Waldron's Walkers – Taking steps so no one faces MS alone

COVID-19: Many in-person events for 2021 have been canceled. Please look below for any virtual events and our 2021 schedule.

Information about COVID-19 and Multiple Sclerosis from the National MS Society

Taking steps so no one faces MS alone

Waldron’s Walkers began 15 years ago as a simple Walk MS Team. Over that time, we have raised more than $392,000. Now it is our mission to take those funds and provide programs and services to those living with Multiple Sclerosis live their best lives here in Upstate New York while still contributing to the Society’s mission to create a world free of MS.

Our goal is to raise $1 million by 2022 and to bring back programs and services locally for those living with MS as well as their friends, family and caregivers.

Our mission statement

Stepping forward, guiding and inspiring MS patients, families and friends in our community for the best quality of life while supporting MS research.

Who the non-profit helps locally and nationally

Newly diagnosed and existing MS patients living in Upstate New York. Nationally we will be supporting the National MS Society in their efforts to finding a cure through ongoing research.

History

The history of our organization begins with the diagnosis journey of Karen Waldron, our current President and namesake. Karen was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on February 14, 1997. She attended her first Walk MS in 1998 with her mother and children.

Between 1999 and 2005, Karen raised close to $30,000 for Multiple Sclerosis. The first Waldron’s Walkers team for the Walk MS was formed in 2003, and in 2004, Karen attended her first National Conference as a top fundraiser.

In 2006, we inaugurated the first annual Waldron’s Walkers MS Luncheon at Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse to support Walk MS. One hundred people attended and we raised $7,767. Between 2007 and 2011, with the continued support of Delmonico’s Vice President, Jim Monte, and General Manager, Jason Schewe, this luncheon became the premier wrap-around event in Upstate New York. Delmonico’s donates 100% of the ticket sales to Waldron’s Walkers, which is then given to the National MS Society Upstate NY Chapter. During this time we raised over $70,000.

In 2012, the Waldron’s Walkers Walk MS team achieved Top Team status in all of Upstate New York, an honor it would hold for the next 7 years. Meanwhile, by 2014 the luncheon is now a sold-out event, with over 300 people in attendance each year. After 18 years of fundraising, we have raised over $186,000.

In 2014, we inaugurated the MS Holiday Gala at the Century House. Over the next 2 years, we raised a total of over $225,000, with the Gala and the luncheon contributing $76,461 to that total. In 2016, the two events raised over $42,000.

Million Dollar Goal

In 2017, we decided to set our goal of raising $1 million by 2022. We also obtained non-profit status, which will allow us to work more closely with Dr. Keith Edwards, from the MS Center of Northeastern New York, patients, and health care organizations to provide resources, support and education locally. It will also enable us to request sponsorship and grants directly from companies and individuals who share in our mission to create a world free of MS.

As of December 2019, we have raised $392,372 towards this goal.

Recurring Events

Waldron’s Walkers Annual Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse Luncheon

The luncheon was inaugurated in 2007 and is held on the first Friday of June each year. The luncheon is a gathering of 300 people. Tickets are $50 and sell out each year. The are many fundraising opportunities, 50/50 raffle, Chinese auction, Grand raffle (varies from year to year, cash or airline tickets) and usually a raffle for an item of jewelry from Glenn Peters. There is no formal presentation.

Jingle and Mingle with Waldron’s Walkers

The Jingle and Mingle gala was created in 2014 and is held on the first Sunday in December. The gala averages 100 people, but we are looking to grow the attendance to 200. The gala is a fun-filled evening of dinner, dancing and fundraising to benefit programs, services and education for those living with Multiple Sclerosis in Upstate NY. We will provide a little bit of education while raising awareness. The gala features a Chinese auction, raffle and sit-down dinner with a cash bar.

Upcoming Events

TBD: Waldron’s Walkers Annual Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse Luncheon
November 5, 2021: Women Against MS Virtual Luncheon. More Information and Registration
TBD: 7th annual Jingle and Mingle

Past Events

2019

Blaze
Ships Pub (guest bartender event with news channel 13 anchors),
Macy’s round-up your purchase
Walk MS
Waldron’s Walkers 13th Annual Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse Luncheon
Burger21
State Farm/Erik LaChance quotes for a cure
6th annual Jingle and Mingle with Waldron’s Walkers gala at the century house

2020

Walk MS (virtual)
Women Against MS Virtual Luncheon

2021

Walk MS (virtual)

Donations

We use your donations to provide programs and services for those living with MS and their friends and family in Upstate NY. Some of the funds raised will be given to The National MS Society to be used for research.

Donate Now with venmo (mobile only)

Did you know that you can generate donations while shopping for your valentine, at no extra cost? Simply start your shopping at smile.amazon.com/ch/90-0136990 to confirm “Waldron’s Walkers” as your charity of choice, and AmazonSmile will donate a portion of your eligible purchase price to our organization.