Fundraiser Profiles

Below are some of our past participants, team captains and fundraisers and they have taken a minute to write about how and why they show their support. Some have been participating for many years whilst others have only done the one event before. From all walks of life, these guys are fantastic supporters and have put their best foot forward to raise funds and awareness for Australians with Multiple Sclerosis.

Pat Zeppieri - Team Captain of the Milometres in 2006 (The Nestle team changes their name each year)
Age: 39
Occupation: Training and Admin Officer
Company: Nestle Australia
Number of walks entered: Nestle has entered the event since 1997
Number of members in 2006: 66
Fundraising total in 2006: $13,450
Why do you keep coming back? The walk is a good excuse to get out there and exercise while supporting a great cause. The team enjoys the walk, especially because there is the option of a short (9km) or long (16km) walk.
Why fundraise? I watched a program on tv a few years ago and saw how MS can affect a person. The person was the same age as me and needed assistance with daily care. I realised how fortunate I was health wise, and decided to get involved with the walk and the fundraising so that I could contribute to making life a bit easier for those affected with MS.
How do you find fundraising as a team? Fundraising as a team is a good lead up to the walk, and gets us all involved and motivated. This year will be easier with the new online system.
What does the team fundraise? We assign sections of a dept/floor to each team member and ask them to harass... oops, ask that section for donations or to buy raffle tickets. Then there is also our family, friends and suppliers who support us. Our company Nestlé is very generous and matches our donations dollar for dollar, so the more we raise, the more we can donate to MS. The Nestle teams throughout the past 10 years have raised over $85,000 to help those with MS.

Betty Welton - Betty is one of our most loyal supporters and also our oldest fundraiser (she said we could say that).
Age: 81
Number of walks entered: At least 15
Fundraising total in 2006: $630
Why do you keep coming back? I have great fun and enjoy showing my support for a great cause. I prefer to walk by myself though in order to set my own pace. The event allows me to help somebody else through something I love.
Why fundraise? I have seen first hand many people affected by MS as I used to work in an orthopaedic surgery, so I have seen the pain and suffering that some people experience. I also worked in the army medical service for many years and I saw some pretty horrendous things so I know what it can be like for people who can’t walk. I want to help and give as much as I can to help those less fortunate as I know that every little bit counts.
What do you do to fundraise? I collect donations from friends, family, neighbours and local businesses and I volunteer for many other charitable causes who always contribute. I also get a great response from the local church.

Chris Steptoe - Team Captain of Berowra Ambition
Age: 32
The team consists of: Family, friends and soccer team members
Fundraising: They raised $2,900 in 2006!
Number of runs entered? This will be mine and my fathers 3rd run, the remainder of the group will be onto their second run
The run is a chance to get out and do something positive for a cause which is close to my heart. It is a fairly tough run but nothing a good beer doesn't fix!!! The opportunity to do something with family and friends, and at the same time raise money for MS, what more could you want?
Why do you fundraise? My wife, Allison (who is 29), was diagnosed with MS in 2004, so I have a fairly in-depth knowledge of the effect of MS. We have also since my wifes' diagnosis met numerous other people with MS. This is motivation enough to get out of bed early (yes, even on a Sunday morning!!!!) and raise some money. We only have to run 8k, my wife and others live with MS 24/7. My family and friends all participated in the run or walk last year (my mum got a team together for the walk) to help raise funds and to find a cure for MS, as they have all seen the effect it has had on Allison.
How did you find fundraising as a team? We didn't necessarily fundraise as a team. A number of individuals took on the challenge of raising funds, hence how we came up with such a big figure in 2006. We may take a different approach this year to see if we can raise even more money.(will let you know next year how we went)
What did you do to fundraise? Our main way of fundraising was through word of mouth and by simply asking family and friends if they wished to donate. One of my brothers found the opportunity at a pub one night to ask several people, and let’s just say, that they were all more then generous. This showed the true nature of where we live and how close knit the community is.
Will we see you in 2007? You betcha! Although our bodies may disagree with that comment the following day.

Paul Sowerby Team Captain of I-Team (from Ideas International)
Age: 51
Occupation: Chief Financial Ofiicer
Number of walks entered? I’ve walked in at least 7 (I did the old route three times), and missed one year because we were on holiday.
Number of team entries? Two official team entries (’05 and ’06), a couple of unofficial team entries where I nagged a couple of work mates and friends to walk with me.
Why do you keep coming back? It’s good fun, good exercise, and for a good cause – it’s all good! And not forgetting you see interesting parts of Sydney you usually miss. Works up a thirst too, and there are several nice pubs within easy walking distance of the finish line.....
Fundraising total in 2006? We raised $886 last year, aiming to double this in ‘07
Why get involved in the fundraising? Not sure I know all about it, but I know enough to know it is a cruel affliction and anything I can do to help raise funds to find the cure, I’m happy to get involved in.
How do you find fundraising as a team? The fundraising component is a great way to get the team more involved and to support a worthwhile cause. If everyone gets involved then it makes it easier and I just organise it as the captain. This year will be even easier, the new online system will be what helps us at least double last years effort.
What do you do to fundraise? The whole team gets involved by selling raffle tickets to friends and family and also collecting donations, it truly is a team effort!

Michelle Lind - Team Captain of We are Family (yes, all family members)
Age: 29
Industry: Hospitality
Fundraising in 2006? We are Family’ raised $3,500 in 2006!
Number of walks entered? It was the first time last year!

What do you enjoy about the walk? The walk is a great way to get out and do something positive to support a great cause. I have had a great time at the walk for the last year as it has such a fun atmosphere, great scenery and presents the chance to ‘step out’ with a great bunch of people in support of a worthwhile cause. It is so inspiring to see so many people out there supporting such a great cause that is very ‘close to home’ for myself.
Why fundraise? I have MS and know first hand the affects the disease can have on any one individual and their family. Fundraising is our way of showing support for others affected out there and doing our bit in contributing to the programs and assistance the MS Society can provide others with the disease and their families.
How did you find fundraising as a team? The fundraising component was a great way to show our support as the whole team (my family) know how the money is used to assist those with MS. The whole family getting involved everyone made it easier as we assisted and motivated one another to reach our goal. Everyone we approached was very keen to show their support and we were overwhelmed with their generosity.
What did you do to fundraise? We just asked everyone. I went to all the local business. Where ever I went I had the sponsorship book with me, and anyone who came close enough I just asked. Everyone was really generous. Only a few people would not give me a donation.
Will we see you in 2007? You bet! Watch out for the team from Moorebank Sports Club!

Trish Cuciti- Team Captain of Team Toe
Age: 29
Occupation: Freelance Marketer
Number of events entered? Team Toe has been in 3 Gong Rides and 2 walks
Number of members in 2006? 28
Theme in 2006: The Village People
Theme in 2005: 80’s Aerobic wear
Why support the MS Society? The MS Society is a solid organisation that has been staunch in its commitment to help people with MS. It’s such a professional and well known organisation me and the team have been proud to be associated with. There are so many people that suffer from MS that we don’t hear about and the MS society is so supportive of them.
Why do you keep bringing the team back? All the events are so well organised…especially the 2006 gong ride and the fantastic website – it really makes things easy for me as team captain to organise things and it makes it even easier for team members to get involved. Its easy and its fun.
How hard do you find organising a team? It’s so easy especially with the structures that the MS society has e.g. the website. All I have to do is send out an email and it’s done. People register themselves in our team and come along on the day in fancy dress because at the end of the day, lets face it, everyone loves a good dress up!
Who do your members consist of? Friends, family, work colleagues, friends of friends…in last years gong ride we even had a total stranger join our team as she read about us in the paper! Solid effort that!
What’s in store for the future of Team Toe? Well, in May this year I’ll be heading to London with my boyfriend for a few years. HOWEVER, the team toe legacy will go on. We have a solid committee consisting of two very good friends and my sister, so they’ll keep the team toe spirit alive and well!