Get Involved

You have the power to encourage!

Racing. Fundraising. Volunteering. Sponsorship.

Welcome, encourager. You’re in the right place. Your skills, talent and energy are needed to help get us closer to a cure—and uplift a community in the process.

Meet Our Encourager Director: Shara McMurtrey

Volunteer opportunities range from community outreach, cheering on athletes during the Bentonville Half Marathon, visiting with organizations, students, and community members providing MS education and bringing people together to support athletes of all abilities, especially paratriathletes and kids with special needs.

Not sure where to jump in? Join our encourager Facebook Group, where we post volunteer opportunities and updates.

Have questions on how to get plugged in? Reach out to Shara at shara@87degrees.com.

TRIFEST for MS Encouragers

  • 300 volunteers needed

  • Opportunities include welcome and registration; set-up/tear down; kids race support; traffic control; water stations; food tents; parking; body markers; packet pick-up; awards; silent auction and more.

  • Skills: A heart for encouragement and hands willing to help!

  • Time commitment: You tell us! Opportunities are available in a variety of time slots.

  • Have a group? Encourage and earn $$ for your organization! Groups 12 or larger will be entered into a drawing for three, $200 prizes. For our second largest group (minimum 20 with no more than 5 under. 18 years old) will receive $400 for their group. Our largest group (minimum 20 adults) will receive $500! Group members do not need to encourage together. They just need to add their group name under comments on the sign up sheet

Gala Committee & Silent Auction Donations

New this year is The Disco Ball for MS Costume Gala. There is still time to join the planning committee. The gala includes a silent auction.

  • 4-8 volunteers needed

  • Skills: A heart for encouragement, hands willing to help and some dance shoes don’t hurt.

  • Time commitment: 2-3 hours/month.

  • Submit auction items.

Want to get involved?

Email Gala Chair, Stephanie Bryant at stephanie@researchms.org.

Sponsorship Opportunities & Ambassadors

Our events attract over 1500 participants from 20+ states, creating an economic impact to Bentonville equal to $1M.