Thank you for helping to raise donations to fight MS. Here are some helpful letter-writing tips to follow when fundraising for the "Coast the Coast" MS Bike Tour!

Write a personal letter to friends, family or colleagues.  This type of correspondence truly speaks to your individual commitment to the event and our cause.  Include your personal goals so that people will know what you are striving to accomplish.  By asking them to take part in your efforts, you are helping them become part of your success!

LETTER TIPS:

Make a list of everyone you know including family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, etc.  (Many participants tell us they use their holiday card list to develop a list of potential sponsors.)
Set a challenging fundraising goal.  It’s important to tell your friends and family how much you plan to raise.  On average, riders raise $500 in the “Coast the Coast” MS Bike Tour.
Sign each letter.  A handwritten note adds a personal and important touch. Consider sharing your own reasons for riding.  Or, use our letter as a sample to write your own. 
For your donors, include a small return envelope with your address. Any contribution should be given directly to you, not to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  But, checks should be made payable to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (You may want to include a stamp on the return envelope.)
Insert the letter and the return envelope in an external envelope.

Mail your letters today.
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SAMPLE DONATION REQUEST LETTER

Dear Friend,

On May 20-21, 2006, I will be riding (___ miles) with my (team/family/friends) in the “Coast the Coast” MS Bike Tour benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Mid-Jersey Chapter.  Over 2,000 cyclists and volunteers will be joining me in this fun and challenging event.

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the nervous system.  The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of the disease cannot be predicted, and symptoms may range from numbness to paralysis to blindness.  Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, but the unpredictable physical and emotional effects can last a lifetime.  The National MS Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis.

By riding in the MS bike tour, I will make a difference in the lives of those with MS.  Over 16,000 families in New Jersey alone are affected by multiple sclerosis.  The goal of the event is to raise $1 million in an effort to fund a miracle cure.  You can join me in making that miracle happen for so many families.  My personal goal is (amount).  Any pledge amount you can offer will be greatly appreciated!  Thank you in advance for your support.

Your friend,

Jane/Joe Cyclist

P.S. Please make checks payable to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society