From One to Many

This team leaves us speechless. And to think, it all started with a phone call. Pro triathlete, Morgan Chaffin, called Scott, our President, in 2014 sharing that she was taking her support to the next level. She was dedicating one of her races as a cause race with a goal of raising $5,000 in support of MS research. 

During the call, she challenged Scott to join her race effort. Not one to turn down a challenge, he accepted. He then invited some friends to join. 17 members and $17,500 raised later and Team Endurance for MS was born.

That was 2014. Now in our third year, we are 70 members strong and just crossed the $33,000 mark in dollars raised from our 2016 season(!). 

#Fundracing4MS with Creativity

Team members continue to find creative avenues to share what we're doing and why we're doing it.

• We hosted a team yard sale that touted gently used sports apparel and gear which helped kick-off fundracing efforts for many team members including Christina Petroski, Lily Cate, Leon Evans, Amelia Dziwanowski, Steve Edminister, Erin Baker, Adam Dawson, Doug Drummonds, Team Steeves, Team Haller, and Kayla Griffith. Food Truck Yeyo's even attended, serving up their delicious taco bar to shoppers and volunteers. 

• Team member Whitney Sutherland organized a restaurant fundraiser at Pei Wei that was yum-yum good with 20% of proceeds supporting the team's efforts.

• Members Deana Horn, Nicole Anderson and Melanie McMurtrey all crossed the #fundracing4MS finish line with the help of a team gift card raffle and social media blitz.

• Jamberry fundracing parties helped boost team efforts with members Ashley Sutterfield, Melissa Steeves, Deana Horn and Stephanie Cochran hosting parties that helped them towards their goal. This coming Thursday the guys--David Steeves, Doug Drummonds and Adam Dawson--are even getting in on the action by getting their toes decked with a TRIFEST race-ready pedicure!  

• Team member Theresa Cook designed triathlon transition towels for donors who donate $10 to her fundracing efforts. These beauties are still available - just donate $10 to Theresa's cause page. 

• Our youngest team member, Lily Cate, hosted a school fundraiser. At age 8, Lily Cate is taking youth triathlon by storm and was recently featured in NWA's Peekaboo Magazine. We are so impressed with her gut and gumption in the pool, on the bike, and as she looks to take down MS along the way!

• In July, team coach Lizz Miller Bennettt hosted a sale with her company Strut Your Charm where 10% of the month's proceeds benefitted the foundation.

• Brandon Munson, team member and sponsor, donated funds from chiropractic visits made by team members to fundracing efforts. 

• Other members have shared their story with clients and business partners with their companies and co-workers offering up their support.

"I've learned that you never know who will be impacted by your effort to raise funds," team member Deana Horn shares. "You just got to put the time, effort and enthusiasm into it, and it'll pay off." Family. Tenacious. Inspirational. Courageous. These are just some of the words that come to team members' minds when they think about what this team is and what we do. 

YOU a Part of this Team

Thank you for encouraging us and continuing to support efforts as we look to reach that $40,000 goal! As you go about your week, know you are a part of this tribe. A tribe that endures, perseveres, supports--who answers the call, lights the match and takes on the fire. 

Love,
Alex Bornkessel
Scott and Jo Rampy's Daughter
 2016 Team Endurance for MS Member