North FloridaChapter

2012 Annual Report

4237 Salisbury Road, Suite 406, Jacksonville, FL 32216www.nationalMSsociety.org/fln

MS stops people from moving.We exist to make sure it doesn’t.

We are people who want todo something about MS NOW.

Who is the National Multiple Sclerosis Society?The National MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now—to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. MS stops people from moving. We exist to make sure it doesn’t.We help each person address the challenges of living with MS through our 50-state network of chapters. The Society helps people affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services that help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.•We are moving research forward by relentlessly pursuing prevention, treatment and cure. •We are moving to reach out and respond to individuals, families and communities living with multiple sclerosis. •We are moving politicians and legislation to champion the needs of people with MS through activism, advocacy and influence. •We are moving to mobilize the millions of people who want to do something about MS now.

The North Florida Chapter

The North Florida Chapter is one of a network of nationwide chapters that represent the National MS Society. Founded in 1973, the chapter offers education, support and wellness programs to people living in a 34-county area from Jacksonville in the East, South to Gainesville, and West to Pensacola. The chapter serves more than 3,000 people who live with MS, as well as their families, friends, caregivers and health care providers. The chapter engages individuals who want to do something about MS NOW through its volunteer and advocacy activities.

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ProgramsMS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. We help each person address the challenges of living with MS every day through the programs and services of the North Florida Chapter.

We are a driving force of MS research, relentlessly pursuing

prevention, treatment, and cure.

Research

We are a driving force of MS research and treatment to stop disease progression, restore function, and end MS forever. The National MS Society supports and funds research activi-ties spanning all research stages, including early discovery research, translational research that brings promising ideas forward into actual therapeutic solutions for testing, and clinical trials. Our unique approach drives the pursuit of all promising avenues that can impact those living with multiple sclerosis. In 2012 the North Florida Chapter contributed more than $350,173 to research.

We address the challenges of each

person whose life is affected by MS

Yard work, household repairs, moving furniture, scrubbing windows, de-cluttering the house, painting, organizing, pressure washing, and heavy cleaning are some of the projects that were completed throughout the year during MS Service Day. Over 150 volunteers donated their time and skills to 15 very grateful homes whose disability prevents them from doing it themselves.

Multiple sclerosis creates a range of challenges that can result in short-term financial crises, difficulty obtaining critical equipment and home or auto modifications, and diminished capacity to pay for MS-generated needs. The National MS Society’s Financial Assistance Program offers guidance, leverage and resources to help contain the financial impact of MS. In 2012 the Chapter contributed $50,000 and leveraged an additional $17,000 for home modification, rent and utility assistance, cooling products, home health care, PT visits and adaptive equipment.

While children rarely get diagnosed with MS, they do become care partners for family members who have the disease, oftentimes taking on extra household chores, foregoing personal and school activities, and assisting their loved one with personal care. Many times children feel that if they are in any way selfish or express their needs, their parent’s disease will progress. Children often experience stress, conflict, and isolation when a family member has MS. One hundred kids, ages 7-12, had the opportunity to experience a weekend of making new friends, having lots of fun and just being a kid again this past spring.

MS shouldn’t stand in the way of an education. This is why the National MS Society’s scholarship program exists — to help highly qualified students who have been diagnosed with MS or who have a parent with MS achieve their dreams of going to college. In 2012, the Chapter awarded $12,000 to 4 top scholars who are enrolled in a four-year university. The Chapter hosted the sixth annual Women’s Retreat for 100 women living with MS in North Florida. Women are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with MS than men. This retreat was an opportunity to bond with other women living with MS, learn more about the disease, connect with healthcare professionals and enjoy a fun weekend.

Connecting with others with similar life experiences can be powerful for positive person change. The Chapter offered emotional support for people living with MS and their families through 14 area support groups, peer telephone support volunteers and online peer connections. These connection programs offer many avenues for encouragement, information, and an opportunity to build new relationships.

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AdvocacyIn statewide advocacy, SB 226 (Senate Bill) regarding disabled parking permits, was a huge success for us this year and we should be proud of our efforts. This was the first bill we successfully supported from its infancy, passed unanimously in all of its committees, signed in to law by the Governor improving the quality of life for all persons with disabilities. Joining efforts with other statewide organizations, we led the charge to change the disabled parking permit renewal process, increase enforcement of the permits and provide a public awareness campaign for the changes.

We are moving towards a regional approach to advocacy in the coming months. There will be a unified agenda for legislation, new staff structure and opportunities to grow the Southeast Region’s presence in the state legislatures.

Our very own North Florida Advocate, Donnie Horner, spoke at the National Public Policy Conference telling his story of living with MS and personal advocacy. He and Jenna Paladino our Director of Public Policy were selected to serve on the MS Society’s Federal Activism Council to help shape the national policy agenda. Having two Florida representatives on the FAC is a first time and will give us a solid voice on such an important committee.

Volunteers

More than a thousand volunteers in North Florida joined the movement to help create a world free of MS this year. From assisting with yardwork during MS Service Day to serving breakfast to cyclists at Bike MS: PGA TOUR Cycle to the Shore, each and every volunteer has made an impact on those affected by MS. Volunteers are the driving force of the movement at the National MS Society and our greatest resource. Their selfless service contributes to the success of the chapter’s events and programs, builds connections and moves us closer to a world free of MS.

The North Florida Chapter had the pleasure of honoring the following individuals, corporations and partners at this year’s Annual Meeting.

2012 Annual Meeting Award Winners

Volunteer of the Year Walter Steele

Corporation of the Year CSX

Partner in HopePGA TOUR

We mobilize the talents and resources of people who want to do something about MS NOW.

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These honorees, among many others, go above and beyond by donating their time, energy, and talents to the North Florida Chapter of the National MS Society.

We truly salute and thank our numerous volunteers, board members, and community partners for making efforts in creating a world free of MS.

We are activists.

Walk MS

Walk MS is the rallying point of the MS movement, a time and a place for us to stand together and to be together and to help raise critical funds that support cutting edge research, drive change through advocacy, facilitate professional education and provide programs and services to help people with MS move their lives forward. In 2012, the Chapter held 6 walks across North Florida and welcomed over 2000 walkers. Teams held fundraising parties, wrote letters to friends and even sold baked goods, collectively raising over $200,000 for Walk MS! Join Walk MS in 2013 and become part of the movement! Every dollar raised moves us closer to creating a world free of MS.

Top 10 Fundraisers

Jennifer Vigneron $11,430Sinoma Brown $7,080William Miller $4,005Amy Jones $2,566Stephanie Wright $2,500Carole Walters $2,380Marcia Eury $1,790Christine Sweeney $1,700Lisa Shaw $1,686Vicky Watkins $1,633

Top 10 TeamsMS Troopers $15,883Miller Clan $11,245Jax Neuro and Tony’s Troopers $8,425Team Stonewood - Third Tuesday $7,632Sam’s-Walmart $5,500JuST $5,135Determined Dragons $,3475ParkerVision, Inc. $3,185Remyelinators $3,091

Development

2012 at the North Florida Chapter included our 26th anniversary of Bike MS: PGA TOUR Cycle to the Shore, the fourth year of MuckRuckus MS, six Walk MS events from Jacksonville to Pensacola and two On the Move Luncheons, including one in Tallahassee.

The individual giving campaign included a record-breaking donation from the Donald C. McGraw Foundation of $1 million to MS research through the NOW Campaign, $400,000 of which is a multi-year pledge directly to the chapter. Additionally, the chapter raised $12,275 for MS research.

We value the strong commitment of our valued corporate partners including PGA TOUR, Suddath, Wells Fargo, Bubba Burger, the St. Augustine St. Johns County Airport Authority, Sam’s Club, Army Navy Outdoors, Duval Asphalt, RingPower Solantic and the Donald C. McGraw Foundation.

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11Bike MS 2012 was the 26th Anniversary of Bike MS: PGA TOUR Cycle to the Shore. For cyclists and all those seeking a personal challenge and a world free of MS, Bike MS is the premier fundraising cycling series in the nation. With more than 100 extraordinary rides, the Bike MS experience is the ride of your life. Locally, Bike MS: PGA TOUR Cycle to the Shore has taken the corporate community by storm. With more than100 teams, Tent Village is a who’s who of corporate Jacksonville. Being on a team is an opportunity to share a great experience with friends, family members or co-workers — a community coming together for a shared common goal. Collectively, teams and individual cyclists raised over $1,000,000 in 2012.

Top 10 Fundraisers Robert Gillham $13,955Jeff Caveney $9,379Cameron Williams $8,037Eric Lindsey $7,911Paul Hutchinson $7,766Brian Durkin $7,486Bruce Reid $7,456Renee Ward $7,425Joy Cobb $7,265Doug Reifschneider $6,000

Top 10 Teams Team CSX $128,575Team PGA TOUR $78,653Big Bananas $66,138Mayo Clinic $51,242Cody’s Challenge $33,706Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida-Florida Blue $32,475CD Riders $33,074Team Wells Fargo $26,355Team Definition Fitness $22,544LPS $21,464

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MuckRuckus MS Runners got mucky for a good cause in March 2012, as they sloshed their way toward a world free of MS in the fourth annual MuckRuckus MS Jacksonville, a 6.2 mile obstacle course gushing with muck. MuckRuckus MS Jacksonville, presented by Suddath, is one of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, North Florida Chapter’s main annual fundraisers. The mucky run took place at the Equestrian Center in Jacksonville, attracting nearly 2,000 participants, ranging from thrill-seeking civilians to families and friends teaming up for a good time in the muck. Bystanders watched their friends and family get mucky and enjoyed a lively festival atmo-sphere, including music, sandwiches from Firehouse Subs and vendor booths. The event raised $400,000 toward MS research, chapter programs and services.

Top 10 Teams

There will be Mud $8,779Mud Up Wit Dat $7,065KiloMudders $5,085MUD GONE WILD! $4,155Team Sarah Nichols $4,045Suddath - Mud Goonies $3,713PGA TOUR Mucky Mulligans $3,645CEVA Hope $3,951CrossFit Ponte Vedra $3,470Doc’s Dirty Dogs $2,995

Top 10 Fundraisers

John Howard $3,720Julia Edmonston $3,030Cheryl Russell $2,420Elisa Rosemond $1,947Michelle Quevedo $1,595Marissa Cipriani $1,565Danielle Cox $1,500Garth Nichols $1,330Jennifer Newell $1,300John Harman $1,265

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The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle program is the prestigious individual giving program recognizing the leadership and commitment of those giving annual gifts of $1000 or more. The Golden Circle provides invaluable assistance to more than 18,000 people living with MS and affected by MS in the North Florida Chap-ter’s 34-county area. Make your mark on MS today! When you join the Golden Circle with an annual gift of $1,000 or more, you will directly impact the MS community through critical research and local services. The Golden Circle honors compassionate donors and leaders in the movement to end MS. It is the best way to make a difference in moving

us closer to a world free of MS.

commitment of those giving annual gifts of $1000 or more.

Your Commitment to Join the MovementThe Golden Circle provides invaluable assistance to more than 18,000 people living with MS and affected by MS in the North Florida Chapter’s 34-

Thank you to our 2012 Golden Circle Members

Cause Your gift enables us to dedicate money to help people with multiple sclerosis get the support they need.

CareYour gift helps to fund client programs that provide critical knowledge and improve the lives of those with MS to ensure inde-pendence and to optimize quality of life.

Cure Your gift supports dedicated researchers who are seeking the cause, treatment and cure for MS

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Nick & Teil Allen

Michael Ammiano

Leonard & Penny Blaszczyk

Andy Bragg

Alice Brown

Ed & Leslee Coppock

Malcolm Crowther

Richard & Cathy Donnellan

Robert Doughty

Dennis Doyle

Gail Durkin

Warren Durkin

Joseph Eberly

Gregory Euston

Kevin Flanigan

Thomas Freeman

Patrick Geraghty

Bryan Geoffrey

Robert & Pat Gillham

Daniel Hanley

Y. E. Hall, Jr.

Debbie Hellings

Stephanie Hollis

Betty Isler

Gina Jones

Judy Judd

Nancy Juhn

Richard Landau

Jackie Ledea

Michael Locher

Dale Lott

Dr. Richard McCauley, Sr.

Donald McGraw

Sacha McGraw

Alex and JoAnn Meyer

Randy Miller

Ann Mims

Danny Moore

Oscar Munoz

William Myers

Christopher Navarro

Greg Nelson

Mitchell Owens

Jane Pope

Barbara Porter

Jeffrey Pritchard

Kimberly Pue

Percy Rosenbloom

Mike Schweiger

Robert Shircliff

Harry Shorstein

Thomas Snyder

Walter Steele

John Stevens

Harold Tool

Granvil Tracy

W. Sherman Turnage

Kimberly Van Scriver

Kelley Von Gonten

Erwin Ward

Megan Weigel

Stacie Wilf

J. Wilkis

Leslie & Palmer Williams

Robert Willis

13Fiscal Year 2012 Financial Report

The following figures represent Chapter revenue and expenses for the 2012 fiscal year, October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, North Florida Chapter is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

2012 Chapter Expenses$1,918,122

2012 Chapter RevenueTotal Revenue: $1,926,750

2012 Board of Trustees

Julia Edmonston – ChairJeff Lott– Immediate Past ChairHarold R. Tool – Finance ChairKevin Flanigan – SecretaryJane Estes – Audit ChairMike Ammiano – Governance Chair

Dan BakerAndy BraggDwight CooperLisa HathawayHoward HalleErik HendersonMarc JacksonMargee MichaelisRobert MorganKelli A. O’LearyMitchell N. OwensWalt PfeilBruce Reid

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18%

19%

42%

14%

7%

Chapter ExpensesResearch Fundraising

Programs & Services National

Operations67%

28%

5%

Total Revenue Special Events Membership & Contributions Other

Tom Snyder, MDWalter SteeleJohn TyrrellTom WadeIris Young

Julia Edmonston