management, dogs are no longer allowed on our shuttle buses unless they are service dogs. If you have more questions, contact us at specialevents@mssociety.org or 800-582-5296.
GENERAL
How will the MS Society know how much I have in online pledges?
Online pledges automatically are credited to your account. However, we will not have access to that information on the day of the event, so make sure to check your online total before the event and include the total on your walker check-in envelope.
Do I need to raise money? Isn't my attendance enough support?
Walk MS is a fundraiser. Money raised supports people with MS and their families throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. It costs the MS Society approximately $25 per walker to execute the event. While we do our best to secure donations, there are still expenses like Port-o-Potties, permit fees and dumpster rentals. Help us defer these costs by collecting as many donations as you can.
Where do my pledges go?
The Minnesota Chapter represents an estimated 9,000 people with MS in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The chapter provides educational and support programs across the area for people with MS and their caregivers, families and friends. Seventy-five percent of the pledges you raise through Walk MS help support research and provide direct services and programs for people with MS.
I forgot my User name and Password.
Your username and password are case sensitive. Find your password. You will receive an e-mail with your username and password. If you still have problems, please contact us.
How do I change my Username and/or Password?
Login using your username and password. Once logged in, you will see an "Update My Profile" link at the top of the page. In your profile you will be able to change your contact information, e-mail address, username and password. Changes will be made immediately. There is no need to sign in again.
How do I unsubscribe from e-mail?
Toward 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.
ABOUT MY PARTICIPANT CENTER
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 by making a donation. Once you sign up for an event online, by default, a personal page is 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, a default personal page is 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 Participant 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 type or team goal?
Only the team captain has the ability to change the team name or team type. The team captain will need to login to his or her Participant 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, type and goal.
How can I see who has pledged me or made a donation to my account?
Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Participant Center and click the "My Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your donor list and any amounts that were donated.
How can I see who is on my team?
Log in to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Participant Center and click the "Team Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your team roster and the amounts raised by each team member.
How do I change a team message?
Simply go to your Participant 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.
What is an unconfirmed gift?
One exciting feature of your Participant Center allows you to record cash or checks that someone has given or promised you. The system adds these offline gifts to fundraising amounts that display on your Personal Page, My Progress page and Team Page, if you are a member of a team. All cash, check and pay-later gifts that you enter are unconfirmed until the MS Society receives payment and marks them confirmed. Credit card gifts are confirmed immediately. To make sure we accurately confirm offline gifts, it’s extremely important that you follow specific rules when entering cash, checks or pay-later gifts into your gift summary. Read the rules.
How do I find my id number?
It is the eight digit number above your name on all mailings you receive from the National MS Society. Still can't find it? Contact us. | 
