They Like to Move It! Flash Mob Hits VCU Student Commons

RICHMOND, VA, October 23, 2010 (Press-News.org) Classes were breaking for lunch on Tuesday, October 12th and Virginia Commonwealth University's student commons area was stirring with students traveling to and fro. Suddenly, the song "I Like to Move It" from the hit movie Madagascar was blasted from hidden speakers and volunteer dancers descended upon the commons. The flash mob, organized by the MS Society's Central Virginia Chapter to raise awareness, lasted exactly four minutes and two seconds, as onlookers clapped, snapped photos with their mobile phones and joined in the dance.

"Everyday MS stops people from moving. We exist to make sure it doesn't" was the message played over the loudspeaker as the last few notes faded. The flash mob was organized by Judy Griffin, Director of Development, of the MS Society Central VA Chapter, with assistance from Richmond based marketing and new media firm Madison+Main.

One bystander submitted the raw footage of the event to Richmond.com, which has received over 1,000 views in the first few days. Complete video footage can be seen at the MS Society Central VA Chapter's official YouTube Chanel and also at Madison+Main's YouTube Channel.

VCU was selected for two reasons. First, the University is an important research partner for the National MS Society and last Fall a $496,000 grant was awarded to VCU's Dr. Babette Fuss and her team for a 3-year research project on myelin repair. Secondly, a clinic serving patients with MS will open at VCU's Medical College in partnership with the Central Virginia Chapter this Fall.

"More than 10,000 people in Central Virginia are affected by Multiple Sclerosis", adds Judy Griffin, "We hope Tuesday's demonstration brought awareness about the disease to an audience who may have indirect experience with MS." For more information about Richmond's first organized flash mob for charity, contact Dave Saunders at Madison+Main.

About the Central VA Chapter of the National MS Society
The Central VA Chapter of the National MS Society provides financial assistance to families with household expenses so that they can also have the funds to purchase their medications. The organization raises money primarily through fundraising events such as Bike MS and Walk MS, two events held annually in Richmond. To learn more, visit http://www.moveVA.org and consider making a donation to the National MS Society-Central Virginia Chapter.