Sponsors and Supporters

The Spirit of Hope Foundation and the MS Express couldn’t exist without our generous sponsors and supporters. We’d like to tell you about some of those very special folks who believe in us and who have helped us along the way. Please join me in thanking them for making all of this possible.

Sponsors

Aaron’s Lens - Specializes in gallery art and wedding photography, but also do stock sales, portrait, commercial, boudoir, and pet photography.

Agency Eight - Agency Eight donated over 50% of the accessible website design and consultation services for http://www.thespiritofhope.org.

Boeing Employee Credit Union - Thanks to a handful of folks at the BECU, Carlo has been invited to throw out the first pitch of the June 5th Seattle Mariners vs. KC Royals game. We appreciate BECU’s support in helping us spread the word about The Spirit of Hope Foundation and the MS Express.

Cedardale Upholstery - Owner Paul Reichlin has been a huge help in preparing the interior of Blu and Red for the MS Express. He not only made the interior cushions and upholstery, but he also made a convertible top and rain curtains for the Autoettes. Thanks, Paul! Check out Paul’s operation at 1808 S. 2nd Street in Mt. Vernon or phone him at 360-424-7961.

Clear Channel Radio - With over 250,000 listeners in the State of Montana, Gene Peterson of Clear Channel Stations has pledged $25,000 of advertising and promotions for Carlo’s MS Express. Scheduled to arrive in early July 2006, Carlo and Katie will spend 3 to 4 weeks visiting towns throughout Montana.

EZ Rider Cafe - This 50s style diner tucked inside Steel Dreams. A “must see” for the whole family!

Fidalgo Swing - Jazz lovers will enjoy this popular, three-piece jazz ensemble. For details, visit their Web site or phone Allen Lewis at 360-770-8099.

Foley RV - Operated by Ron Foley, this RV dealer in Burlington and Marysville has been instrumental in acquiring the handicapped accessible RV to be used during the MS Express. Ron, I’m forever grateful!

Foothills Gazette - This Whatcom/Skagit County paper has supported The Spirit of Hope Foundation by offering free advertising and calendar events in their publication and on their Web site. Thanks, Becca and Brent, for your support!

Freedom Roads (Chicago, Illinois) and Foley RV (Burlington, Washington) for their donation of a handicapped drivable and accessible RV for the duration of The MS-Express. This 35 to 40′ RV will serve as the crew’s chase van and living quarters as Carlo, Katie and Blu trek across the United States this summer. Thank you for your support. We won’t let you down.

Freelance Gal - Virtual Assistant Tara Hamilton has been working with Virtually Yourz to provide administrative support and research for The Spirit of Hope Foundation.

KarMART Automotive Group - A Burlington, Washington auto superstore featuring Chysler, Dodge, Nissan, Mitsubishi and more.

Northwest Java - An Anacortes-based coffee roasting company. Owner Troy Allen developed a special Italian roast, MS-Espresso, just for Carlo. Visit our Shopping page for more info.

PC New Horizons - Ed Rossal has been the PC administrator for The Spirit of Hope Foundation for the last year or so. Ed has been instrumental in keeping us up and running. Thanks for sharing your expertise, Ed.

QAS - QAS has provided home testing medical supplies to patients since 1997. QAS has graciously donated an INRatio monitor, a one-year supply of test strips, and a power chair provided by Pride for Carlo’s use during the MS Express. Visit their Web site’s to learn more: www.HomeTestMed.com and www.PTINR.com.

San Francisco Host - San Francisco Host is donating website hosting services for http://www.thespiritofhope.org/. San Francisco Host offers outstanding customer service and pricing.

Seattle Mariners - Along with the Boeing Employee Credit Union, The Spirit of Hope Foundation owes a debt of gratitude to the Seattle Mariners who have graciously invited us to attend their June 5 game against Kansas City. Not only have we been invited to attend the game, but Carlo will throw out the first pitch of the game. This is an incredible opportunity for us. Thanks, Mariners!

Skagit Powersports (Burlington, Washington) - Owner Bill Cameron donated a custom-made trailer for Carlo’s antique, electric wheelchair Blu. He has also provided moral support and encouragement along the way. Thank you, Bill!

Sound Body Shop - Aaron Whitney of Sound Body Shop has repainted Red, Blu’s back-up in the MS Express. He has been a great help in getting Red to look her finest for the MS Express. To learn more about Sound Body Shop, visit Aaron at 916 - 8th St., Anacortes, WA or phone 360-293-6363. Aaron also owns Aaron’s Lens in LaConner.

Steel Dreams (Burlington, Washington) - The owners of Steel Dreams have generously donated a handicapped drivable and accessible van for Carlo’s use as he markets the MS Express, meets area officials, and attends fundraising events. Thanks, Steel Dreams, for the daily reminder of your generosity!

Trojan Battery - This generous company is donating wheelchair batteries for Blu during the MS Express.

Virtually Yourz - Owner Dana Blozis serves as the Marketing Director and Board Secretary for The Spirit of Hope Foundation.

Supporters

Washington Governor - Christine Gregoire

City of Anacortes - Mayor Dean Maxwell and Public Works Director & City Engineer Bob Hyde

EDASC Executive Director Don Wick

Able Neighbor

Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis - The Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis, formerly known as the Boston Cure Project, joined The Spirit of Hope Foundation in March 2006 as a sponsor and partner. We welcome their assistance with the MS Express, and look forward to helping them further MS research to find a cause for this crippling disease.

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America - Visit the official site of the MSAA. The MSAA's mission is to enrich the quality of life for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis through a variety of programs and services.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society - This national organization supports and promotes research, education, legislation, advocacy, and provides detailed information for those afflicted with MS.

Skagit MS Support Group - This group meets on the second Friday of each month (except July and August) at The Common Ground Coffee House in Burlington, Washington. The group’s next meeting is Friday, May 12 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To learn more about this group or to join, please contact them at gingerpitner@aol.com. Be sure to type “MS Support Group” in the subject line of your e-mail.

Summit Assistance Dogs- Summit Assistance Dogs of Anacortes, Washington has joined as both a sponsor and partner of the MS Express. In addition to assisting us to promote the trip, Summit Assistance Dogs will receive some of the trip’s proceeds.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Association - Trigeminal Neuralgia Association has joined us as a supporter and beneficiary of the MS Express. The mission of TNA is to serve as an advocate for patients living with TN and related facial pain conditions by providing information, encouraging research and offering support.