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Creative Contributions: Couples Make Giving Part of Celebration Recognizing that multiple sclerosis is part of life 365 days a year for 6,000 people locally, many donors are beginning to think creatively about ways to continually give to the National Capital Chapter. Two couples recently took a non-traditional twist on fundraising and kept philanthropy in mind when walking down the aisle. Instead of sending guests on shopping sprees for toasters and flatware, John and I-Hsin McConnell of Rockville, MD asked wedding guests to make a donation to the National Capital Chapter, an organization close to their hearts, in lieu of gifts. John and I-Hsin wanted to honor the memory of his sister who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in her mid-20s and lived with the disease for 15 years. "We have so much compared to many families living with MS," says I-Hsin. "We hope the money will go to finding a cure so that other families don't go through the same things John's did." Michael Wu and Ellen Stanley, of Silver Spring, MD, who also asked wedding guests to donate to the National MS Society, shared the same sentiment. "Ellen and I were a little older than most couples when we wed," says Michael. "We believed that we were in a position to make a positive difference for others since neither of us really lacked for things." Ellen's sister has MS, as do the children of one of Michael's closest friends in his church choir. "Giving to others rather than receiving took no real thought process," says Michael. "Knowing others with this disease and wanting to make a difference for them was all we needed to decide to make giving to the National MS Society among the suggested donations for wedding guests." Both couples inserted a message with their wedding invitations suggesting a donation to the Chapter. Contributions help the National Capital Chapter continue to provide vital programs and services that assist people throughout their journey with MS, as well fund research into the cause and cure of the disease. Michael says he and Ellen will continue to look for opportunities to give back or to ask others to do the same. In the past, Michael has recommended his students and their parents donate to the National MS Society in lieu of holiday gifts. Opportunities for giving are endless. One couple recently contacted the Chapter to make donations in the names of their wedding guests instead of presenting each with a small keepsake. This gave the bride and groom the opportunity to honor their guests, show their appreciation, and benefit an important cause at the same time. The National Capital Chapter would like to encourage you to think creatively about giving and help us extend the reach of our traditional fundraising efforts. If you are interested in asking wedding guests to contribute to the National Capital Chapter, please contact the Chapter at
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