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In February 2007, MS supporters around the world hosted events for family and friends to raise awareness of MS and raise funds for national and international MS projects. Over £63,000 has been raised so far, a fantastic achievement by all those involved! We are delighted to report on some of the events held in the following countries:
Australia
Hosts: Chris Walsh and Linda Hawkes
Chris Walsh and Linda Hawkes (pictured above), having used the services of the MS Society of Queensland over the past few years, wanted to give back to the society in some way.
By co-hosting an event at the Melange Restaurant in the Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane they raised a staggering AU$7,000 which will be invested in local MS Society of Queensland projects as well as international research into MS.
The event, attended by more than 125 people, included a dinner, raffle and silent auction with prizes being generously donated by individuals and local businesses.
On a perfect summer night, the dinner went off without a hitch in the beautiful parkland surroundingss. It was a fun night for all and guests went home happy, knowing they had made a real difference to the lives of Queenslanders with MS.
Host: Desiree Gibson
Desiree Gibson organised a special family picnic day in the Engelsburg Memorial Park at Kalbar on Saturday 24 February to help raise funds for people living with MS in Queensland.
There was certainly plenty to eat at this GDP gathering! Sausages were sizzling throughout the afternoon and there were all the trimmings to choose from. The children were kept entertained throughout the day with an animal farm, face painting and wash off tattoos.
A wonderful day which was enjoyed by all!
Host: Teresa Hamilton
Teresa (pictured with her husband David), alongside the Rotarian Action Group of MS Awareness (RAGMSA) co-ordinated and hosted a cocktail party in the Junior Common Room of International House, Melbourne. She was helped by a great organising committee including Virginia Billson, Elaine Gregory, Nola Smedley and Tom Muir.
Some 50 people attended the event which was opened by the Rotary District 9800 Governer, Bernie Walsh. The Chairperson of RAGMSA, Martin Taurins informed the guests about MS and RAGMSA. Teresa then gave a short talk on living with MS.
Professor Trevor Kilpatrick from the Howard Florey Institute in Melbourne gave a more in depth summary about MS, the research work he is doing and where research for MS is heading.
There was a live auction, a silent auction and a raffle. All of which provided great entertainment. RAGMSA and MSIF badges were also sold at the event.
A total of AU$2544.50 was raised - a fantastic achievement.
Hosts: Mary Webb and Cigdem LaSalle
On a beautiful spring evening in October 2007, the Turkish Embassy in Canberra opened their doors to over 160 eager music lovers. A concert spanning the best of opera, world music, Broadway, romantic piano and ragtime was performed by acclaimed pianist Carl Rafferty, together with his soprano daughter, Kate. We were also treated to guest performances from David Howard on the bagpipes, Samuel LaSalle on the piano and Carl’s younger daughter, Anna, another prodigious singer.
 We were thrilled with the kindness and hospitality of the Turkish Ambassador, Mr Murat Ersavci, and Mrs Zeynep Ervasci, who donated the venue for the concert. We also received many generous donations for the evening, including fine wines from several local wineries and Turkish pomegranate juice to complement our supper, as well as contributions towards our silent auction.
We were also grateful to several hardworking family members and MS Society staff who helped out on the night, and to Mr Jeremy Wright, Executive Director of MS Research Australia, who drove down from Sydney and gave a very informative address.
The evening raised AU$10,000, which we divided between the MS Society of the ACT and ‘Foundation 5 Million’ (people with MS and their families and friends raising money for MS Research Australia).
Since the event, members of the Society have been asking 'When are you doing the next one?' Hmm, stay tuned....
Canada
Canadian hosts planned, cooked, and entertained family and friends for this great cause and, in doing so, raised a total of CAN$51,444! A new fundraising record for Canada.
Host: Jessica Williams, Calgary, AB
Jessica pictured with her husband Jeff
I was diagnosed with MS in 2002 after an episode of optic neuritis. I have been fortunate with the course of the disease so far and other than residual symptoms I have not had an attack since 2004. Much of my fortune can be attributed to the knowledge gained from research funded by money raised at events such as this.
I decided to get involved with the MS Global Dinner Party as I wanted to raise money, show my friends and family a good time and thank them for their support at the same time!
Once again we gathered our friends and family together for another night of wonderful food and great wine! We entertained 45 people as they watched chef Shane Swiss from Velvet Restaurant (who donated his time) create mouth watering treats.
This year we added a silent auction and managed to acquire corporate sponsorship to bring our total raised up to an astonishing CAN$17,610!!! We are amazed each year at the support that those around us provide at this event and cannot wait to start planning for next year.
Hosts: John and Kelly Schiedel, Waterloo, ON
Since we had such fun hosting our first Global Dinner Party in 2006, a Condo Chili Party, we planned a second event this year. This year’s party was held in Waterloo, Ontario, at the Brick Brewery, in their Red Baron Lounge.
Brick Brewery donated the hall and also a variety of their wonderful ice-cold draft beers on tap. The beer complimented our pizza theme and local companies also donated superb hors d’oeuvres, excellent wine and delicious desserts.
Our guests munched, sipped, chatted and table-hopped – meeting old friends and making new ones all in support of the quest to eradicate MS. Our event raised an incredible CAN$3,355 making us the top fund-raising Global Dinner Party in Ontario, and number two in Canada!
See you next year!
Host: Shannon Smith, Toronto, ON
I hosted a dinner party for my girlfriends. It was a ‘surprise’ themed Hawaiian Girls MS Global Dinner Party.
We hosted this party with the hope that the money we raised will help in the fight to find a cure.
Not only did we have a fabulous time, but we also raised CAN$710 for MS research. I was so impressed with my friends generosity. Just incredible!
Hosts: Carrie Roberge and Robin Tapley, Fredericton, NB
Together we set out to organize an MS Global Dinner Party – a first in our area. For a variety of reasons, we had to get creative with invitees so, the first annual MS Doggy Play Date fundraiser was born! It turned out to be a “pawsitively” wonderful idea as our fuzzy four-legged friends got to meet for the first time.
There were freshly baked “yappetizers” for the dogs along with wonderful munchies and refreshments for the people. Everyone enjoyed themselves immensely, as we raised awareness and dollars for MS research. Pet lovers everywhere may want to do their own MS Doggy Play Date in the future!
Hosts: Rob and Deb Loewen, Saskatoon, SK
We hosted a Mennonite Style Dinner Party – complete with komst borcht, wareneki and farmer’s sausage, schmaunt fat, pickles, zwieback and platz. Our family chefs were Jude and Marie Loewen. We had a great evening with friends and family. This is the first time since receiving a diagnosis of MS in the family that we have done anything public, so it was a big step for us.
Host: Jo-anne Parris, Toronto, ON
My dinner party buffet included a female musician on acoustic guitar, prizes on the door and a silent auction. There were ten guests with MS.
Hosts: Garnet and Anna Hamilton, Belleville, ON
We had a wonderful Champagne Brunch on Sunday, February 25 2007. The menu consisted of ‘choose your own’ omelettes, ham and spinach frittata, English muffins, six cheeses, fruit and of course champagne – mango bellinis, mimosas and our own Marsh Hill champagne cocktail. There were lots of laughs – fun, good food, good company and a great time!
Hosts: Judie and Hardo Bewer, Birtle, MB
We had a 3-course Italian meal served in our tea room The Secret Garden. We had lots of fun. A few special friends brought some wine and we served bruschetta, cannelloni, shrimp linguine, roasted peppers, Caesar salad and tiramisu. Plans and suggestions for next year have already begun!
Host: Ellen LeBlanc, Saint John, NB
A fabulous evening with lots of fun and laughter. We enjoyed a sit-down supper for nine. We raised our glasses and toasted a blessing to all those with MS (my daughter included) and for a cure to be found in the near future.
Read more about Canada's 2007 events
Denmark
Host: Sonja Vranic
In February, I hosted my first MS Global Dinner Party. I held a wine-tasting, cocktail party in the dorm where I live for ten of my student friends. I provided food, including a chocolate cake for dessert. Each guest brought a bottle of wine and a donation. My guests were very interested in learning more about MS as many of them knew little about it. It was a great opportunity to increase awareness of MS, have fun and raise money at the same time. We raised a total of £393.79 for international MS research!
Germany
In 2007 over 55 hosts held MS Global Dinner Party events throughout the country raising €24,400 - €6,000 more than in the previous year! This year the theme in Germany was 'local action for a global impact'.
 
Read more about Germany's 2007 events
Kenya
Host: Razia Mohamedali
This year I once again met with friends at the Mombasa Yacht Club. Again, I went armed with lots of MS literature and we discussed alternative treatments for MS including yoga. We even practised some yoga breathing exercises at the restaurant.
We had snacks during the relaxed afternoon including a dish called 'bhajias', which you dip into a hot, but very tasty, chilli sauce, homemade biscuits and chocolate cake. Hmmm, lovely!
It was a very enlightening afternoon.
Netherlands
Host: Stichting MS Research
On Wednesday 28 February it was Global Dinner time at the Crowne Plaza Promenade Hotel in The Hague.
Together with Mrs Maya Meijer, CEO of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the Lord Mayor of The Hague, Mr W.J. Deetman, Stichting MS Research welcomed an audience of ambassadors, diplomats, doctors, scientists, business leaders and other guests to the first Dutch Global Dinner Party.
Whilst planning and organising the first Global Dinner for the Netherlands, Stichting MS Research decided to emphasize its international perspective by inviting the ambassadors of all MSIF's member countries.
Instead of a financial donation all the ambassadors were asked to donate a work of art which they thought best represented their country and their cultural heritage.
No less than 20 ambassadors accepted our invitation and they each donated wonderful pieces of art to our foundation, resulting in a colourful Global Art Collection which was exhibited during the evening. The collection included paintings, sculptures, crystal vases and ceramics.
It turned out to be a very pleasant and interesting evening with wonderful dishes and several speakers who told the audience about MS from either a personal experience or from a scientific point of view.
At a still to be determined date the Global Art Collection will be auctioned off by auctioneer Mr Chris Vellinga of the Venduehuis der Notarissen in The Hague. Mr Vellinga is convinced that the auction will generate substantial funds!
It is estimated that over €20,000 will be raised from this event and having tasted the success of this wonderful MSIF initiative we have decided to organise a Global Dinner every year, so preparations for our Global Dinner in 2008 are already in full swing!
Read more about the 2007 event held in the Netherlands (Nieuwsbrief No. 27, Mei 2007, p7-8)
Spain
MADRID
Hosts: María Tavera and Ana, Fundación Privada Madrid contra la EM
We held a Chocolate Party, a "chocolatada" for the Foundation's Day Centre users and their families. The users were very excited to be part of an international party, especially those with a sweet tooth! After the “chocolatada”, we watched Pedro Almodóvar's movie Volver which everybody enjoyed a lot. We raised €300 at our party.
Host: Alicia Heredero, FEMM
Once again I met with my friends as I think it is important to treasure, enjoy and share these moments. We made a gastronomical journey around Spain enjoying tapas, snails, ham, a cod dish and octupus cooked in Galician style. 12 people attended the Spanish Menu meal and we raised €105.
Host: Almudena Sainz, FELEM
This is the first year that I organised a GDP event - a Soccer Night. I prepared dinner at home for my cousins and some friends. They were already familiar with MS as my mother had it, and they have also taken part in other awareness and fundraising campaigns.
On the day of the dinner there was an important Spanish league soccer match - Barcelona vs Real Madrid. As nobody wanted to miss a minute we watched the match on TV whilst we ate.
My first GDP was a success in every sense as everything was eaten, we raised €270 and, despite not having a good year, Real Madrid drew 3-3!
CANTABRIA
Hosts: Elena Helguera y Silvia Trueba, ACDEM
A group of people with MS met to have a snack in a cafe next to the Cantabrian Association of Multiple Sclerosis headquarters in Santander and we had a very pleasant afternoon. We all decided to contribute a minimum amount to the event, but all of us surpassed it to raise €83.
Hosts: Yolanda Bringas y Silvia Trueba, ACDEM
As in Santander, a group of friends, people with MS and their families met to have a snack in a cafe, on this occasion in Torrelavega, capital of Besaya. We collected €75 and had such a good time that the afternoon seemed to pass by very quickly.
EXTREMEDURA
Hosts: Raquel de Francisco Enciso y Silvia Trueba
 This Party for MS was very special. I have MS and most of my in-laws live in Extremadura. Since it was the Feast of the May Cross and the music group Más viejos son los Rolling were putting on a concert as part of the celebrations, the Valencia de Alcántara City Council allowed us to put up a stall where the whole familiy helped out - some of my family travelled many kilometres to be part of the event.
The effort was worth it because over 300 people came to the stall and we raised €1000. (written by Silvia Trueba)
PAÍS VASCO
Hosts: Iratxe Burgoa and Carlos
Iratxe and Carlos organised a meal in the family txoko in their town, Basauri. Family and friends met for the event. After lunch they played bingo and distributed different prizes. They collected a total of €630.
Hosts: Ana Arana and José Arce, ADEMBI & Fundación Vasca de EM Eugenia Epalza Fundazioa
During a weekend stay at a country hotel we introduced our friends to MS and the activities being developed and carried out by the Fundación Vasca de EM Eugenia Epalza Fundazioa and ADEMBI. 12 of us enjoyed dessert and coffee together and collected €105.
CASTILLA Y LEÓN
Host: Sandra Fernández Villota, FELEM
A big group of friends met for a weekend at the Centro de Interpretación Arte y Natura, located in the beautiful Valley of Valdivielso, north of Burgos. During the day we carried out different activities; we walked through the canyon of the river Ebro; we organised games for the children; visited the most famous monuments; played
volleyball and, to conclude, held a great party for MS.
The keys to the event's success were the sun, a fantastic landscape, the nice atmosphere and the spirit of participation. All our guests donated generously to support MS research and we raised €664.
Read more about Spain's 2007 events
Switzerland
Hosts: Otto & Karin Brazerol, Schmitten
The Brazerol family hosted their fourth GDP event this year. Karin Brazerol is affected by MS and really values the opportunity for her friends and family to get together and contribute to MS research. Karin believes that active research into the causes and treatments of MS is very important and it was with this is mind that the family and their guests enjoyed traditional fondue fun in Schmitten.
This year various GDP events around Switzerland raised CHF 5050.
Read more about the 2007 events held in Switzerland
UK
Host: Gay Cheeseman, Ross-on-Wye MS Support Group, Herefordshire branch of UK MS Society
17 friends and family supported our Curry Night. We raised £138, half of which will go towards national research and half to MSIF for international research projects.
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