Our newest Fundraising Superstar is Nerissa Muniz, who is a Tax Specialist at Valero HQ.
Why are you riding in the 2008 Bike to the Beach?
I wanted to join Velo Valero almost as soon as I started working at Valero in 2005, but I kept finding excuses not to. After volunteering at the Valero tent in Beeville during 2007’s BTTB, I knew it was time. I think it is amazing how this team comes together to raise money for such great causes such as MS and diabetes. It’s an honor to be a part of the largest BTTB team, both in terms of fundraising and number of riders. We really don’t realize how lucky and how healthy we are until we stop to think about all the people that CAN’T get on a bicycle and ride because MS has taken that away from them. So, no matter how hard we think it is, it’s important for us to do it honor of those who cannot. If each of us raises just a few hundred dollars and all together it adds up to millions – just imagine the possibilities. We really could end this one day!
How do you fundraise?
I’ve sent emails out to everyone in my address book. Except for my mom’s hairdresser, all of my pledges so far have come through my website! Most people are very receptive to email because they can pledge online, right then and there and be done with it. I will probably do another wave of email in the next week or so to everyone that has visited my personal page, but has not donated. I will also follow up with my friends that are still afraid to use their credit cards online to make sure they come through for me, too.
As of Friday, September 12th, Nerissa has raised raised $630 from 19 different donors - not bad for her first year as a rider in this event!
To see Nerissa's web page, click here.
Nerrssa with cycling bud Nicole at the 2008 Fiesta Wildflower Ride