Conference Call #2 Recap

The second Challenge Walk MS conference call was held August 14 at 6 p.m. Highlights are as follows:

Numbers Update: Currently 124 walkers, 13 Super Crew members and 29 crew members are registered. Ten walkers and a crew member have registered since last month’s conference call! Keep recruiting friends and family members to join the event or donate. The goal is 155 walkers and $415,000 raised.

Celebration Club: This is your year to become part of the Celebration Club, a special designation for those who secure $2,500 or more in pledges. You earn different incentives at each level: Bronze: $2,500 to $4,999; Silver: $5,000 to $9,999; Gold: $10,000 or more.

Massage Reservations Massage therapists from Signature Body & Mind Solutions provide massages on Friday and Saturday afternoon and evening. No reservations required, though advanced reservations can be made online. Cost is $1/minute.

Commemorative Wear: A special Challenge Walk MS “souvenir,” this wearable item is available for purchase to commemorate your participation in the event. A different item is made available each year and are sold through the Wisconsin Chapter website. This year’s item is a lightweight jacket with lower front zippered pockets, and a back vent and mesh lining for breathability. Orders must be placed online at challengewalkMSwi.org by September 11. Jackets will be available for pick up at Challenge Walk MS and cost $30 each.

Rooming: Chapter staff will call all participants at the end of this month or beginning of September to let you know what cabin or room has been reserved for you and who you will be staying with. There is an incremental cost for those who plan to stay over Thursday night; lodge rooms start at $79.00 (plus tax). Let the Chapter office know by  Friday, August 30 if you need a room for Thursday night.

Thursday Night – Registration, Meet ‘n’ Greet: Most participants arrive Thursday night and participate in the Meet ‘n’ Greet, where you can drop off auction items; meet other walkers, Super Crew and crew members; and check out the “wine pull” (you pay a flat amount and choose any of the wrapped bottles of wine set out for display – it’s a great way to raise a few extra dollars to support the MS Movement and get a tasty beverage for yourself to enjoy during the weekend). During the conference call, veteran participant Connie Plier added that coming Thursday is a big help because it’s easier to get settled in and get ready for the big walk in the morning.

Meals for family members, support team: Meals for Challenge Walk walkers and Super Crew are included as part of your fundraising and include breakfast, lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday, plus snacks throughout all three days. Family and support teams who are staying at the resort but aren’t participating can purchase meal tickets available online at challengewalkMSwi.org. Tickets can be purchased for specific meals or for the entire weekend. The prices are being confirmed.

Silent Auction: The silent auction is open Friday and Saturday evenings. Each Challenge Walk MS participant has the option of providing items, with the dollars raised going toward their fundraising totals. $50 minimum value per basket is requested. Basket description(s) are due by Friday, September 13. Email descriptions with estimated value to: jamie.baker@nmss.org, then drop your items off in the Lodge Thursday night or Friday before the walk begins. If you put a basket together, it’s suggested that you try to get the items donated instead of paying for them yourself. Special thanks to Marian and Hayley Rezel for volunteering to help run the auction. If you would like to help them, email jamie.baker@nmss.org.

Additional Reminders 

Medical Assistance will be available on site at Alpine for blisters, strained muscles, other needs before and after each day’s walk, and also along route. As one person on the conference call said, “The work they can do to prevent blisters is amazing!”

Letters of Inspiration Let family, friends, colleagues, church members or any group you belong to know they can send in letters, cards or notes for you to receive during the weekend. Suggest it to anyone who says they can’t be there or can’t donate. Letters need to be received at the Chapter office by September 13. Email jamie.baker@nmss.org or have them sent to 1120 James Dr., Ste. A, Hartland, 53029, attn: Jamie Baker.

Your Photos and Quotes Each year we like to share a photo of each participant and a quote about why you are part of Challenge Walk. Send your photo and quote via email before the end of this month. 1 MB (1,000 KB) or larger, jpg or eps format, head shots preferred.  Quotes should be 1-2 sentences (anything longer may be edited for length). Email to jamie.baker@nmss.org by August 31.

Challenge Walk blog If you haven’t seen it already, visit challengewalkmsdoorcounty.blogspot.com/. A number of new posts in the past month from veteran walkers.Share your own training photos, pictures from last year, your own insight into the weekend by emailing them to maureen.waslicki@nmss.org.

Posters Were sent out to registered participants at the end of July. If you need any, you can download from the Challenge Walk website’s fundraising headquarters.

Upcoming Call The last call before the walk will be Wednesday, September 11 at 6 p.m. If you haven’t been on a call yet, this is the one to join. Get all your last minute questions answered! Call 888-279-3775 and use conference code 4804.