Thoughts About Giving
Ways to Support MSAA
By Susan Wells Courtney
Improving Lives Through Art®
For more than a decade, MSAA has recognized and cultivated the artistic talents and expressions of the MS community through MSAA’s Art Showcase. Immersed in artwork using a variety of mediums, individuals with MS often find inspiration, happiness, and hope for the future through their artistic endeavors. Given the success of this program and the inspirational stories associated with these works of art, MSAA has built upon this foundation of artwork to create “Improving Lives Through Art®,” which promotes two exciting types of virtual, fundraising events.
The first type of program is a “paint-along,” which is led by an artist with MS and the necessary art supplies are shipped directly to the participant. On the specific date of the event, online instruction is provided to the participants in the comfort of their home. In the Improving Lives Through Art Fall Series, we still have one date remaining this year for which individuals may register and participate.
Featuring MSAA Art Showcase artist Omayra Rivera-Filardi, the November Paint-Along will take place on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, ET. The deadline to register for the November 14th event is November 9, 2023.
The second type of program is a virtual art tour, led by art enthusiast and docent Joe Caliva. As with the paint-along program, we have one date remaining this year for which individuals may register and participate. Our December Tour features both the visual and musical arts from Poland, and will take place on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM, ET.
For more information or to register for either program, please visit engage.mymsaa.org/fall2023.
MSAA DIY Fundraisers
These days, many of us opt for a Do-It-Yourself approach to several of our tasks – from home improvement and car repair to cooking and gardening. So, if interested in supporting MSAA’s vital mission, why not create your own Do-It-Yourself fundraiser?
Our supporters have hosted basketball tournaments, golf outings, runs/walks, swimming competitions, Halloween costume contests, holiday pie sales, and more! This is a great way to raise much-needed funds for MSAA, while getting together with friends and family – and having fun in the process!
For more information on how you can host your own Do-It-Yourself fundraiser, please visit mymsaa.org/DIY.
Year-End Giving
As we approach the end of the year, people frequently think about the importance of supporting causes that are meaningful to them. This is an ideal opportunity to help support MSAA’s urgent mission of Improving Lives Today.
MSAA’s website provides a variety of ways to support our mission. One option is our Monthly Improver program, which gives donors the opportunity to set up monthly payments that are both convenient and less of an expense than one large donation. While monthly donations may be smaller than an individual large donation, these 12 payments over the course of a year add up to make a significant difference in someone’s life! For instance…
- $10/month = shower chairs for two individuals with MS
- $15/month = a wheelchair for an individual with MS
- $25/month = cooling vests for two individuals with MS
- $60/month = an MRI exam for an individual with MS
As you can see, being a Monthly Improver for MSAA can provide safety, comfort, and even vital MRI scans for those with MS. To become a Monthly Improver, please visit engage.mymsaa.org/improver. To make a direct donation, please visit mymsaa.org/donate or call (800) 532-7667, ext. 172. We thank you for your generosity!