Last year, over half of Bike MS cyclists rode as part of a team. Teams offer great opportunities to build corporate team spirit, increase your company’s visibility, gather friends and family together, and have more fun!
Read below for the 4 steps to forming a successful team, or contact Karen Shore, Team Coordinator at 302-655-5610 ext 26 or by email at karen.shore@MSdelaware.org. Karen and our Development Team can help you get started and provide you with all the resources you need to have a successful team in 2009! You should also download the 2009 Team Captain Guide, which is new and improved with all the information you need to be a great Team Captain!
Team Fundraising Events
The Diamond State Financial Group team is having a Happy Hour Fundraiser at Iron Hill Brewary on September 30 from 5pm to 10pm! Click here for details! The restaurant will be donating 20% of the proceeds from the evening back to the MS Society! Click here for a coupon to hand your server to make your donation!
Team Resources
Feeling intimidated by the pledge minimum? Try the NEW 2009 Bike MS Fundraising kit! Just contact Karen Shore to request your copy today! Need a team jersey? Use VOmax in 2009! Every order our team captains place means the Delaware Chapter gets 15% of the proceeds! To order your jersey with VOmax contact Zach Swan at zswan@vomax.com or by phone at 800-530-9740.
Ready to start a team? Forming a team is as easy as these simple steps! Step 1 - Recruit, recruit, recruit! Set a goal. Teams must be comprised of four or more people, although many of our teams have more than 10 members and as many as 90 members! Set a recruitment goal and go for it!
Make a list of possible team members. Think about coworkers, family, friends, church members, etc.
If your team is a corporate team, secure support from top executives. Recruit department supervisors to create friendly challenges and competition.
Use company newsletters, e-mail, bulletin boards, paycheck stuffers, etc., to advertise your recruitment efforts.
Contact Karen Shore, Team Coordinator and Chapter Event Marketing Coordinator, by phone at (302) 655-5610, ext. 26, or by e-mail at karen.shore@msdelaware.org to schedule a presentation to your company or organization about the importance of participating in the Bike MS: NRG Energy, Indian River Power Plant Bike to the Bay, presented by Bank of America.
Be sure each team member registers individually and includes your team name and the name of your team captain on all registration forms so that our records will accurately reflect participation by all members of your team.
Watch for regular team rosters to track your recruitment efforts. Notify our office about any discrepancies.
Step 2 - Raising money Set a team fundraising goal that translates into individual goals. Our pledge average is over $400.
Be sure each team member collects individual contributions. Recommend to your teammates that contributions be collected up front to save time and effort.
Remind team members that they are eligible for individual awards as well as team awards.
Organize fundraisers like bake sales, raffles, pay for dress-down days, and barbecues to supplement individual fundraising efforts.
Provide team members with sample fundraising letters.
Ask your human resources manager if your company has a matching gifts program. Many companies match their employee's donations dollar for dollar.
Please also note that this year we are requiring the $250 pledge minimum to be turned in by the day of the ride. If you are unable to raise the money by then, you can fill out a Promise to Pay Form with your credit card information, promising that you will raise the $250 or we can charge the remainder to your card. Feel free to call Karen Shore with any questions or concerns.
Step 3 - Communication & Goal Setting If possible, set recruitment and fundraising goals together.
Share information with your team members on a regular basis, including updates on registered team members and fundraising efforts. How close are you to your goal?
Step 4 - Make it FUN! Have a pep rally!
Don't forget to make the experience fun for everyone involved - participants and volunteers alike. One great way to involve everyone is to host a team tent in our 2009 Team Village!
Check out our Team Village Guide to learn about planning a team tent! Team tents are a great place for the team to celebrate crossing the finish line together, plus it's a ton of fun! Contact Karen Shore today at 302.655.5610 or karen.shore@msdelaware.org to reserve a space for your team in the Team Village!
Organize a contest to design the best team Jersey or T-shirt. Be sure to prominently display your company logo for maximum exposure on event day! Use VOmax as your jersey vendor this year and they will donate 15% back to your team fundraising efforts!
What else can you do to make it fun and draw attention to your team? Items like special hats, jerseys, balloons and banners are encouraged and welcome provided they don't affect the safety of participants, volunteers or spectators.
