In February 2006, MS supporters around the world hosted events for family and friends to raise awareness of MS and raise funds for MS projects. We are delighted to report on some of the events held in the following countries:

• Australia • Bermuda • Canada • Germany • Greece

• Kenya • Spain • Switzerland • UK • USA

Australia

Host: Desiree Gibbon

Desiree Gibbon really got into the spirit of the annual MS Global Dinner Party when she hosted a special Trivia Night at the Goodna RSL Club in February. Desiree’s Trivia Night attracted 45 people and raised $1000 for people with Multiple Sclerosis. Ipswich City Council also pledged a donation to support Desiree’s fundraising event. The Trivia Night did more than just raise vital funds in support of MS research. Two of the guests who attended the fundraiser were people with Multiple Sclerosis. One was a woman who had not been out of her house for six months, and her husband said he was delighted that an event was held in their local area so she could attend and support MS. The other guest with MS was a gentleman who was happy to meet other locals with MS. Along with Desiree, they are considering meeting regularly in their local area to exchange information. Meantime, Desiree is keeping busy as she continues to support the MS Society of Queensland in other ways. She has recently registered as an MS Readathon School Presenter and has indicated that she is keen to do what she can to support the Society. Well done and thank you Desiree!

Host: Jon Loraine

Thank you also to Jon Loraine, MS Society of Queensland Treasurer, who raised more than $2600 through a fundraising film night he hosted as his contribution to the MS Global
Dinner Party!

Host: Martin and Jacob Taurins

We held our Global Dinner Party yesterday as an open garden day at Mt Macedon here in Victoria, Australia. The Garden was open from 10am to 4pm. Visitors and guests were charged an admittance fee and were able to purchase BBQ food and drinks. There were a number of activities on the day including face painting and necklace beading

During the afternoon we gave a presentation to promote MS Awareness and provide information about Rotary activities and Howard Florey Institute Research.It was a splendid day and much fun was had doing our bit for MS Awareness.

Bermuda

Host: Wendell ‘Shine’ Heyward

Bermudian born musician/educator Wendell ‘Shine’ Heyward celebrated his 50th birthday in fine form with a two night’s celebration - a music marathon and a MS Global Dinner Party by way of a Jazz Supper. It was under the distinguished patronage of the island’s premier, the Honourable W. Alexander Scott J.P.M.P and his wife Mrs. Scott. This was a black tie event held at the Fairmount Southampton Resort catering to approximately 236 persons. The format for the evening was as follows:

1. Cocktail hour from 7:00pm -8:00pm
2. Dinner from 8:00pm with the Milt Robinson Quartette
3. Auction of two Robert Bassett Paintings
4. Address from the Opposition Leader the Honourable Wayne L. Furbert
5. Address from Deputy Leader The Honourable Ewart Brown
6. Raffle draw
7. Show time Featuring:

• Gita Blakeney Saltus
• June Ventzos
• The Bermuda All-Star Band

Shine performed on his saxophone with the All Star band and did a heart warming duet rendition of My Funny Valentine with Vocalist June Ventzos. The highlight of the evening was the performance of June and Gita live and unrehearsed which had the crowd on their feet. The evening was emceed by local entertainer Gene Steed and local comedian Nadanja (Shine’s son). The two made a great team representing the three generations of entertainment on the island.

Many interesting prizes were donated by businesses which included massages, cell phones, week-ends for two at resorts, lunches, dinners, baskets of fruit and alcohol, watches and days of beauty. All patrons of this event were thoroughly satisfied and look forward the next year as this one is going annual. Shine makes a donation of $6,900 to MSIF.

Shine suggested that those who couldn’t attend should hold their own GDP events.

Hosts: Marlene Warren and Linda Smith

In support of the MS Global Dinner Party, a social evening was held at the Midland Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church hall in Hamilton Parish, Bermuda. The hostesses for this event were Marlene Warren and Linda Smith, both teachers in the public school system and members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The event was opened with prayer. A rendition of Amazing Grace was played on the saxophone by nine year-old, John-Andrew Smith. A musical sign language group, His Hands, rendered two selections. Friends and family members of the hostesses helped to provide homemade soup and cornbread for all the guests. There were about 40 persons in attendance including Wendell “Shine” Hayward and Yolanda Vallis who both suffer from MS. Many guests gave generous donations and a total of $526 was raised in aid of the MSIF.

Canada

For the fourth year in a row the Canadians raised more money and hosted more dinners than any other country. Way to go Canada! A special thank you to the 45 hosts who raised over CAN$44,400.

Hosts: John and Kelly Schiedel, Waterloo, Ontario

Since we first heard last year about the concept of a Global Dinner Party in support of MS research, we decided it sounded like a great idea. We opted, as a first effort, to hold a 'drop in for a bowl of chilli' party. Since we live in a high-rise condo, we invited 14 couples for nibbles, chilli, rolls and squares, all of which can be eaten standing up, if necessary! We ended up with 21 people, a lot of whom seemed to enjoy standing in the kitchen, bowl of chilli in one hand, wine glass in the other. Without exception, all thought the idea of an MS Global Dinner Party was a super idea, and speculated on how many parties and what countries they were being held in around the world. We answered many questions about MS and feel that the party was a success, raising the amazing total of $1405.00! Our wonderful relatives and friends, even the ones who were unable to attend the party, were most generous in supporting MS research. We are already planning for next year!

Host: Bill Hube, Mississauga, Ontario

For our MS Global Dinner Party we rented a local hall for a "summer in winter" pig roast!

Our 53 guests enjoyed a grand feast of pork, chicken, homemade baked beans, salads and dessert. Along with the meal we had three amateur comedians entertain us for the evening. It was very well received and everyone is looking forward to coming back next year – we already have the hall booked!



















Host: Jessica Williams, Calgary, Alberta

For our 3rd annual dinner party we decided to try to go bigger than we had before.

We invited 45 friends and family members to join us for a gourmet experience. Shane Swiss, a chef with the Canadian Rocky Mountain resorts Velvet Restaurant, offered to volunteer his time to cook yummy treats ranging from beef tenderloin and rack of lamb to spanokopita and bacon wrapped scallops right before our eyes.

As we mingled around the house our eyes and noses took in what we were about to enjoy!

While spoiling our taste buds and savouring the wine we managed to raise $5300.00.



















Co-Hosts: Helen Mitchell and Wendy Lee, Oshawa, Ontario

This past Saturday night my sister, Wendy, hosted an MS Global Dinner Party. She had just shy of 40 people in attendance and the evening was a huge success. Guests were asked to arrive at 5:30pm for cocktail hour - martinis and Hors d'ourves. At 7pm dinner was served, guests had a choice of beef or chicken with all the fixings.

After dinner everyone was given monopoly money to play games: roulette, poker and a euchre tournament. There was a cue all night for the games and at the end of the night prizes were awarded to the big winners. At 11pm coffee, tea and a table full of deserts were served and gobbled up in no time.

Wendy had a basket at the front door for people to drop their donation cards, and here is the best part: she raised just shy of $2,000 for the MS Society! In the days since the event, people have been raving about how much fun they had and saying that they cannot wait for next year's event!






Co-Hosts: Susan Gustafson and Karen Scott of Nakusp, BC

Our Mom was diagnosed with MS before we were born, 40 years ago. She passed away January 1, 2006 after an amazing life of tenacity, love and looking at the bright side - she was 65. My sister and I are grateful to have been raised and nurtured by her and we decided to honour her by hosting a Global MS Dinner Party. She loved to eat, drink wine and laugh so when we heard about the MS Global Dinner Party, we thought this was the perfect opportunity for us to support MS research in a way that she would have really appreciated!

We had 26 good friends for dinner and had a display with pictures of our Mom showing her fun personality and beautiful, gentle nature. Our Mom's name was Lillian and we lovingly called her 'Lily'. When we found Tiger Lilies (her favourite) in our local grocery store while we were shopping for the dinner, we knew her spirit was with us. Our generous friends contributed $840.00 in total that night, far exceeding what we had expected for donations. We were overwhelmed by the love and support we received at our dinner and are grateful to everyone who shared the evening with us.

Since that night, many people in the community who are affected by MS in some way have asked to be involved next year. We look forward to hosting it again and expect that we will be looking for a bigger venue!

Germany

56 hosts collect €18,600 for MS Research

To connect the pleasant with the useful has also been this year the motto of people who followed the appeal of the German Association of Multiple Sclerosis and arranged a MS Global Dinner Party. In all parts of Germany people met during the last weeks to realise the worldwide benefit performance “a recipe which helps and brings joy” in all different ways. The 56 hosts didn’t spare any efforts and became creative and imaginative to raise money for MS-Research, to inform about medical conditions and to show solidarity with MS-Patients. The result shows that the effort was worth it. Until now there have been accounted 18,600 Euro of bounties.

Whether the people were just sitting together for a couple of hours or joined each other for the whole day, whether at home or in a restaurant, whether there were planned activities like hiking or music events, it served a purpose and provoked a positive reaction on every participant. Many hosts sent pictures and reported enthusiastically and in detail of amusing meetings, funny episodes and told about menus which make the mouth water. People arranged games, birthdays became reason for Global Dinner Party, vendues have been organised and outdoor barbecues were arranged even though the temperature has not been summery.

In view of the numerous reports it is doubtful that not more people use the idea of the Global Dinner Party to meet friends and relatives all in good cause, to celebrate and raise money. Everybody who didn’t join this year will have a new chance: On 24th of February the motto will be worldwide “to cause great in small circle???, to act local for a global idea”. Like this year the date does not need to hold strict. Who will be prevented for any reason is welcome to arrange there Global Dinner Party on another date. The upshot of most of the hosts this year “a great idea, next year I will be part of it again” should animate also the ones who are undecided yet to arrange a Global Dinner Party 2007.

In a short period of time it will again become exciting for all of this year’s hosts when the Global Dinner Party laureate of 2006 will be calculated. Since the patron of the German Association, Prime Minister of Lower Saxon, Christian Wulff, was able to resurrect the Chef of the year 2005, Thomas Bühner of the restaurant “La Vie” to cook a menu for two people free of charge, the winner will go to Osnabrück to be spoiled culinary. “This thanks for a convincing engagement is not to begrudge to all of the hosts and keep one’s fingers crossed that Fortuna will be in luck with them” said Dorothea Pitschnau-Michel, General Secretary of the German Association of MS.

Greece

Hosts: Anastasios and Mahi Orologas

This year we took the opportunity to hold a Global Dinner Party to raise awareness of MS amongst the medical and scientific community. Guest of Honour, Christine Purdy, Chief Executive of MSIF, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to Dr. and Mrs. Orologas of the Greek MS Society for hosting a Global Dinner Party

It was a private dinner at the Palais Restaurant, Thessaloniki, attended by around 40 people including neurologists, doctors, health professionals and staff from the University Medical Community. Mrs. Purdy, a great lover of Greek food, was especially grateful to be celebrating at a restaurant in Greece!

The Greek MS Society is one of the fastest growing MS societies in MSIF’s membership. Established in 1993 with around 230 members, the Society now has over 5,000 members country-wide. In 1997 the Society became an Associate member of MSIF, was made a full member in 2001, and in 2005 hosted MSIF’s international Council and Board meetings. The meetings included MSIF’s very first Persons with MS Day, exploring recent MS research, and were attended by over 500 people from nearly 30 different countries. An astonishing achievement!

Everybody had a great time and our objective of informing the medical community about MS, the Greek MS Society and MSIF was a success.

Kenya

Host: Razia Mohamedali, Mombasa

On February 25, I entertained two close friends for a mid-afternoon snack at the Yacht Club in Mombasa. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed local dishes like Kalimati (a local sweet dish drenched in sugar syrup), salty twists and cheese snips. I decided to host a second gathering on the fourth of March. I invited a Neurologist from Nairobi, who holds a monthly clinic in Mombasa, to speak and answer some of our questions.

It is not at all easy for those of us suffering from MS in Kenya. Awareness of MS is very low; hence, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to take part in this Global event.

Getting a diagnosis is also an uphill task given the fact that there are only two MRI machines in the entire country, both based in the capital, Nairobi. Kenya has only eight Neurologists. Only a year ago they started holding clinics in other parts of the country. Before that, if one needed to see a Neurologist, one had to travel quite a distance (if they could afford it). The MS Global Dinner Party is a great opportunity to inform others about MS - thank you MSIF!

Spain

Host: Sandra Fernández

“This year is the first time that the Global Dinner Party has been celebrated in Spain. We wanted to do something special for the occasion. Some of the youngsters of our group are faithful volunteers for every campaign organised by MS entities, so we thought it was a good idea to do a barbecue that night and join so many other people that were doing the same for the same purpose all around the world. We had a superb dinner: meat, black sausage and “chorizo”, we drank wine and had a cake for desert. Also, as the 25th February was carnival -and in the north s Spain is very typical that groups of friends disguise- an hour later we were unrecognisable: among us there were Romans, Chinese, cows, freaks, Mexicans, monks… Just the dog in the picture was the real one . All of us in the picture are holding the Global Dinner Party poster. As you can see, it was great fun”.

Host: Alicia Heredero, Madrid

Since it was the first night that we got together because of the Global Dinner Party, the result was not bad at all, although everything is improvable… We were nine friends to have a “cocido gallego”, and had a very pleasant day, but I don’t think we have to look for a specific reason to gather with friends, since they, if they are in fact friends, will always be there to support you in good times and bad times. You always have to remember that a smile is cheaper than electricity and gives more light”.

Host: Pere Cortés, Palma de Mallorca

I organised a dinner with my old friends. It was a very special night. All of us felt very comfortable. We were eight people. The menu was the traditional “pan amb oli” from Mallorca, with red wine, a lot of conversation and laughter. Everybody was keen in collaborating, and all of them gave their best for such an important occasion.

I will repeat next year!”

Switzerland

Host: Beat Schöni, Sutz-Lattrigen

A unique celebration! 12 people including my 2 children celebrated this occasion.

We spent a charming evening together without much alcohol. My guests were not acquainted but got to know each other quickly over a splendid meal and soon everyone was in high spirits. New friends were made and who knows, my guests might even meet up without me arranging it. It was nearly midnight when the last guests went home.

The cooking was enjoyable, and not stressful since I prepared a lot in the afternoon.
I am definitely going to host another party again next year. The money we could raise provides even more incentive.

Host: N. Kreienbühl, Grandson

Here is a picture taken at our lively Global Dinner Party 2006! It was a party with many kids and full of life and hope!












Host: Karin Brazerol, Albula Valley

Good things come to those who wait! This could well be the topic of this year’s Global Dinner Party. Despite cancellations and postponements we were able to host a delightful party. Over a delicious Fondue Bourguignonne and some excellent wine, we had many conversations and chatted away, joking far into the night.

Personally I think the Global Dinner Party is an excellent idea and hope that many other people share my opinion and will host their own parties in the next few years.
Have a nice time and see you in the sunny Albula valley.

UK

Co-Hosts: Roy and Hilary Bennett and Kate Cordingley, North Wheatley, Nottinghamshire

A splendid evening was had by all 22 that attended our sumptuous five-course Global Dinner Party in aid of MS Research on 25th February 2006. The evening kicked off with a glass of champagne and nibbles for all and then we sat down for our meal. Our menu had a clever theme of all the foods beginning with an M or S:

USA

Hosts: Linda and Charlie Goodyear

This year Linda and Charlie Goodyear held a Texas Barbecue and ‘Hold- Em’ Poker event.

The evening included cocktails, a barbecue, poker and an awards ceremony. Training in poker was available for beginners and each guest was asked to contribute towards a donation to MSIF.

The event was a great success, fun was had by all and $1050 was raised!