Tour Sponsors

Visit the Tour Sponsor Page to see all the sponsors!

ACE YOUR FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN

Become a fund-raising ACE by focusing on Awareness, Creativity and Education.

AWARENESS

Make others aware of your involvement in the Valero MS 150 fund-raising Bike Tour

  • Change the message on your cell phone or answering machine to mention your fund-raising campaign and participation in the Valero MS 150.
  • Change the signature line of your outgoing e-mails to mention your involvement.
  • Create return mailing address labels that read, “I’m raising donations to fight MS in the Valero MS 150. Will you join me in the fight against MS?”
  • Wear an MS Ribbon of Hope pin to initiate conversations.
  • Make business cards with Tour information, your name and address. Hand them out to everyone. Cards can be printed inexpensively at local copy shops.
  • Delegate. Give 10 Pledge Forms to 10 friends and ask them to get pledges for you.
  • In lieu of a gift on your birthday or other occasion, ask family and friends to make a pledge to your fund-raising goal.
  • Make a list of pledge donors. List the amount you’re counting on them to pledge.
  • Bring a potential donor on a Recommended Ride or to a Tour party and ask for a pledge.
  • Contact the national chapter of your fraternity or social organization and ask for a donation. If you did not belong to a fraternity or sorority, ask someone who did.
  • Post a Valero MS 150 Bike Tour poster – available from the Lone Star Chapter – in your company’s break room. Write your name and phone number on the poster.
  • Create a rolling screen saver on your work computer.
  • Create a personal newsletter to inform friends, neighbors and co-workers about your role in the Valero MS 150 Bike Tour, as well as your fund-raising goal.
  • Purchase the popular MS Band of Hope wristbands and distribute them to donors. The MS Bands of Hope only cost $1 each; in 2005, many fund-raisers bought the wristbands and resold them for $3 or more to boost fund-raising totals.
  • Post an item in your weekly church bulletin announcing your involvement.
  • Send fund-raising letters to the parents of kids on your child’s sports teams.

CREATIVITY

Let your creative side shine when developing ways to raise donations

  • Hold a garage sale. Ask friends and family to donate items. Ask area artists or creative friends to donate art or jewelry that you can sell.
  • Create your own Web page with background on the Tour, your involvement and your fund-raising goal. Share the link to your Web site with everyone. Include the E-Donate link on your Web page. Many participants have used this method to raise thousands of dollars from people across the United States.
  • Perform a free service for donations, such as raking leaves, mowing lawns, house-sitting or watching a neighbor’s pet, for instance.
  • Bag groceries. Ask a local store if you can bag people’s groceries for donations. Let everyone know that donations benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
  • Stage a book sale. Ask family, friends and neighbors to donate used books and magazines.
  • Hold a themed car wash and ask businesses to donate items. Get family and friends involved.
  • Raffle donated tickets to an upcoming event, such as a concert or play.
  • Host a bingo night at a local hall or school.
  • Organize a plant sale with plants donated by local nurseries.
  • Many grocery stores and retailers will allow you to sell hot dogs and beverages outside their stores, provided you purchase the food from them. This is an effective way to raise donations on a busy weekend. Use posters and pledge forms to your advantage.
  • Throw a bicycle-themed movie-watching party and ask attendees for donations. Suggested movies that will have your pledge bowl overflowing include “Breaking Away,” “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” and “American Flyers.”
  • Hold a weekly gathering of friends at your home to watch your favorite TV series, such as “Lost, “Desperate Housewives” or “The Apprentice,” among others.
  • Walk your neighbors’ dogs each day for a donation.

EDUCATION

Learn more about multiple sclerosis and share that knowledge with donors

  • Visit the National MS Society’s Web site for information on multiple sclerosis, including symptoms, treatment and more. The site is www.jointhemovement.org.
  • Contact the Lone Star Chapter for brochures, booklets and videos about MS.
  • Sign up for the Valero MS 150 e-newsletters, with information on MS, fund-raising tips and Tour details.
  • If riding to honor a loved one with MS, include a picture of you with your loved one in your pledge letters, posters and flyers.