A team from Brooks Kushman P.C., a leading intellectual property and technology law firm, recently received a Silver Award for fundraising efforts on behalf of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, Michigan Chapter, during the organization`s 2008 Annual Meeting and Recognition Luncheon. The team raised nearly $7,000, which will help support MS research and outreach programs.
The team, “BK Stomps on MS,” participated in Walk MS in Detroit earlier this year and includes eight Brooks Kushman employees – Molly Mack Crandall, Sherry Kelly, Anessa Owen Kramer, Amy Leshan, Cathy Nikkila, Leeanne Scott, Hope Shovein and Michelle White – as well as a few family members and friends.
“I`ve been participating in the walk for a few years and thought it would be a good idea to get a team together from Brooks Kushman to build camaraderie and expand fundraising opportunities,” said Crandall, an associate with Brooks Kushman and team organizer. “It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm and support – in participation and donations – from not only team members, but also our colleagues, clients, friends and families.”
By raising nearly $7,000 through its fundraising efforts, “BK Stomps on MS” garnered a Silver Award from the MS Society. As the organization spends thousands of dollars on awards each year, the Brooks Kushman team chose to accept the award in name only, “donating” the cost of the plaque back to the MS Society.
The three-mile long Walk MS is one of three fundraising events held each year by the Michigan Chapter of the MS Society. There is also a 150-mile Bike MS event and “MS Longest Day of Golf” outing. This year, EJ Brooks, son of the late Ernie Brooks, one of the founders of Brooks Kushman, formed a team and participated in Bike MS, raising nearly $3,000.
“We`re very proud of the teams and the entire Brooks Kushman staff for their active participation and fundraising efforts,” said John Halan, a shareholder involved in charity efforts for Brooks Kushman. “It`s wonderful to see that even in tough economic times, individuals are willing to donate time and money to an organization that so heavily depends on such support and compassion.”
