Team Donato, Minx & Brown
2005 Corporate Package

Team Captain: Barb Minx

Who is the National Multiple Society?

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society funds more research and offers more programs for people with MS and their families than any other organization. Chapters nation wide deliver services and provide comprehensive and empowering programs to a population of more than a million people.

Since its inception in 1946, the National MS Society has invested hundreds of millions in research. The investing is paying off with significant advances in both the quest for a cure and better diagnoses, rehabilitation and symptomatic therapy for people with MS.

The Lone Star Chapter is headquartered in Houston with regional offices in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas and San Antonio. They provide direct services to more than 12,000 individuals with MS, plus family and loved ones affected by MS. The chapter also facilitates numerous programs including information and referral, advocacy for individuals with disabilities, self-help groups, transportation, equipment loans, financial aid, camping experiences, wellness programs, caregiver relief , counseling and educational programs.

Most importantly, the NMSS produces one of the largest non-profit fundraising events in the nation raising more than 9 million in 2004.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling, disease that randomly attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms may be mild such as numbness or tingling in the limbs or severe such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted. Therefore, a person with MS never knows when attacks will occur, how long they will last, or how severe they will be.

MS is a “prime of life†disease as most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. Its unpredictable physical and emotional effects are lifelong. There are over a third of a million people with MS in the U.S. alone and someone is newly diagnosed virtually each hour with more than twice as many women as men getting the disease.

Who Gets Multiple Sclerosis? In most cases, MS strikes between the ages of 20 and 40. It is twice as common in women compared to men. MS is more common among Caucasians particularly those of northern European ancestry, than other races, and is almost unheard of in some populations such as Eskimos. Worldwide, MS occurs with much greater frequency in higher altitudes ( Above 40 degrees latitude) away from the equator, than in lower latitudes closer to the equator.

This year the ride will provide the following for riders:

• Tent in La Grange and Austin with food, beverages and massage therapist.
• Hotel rooms on a first come, first serve basis. *
• Transportation to an approved hotel for riders not wanting to camp.
• Team jerseys.
• MS In Training shirts for the first 50 who register.
• Organized and supported Team training rides.
• Prizes for top fundraisers.
• Pre and post mixers and parties.
• Discount at Southwest Schwinn.

* Due to the crowded conditions and the lack of hotel space in and around La Grange, we can only provide hotel rooms to those who reserve them early.

"Team Donato, Minx & Brown" MS 150 Team...Be A Part Of It!

Last year's team was a great success raising over $164,000.00, but in order to grow and make a larger difference in the fight to cure MS, we will need your help to cover the costs of running a team. Your sponsorship will be used to cover the following expenses: pre-production cost for jersey preparation, jerseys, In-Training T-shirts, office supplies, postage, graphic design, bike clinics, banners, corporate brochures, in-house fundraisers and fundraising prizes.

Outlined below is our tiered sponsorship programs which details each level of sponsorship and its attached benefits to your company. You'll also find a list of specific sponsorships such as signage, food etc.

Your support makes a difference, so please join us in our love for cycling to cure this terrible disease.

Tiered Sponsorship

Platinum $5,000

• Prominent logo placement on jersey.
• Company banner on the Team tent in both La Grange and Austin.
• Sponsorship credit in all media outlets and speaking engagements.
• Recognition in the Team newsletter.
• Opportunity to include promotional materials in MS goodie bags (approx. 10,000).
• Team jersey and plaque illustrating sponsor's level of participation.

Gold $3,000

• Company name on jersey with request for placement.
• Company banner on the Team tent in both La Grange and Austin.
• Sponsorship credit in all media outlets and speaking engagements.
• Team jersey and plaque illustrating sponsor's level of participation.

Silver $2,000

• Company banner at the Team tent in La Grange and Austin.
• Sponsorship credit in all media outlets and speaking engagements.
• Team jersey and plaque illustrating sponsor's level of participation.

Other Opportunities For Sponsorship

• Signage - road signs to encourage riders on their way to Austin.
• Food and beverage - for parties and the tents in La Grange and Austin.
• Top fundraiser prizes.
• Team rides - Sponsor would provide support vehicles, snacks and drinks for riders.
  
  
• Questions about other opportunities for sponsorship should be directed to Barb Minx 713-871-1813
  
  
• Company banners must meet approved dimensions.
• Request for jersey placement is not guaranteed and subject to availability.

* All camera-ready art work needs to be on a disk in an approved format (.jpg) by January 15th. Questions concerning art work should be directed to Barb Minx @ 713-871-1813.