GIVING BACK: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
There’s nothing like a shared cause to bring people together in ways they might not have expected. That’s certainly Structure Tone’s experience when it comes to supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Go to https://stobuildinggroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/RACE-2b.jpgThis year’s race honored Chris Gallo of KPMG (third from right)
For decades the Society’s New York City-Southern New York Chapter has worked to improve the quality of life for people affected by MS in the five boroughs of New York City and surrounding counties. Through a number of fundraising events and drives, the organization works with the community to raise funds for critical MS research. Structure Tone helps organize the chapter’s annual Race Against MS at Belmont Park, which brings the greater New York real estate community together for an afternoon of thoroughbred racing, food, drink, auctions and more.
“I remember going to the Race Against MS as an attendee more than 25 years ago. It was always a nice way to give back and spend time with others in our industry,” says Ray Donaghy, senior vice president of client relations.
Because Ray’s mother is living with MS, the event and the organization haven taken on new meaning. The Donaghy family knew Structure Tone could help make the Race Against MS even more successful, so a decade ago they started reaching out to clients, partners and industry leaders. Today, the event routinely sells out and raises over $500,000 each year for the chapter.
As the Structure Tone team became more involved with the organization, they also began to realize their own network was more connected to MS than they had ever known.
“We’ve seen many donors from the real estate and AEC community attend the race and disclose to one of our committee members that they supported the event because a sister, mother, father or spouse had been living with MS. It touches so many more people than we know,” says Structure Tone executive chairman Jim Donaghy.
“My favorite part of supporting the MS Society is that it touches my family and the families of our friends and colleagues,” says Ray. “There is still no cure. The race event and others like it work toward a world without MS, and that’s so much bigger than any of us.”
Plus, he adds, the race is a really good time. “In my opinion, it’s the most fun of any of the Society’s events,” he says. “And all for a great cause.”