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FCS Foundation Honors Founding Chair Brad Prechtl and Announces New Board Leadership

Sarasota, FL – April 11th, 2018… The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation Board is pleased to announce new Board Co-ChairsDr. Michael Diaz, and FCS Board Member Jeffrey Phipps, Sr., as well as welcome new board member, FCS Physician Dr. Maen Hussein. Founding Chair, Brad Prechtl, was honored for his remarkable service to the Board and his contributions to the FCS Foundation with the recent establishment of the Brad and Terri Prechtl Fund. The new fund, which will be ongoing, was created to recognize Brad’s and his wife Terri’s leadership, personal financial support and dedication to the FCS Foundation.

From its inception in 2010, the FCS Foundation has benefited from having Mr. Prechtl at the helm, working tirelessly to help provide much-needed support for cancer patients across the state; securing the support of the FCS partner physicians to fund the FCS Foundation expenses, as well as annual donations. The FCS Foundation has seen tremendous growth in both fundraising efforts and FCS physician and employee involvement. Prechtl’s leadership has been a vital component in building the capacity of the FCS Foundation to provide over $4M in patient grants since it was founded. The FCS Foundation is greatly appreciative for Prechtl’s ongoing commitment, personal financial support and his outstanding service throughout the years.

Dr. Michael Diaz, one of the newly elected Co-Chairs of the Board, practices in St. Petersburg and has served on the Board since the beginning of the Foundation in 2010. Jeff Phipps joined the board in June, 2017, and has demonstrated his strong leadership and support throughout his involvement.Dr. Maen Hussein, has now been elected to join the FCS Foundation Board of Directors. Dr. Hussein practices at the FCS locations in The Villages and Tavares, and is a strong advocate and supporter of the FCS Foundation.

Dr. Michael Diaz joined Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) in 2011 and currently serves on the FCS Executive Board and as Director of Patient Advocacy for the practice. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors and as the Immediate Past President for the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO). Dr. Diaz also provides leadership on the Board of Directors for Community Oncology Alliance (COA) as Vice-President, serving on the Payment Reform Task Force working to champion Medical Oncology Health Care Reform and as a Co-Medical Director for the COA Patient Advocacy Network. He is active with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) on multiple Work Groups and as a member of ASCO’s Clinical Practice Committee. Dr. Diaz donates many hours as an active Medical Missionary and has participated in numerous medical missions to Kingston, Jamaica.

Jeffrey Phipps, Sr. is the Senior Member of the Phipps Group Wealth Management practice with Merrill Lynch in Delray Beach, FL.  While attending the University of Pennsylvania The Wharton School, he earned several advanced designations, including the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor degree.  He has been working in the financial services in since 1970 and with Merrill Lynch since 2008.   Mr. Phipps also serves on the Boards of the University of Nebraska, College of Business Administration Advisor, Director of the Palm Beach County Medical Society Planning Committee, Director of Mounts Botanical Gardens, Executive Committee Member of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, and Director of Lake Worth Drainage District.

Dr. Maen Hussein currently serves on the FCS Executive Board. Dr. Hussein also serves on the Board of Florida Association of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO) and is a member of American College of Physicians. Dr. Hussein was the recipient of the 2010 Leesburg Regional Medical Center Outstanding Achievement Award, and the recipient of the 2014 Leesburg Regional Medical Center Foundation Hope in Healing Humanitarian Award. Dr. Hussein was also named Physician of the Quarter Award at Florida Hospital Waterman. He has participated in numerous Clinical Trials, and has served as the Principal Investigator on a recent Lung Cancer Clinical Trial conducted through Florida Cancer Specialists and Sarah Cannon, one of the leading community-based Clinical Trial organizations in the US.

“I can’t think of three individuals more deserving to serve as the new FCS Foundation Board Co-Chairs and Board Member than FCS Physicians, Drs.Michael DiazMaen Hussein, and FCS Board Member Jeffrey Phipps, Sr. Their dedication and leadership have been invaluable to the Foundation; they are truly outstanding volunteers and amazing assets to the FCS Foundation Board,” said Brad Prechtl, MBA, past Chairman of the Board of Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation and current CEO of Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS).

Lynn Rasys, Executive Director of the FCS Foundation added, “The FCS Foundation is excited to welcome two new Board Co-Chairs and Board Member for 2018! FCS Physicians Drs. Michael DiazMaen Hussein and FCS Board Member Jeffrey Phipps, Sr. have already contributed immensely by volunteering and supporting the Foundation – we are grateful for their new roles on the Board.”

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About Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation:

The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation provides financial support to qualified cancer patients in the state of Florida for expenses such as rent or mortgage, car payments and utility bills. By giving patients peace of mind in knowing that their bills are being paid while they are undergoing treatment, the FCS Foundation allows them to concentrate on what really matters – fighting cancer.

Due to the generosity of the Florida Cancer Specialists partner physicians in covering all overhead expenses for the Foundation, 100% of donations received go directly towards paying the essential non-medical living expenses of an adult battling cancer.

The Foundation is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization and located at 5204 Paylor Lane in Sarasota, Florida. Learn more about the FCS Foundation at: Foundation.FLCancer.com or call 941.677.7181.

For More Information, Contact:

Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation

Lynn Rasys, Executive Director LRasys@FLCancer.com

941.677.7184

More News

Virtual Volunteers Needed to Support Cancer Patients

The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation (FCSF) is honored to be the charitable recipient of the annual ‘ME STRONG 5K’ race in DeLand, Florida, the area’s largest and most successful fundraising run for the benefit of cancer patients and cancer research.

Read More »

Meet Antonio Azzato, the visionary behind the Las Meninas Sculpture Project. To continue the successful and positive spirit of the Las Meninas project in Madrid, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) and Healing Arts in Medicine are bringing Antonio Azzato’s vision to the United States for the first time.

Azzato was born and raised in Venezuela and has Italian and Spanish roots. He has raised more than 550K euros for different charitable foundations. His experience in the engineering, business, marketing, and interior design fields has given him the technical and artistic training to develop his Meninas Gallery project, which has positioned the silhouette of the Menina as the new icon of the city of Madrid, where he currently resides. Learn more about Antonio here.

The History of "Las Meninas"

Painted by Diego Velázquez in 1656,“Las Meninas” translates to Ladies in Waiting.  Considered a masterpiece depicting life in the court of King Philip IV of Spain, the painting represents a turning point in art history for the way in which Velázquez broke from the stiff formal portraits that typically defined royal subjects.

What is the Las Meninas Sculpture Project?

Inspired by the iconic painting “Las Meninas,” which translates to “Ladies in Waiting,” Spanish artist and sculptor Antonio Azzato created larger than life-size statues, fashioned in the shape of the Ladies in Waiting in the famous painting, that have been displayed in the streets of Madrid every fall since 2018.  The statues are painted by various Spanish artists and celebrities and used to raise money for different charities.  For the project with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS), smaller statues that are white, like a blank canvas, will be distributed to 12 designated FCS clinics. Together with local artists, patients will bring their Las Meninas vision to life, giving each statue its own unique theme and color palette.

One World to Heal

Once complete, the Las Meninas sculptures will be on display in local communities, raising awareness of the extreme healing power of art in medicine. After a months-long tour of the state, each will be placed on auction. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation. The Foundation assists cancer patients in need in Florida with essential everyday living expenses.

Contacte a FCSF

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¿Qué tipo de tratamiento contra el cáncer está recibiendo?(Requerido)
¿Cuál es el ingreso MENSUAL combinado de su hogar?(Requerido)

After Your Event

Don’t Forget to Thank Everyone for Their Support

 

  • Thank your sponsors, committee members and other special supporters immediately after the event. A hand-written note, phone call or personal email will be greatly appreciated and will encourage supporters to come back next time!

  • Post ‘Thank You’ messages and photos on social media.

  • Mail a check to:
    Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation
    5985 Silver Falls Run, Suite 210
    Bradenton, FL 34211

  • Once we receive your donation, an acknowledgement letter will be sent to you for tax purposes.

 

Thank you for hosting a successful event that helps cancer patients in need!

Use Various Media to Maximize Publicity for Your Event

These publicity tips and tools will help increase exposure for your event through various media, at very little cost. (Media outlets could include local radio, TV and newspapers, community calendars, social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, etc.).

Create a Timeline to Maximize Publicity

A realistic timeline is important in planning a publicity strategy for your event. Keep this timeline in mind as you put together a publicity plan:

3-4 months before the event:
Identify your target audience based on demographics, interests, and location; develop a targeted media list.

4-6 weeks before the event:
Distribute media materials (i.e., media alert, listing on a community calendar, Facebook posts, Instagram, etc.). Be creative in developing the media materials – what makes your fundraiser different? Media outlets receive hundreds of requests to publicize non-profit events; they can’t publicize everyone – so make sure that YOUR EVENT is so special, different and appealing that it will be hard for the media outlet to resist!

2 weeks before the event:
Make follow-up calls and send e-mails to local media who received the information. Re-send information if they have not received it.

1-2 days before the event:
Email and/or fax a media alert with the basic information about your event (who, what, when, where and why) to the TV news assignment desks and photo desks at the daily or weekly newspapers.

Take Lots of Photos

Photos are a great way to document your event, whether for publicity or simply to share with family and friends. Here are some tips on capturing special moments at your fundraiser:
  • Write out a targeted shot list in advance to make sure you get photos of everything and everyone
  • Take candid and close-up shots that capture the different aspects of your fundraiser
  • Capture images of your sponsors
  • Include three to four people in a photo for the best publicity shot
  • If taking photos on your phone, turn your phone in the horizontal position
  • Send photos to Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation for approved use on social media and website (Please make sure you have permission from the individuals in the photo and include their names)

Ideas for Your Fundraiser Event

The following are just a few ideas for your community fundraiser.  We suggest thinking of something you enjoy doing (e.g., book club, cooking, golf, tennis, bingo, music) and working to add a fundraising component into that. This way, you are not starting from scratch and, in addition to giving back to a great cause, you are doing something you love!

FACEBOOK
You can easily raise money on your Facebook page by clicking on “Raise Money” on your post, including a special message of inspiration or in celebration of your birthday or notable anniversary.

BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Do you have an upcoming birthday, anniversary, shower, or bar/bat mitzvah? Consider contributing to FCS Foundation, in lieu of personal gifts – and ask your friends and family to do the same. This is a great way to get the kids involved!

COCKTAIL PARTY
Throw a cocktail party in your home or at a local restaurant or bar. Many venues provide great deals for non-profit events. For example, ask your friends to donate $50 per person to attend — if you spend no more than $20 per person on the food, you will have a good amount left over after expenses to donate. Include a chance drawing or auction to increase revenue.

GARAGE SALE
Ask friends and neighbors to clean out their basement or garage for a good cause. Organize a garage sale, and you’ll clean out your house while supporting cancer patients in need in our community at the same time!

GOLF OUTING OR TOURNAMENT
Whether planning a small golf outing with friends and family or a larger tournament for your business, think about making every stroke really count by partnering with us to give back to the patients at FCS Foundation!

INDEPENDENT BUSINESS GIVES BACK
Are you a local independent business owner, restaurant or retail owner who is looking to align with a great cause? Whether donating a percentage of proceeds for a day, or a week, or simply collecting an ‘extra tip’ for the FCS Foundation, you can make a difference while you work.

SCHOOL FUNDRAISER
Kids love to help!  Have fun with your students teaching them about the meaning of philanthropy, with anything from a read-a-thon to a bake sale. Be creative! We’d love to hear about your school fundraiser ideas and stories.

SELL, SELL, SELL!
Many marketing/promotional item companies offer a lot of discounted items. Create T-shirts, bracelets, key chains, etc., and sell them at a price more than your cost to create revenue.

TRIVIA NIGHT
This is a fun way to raise funds while increasing awareness about pediatric illnesses. Host your trivia night at a restaurant or other local establishment and invite between 10 and 50 of your friends and family.

PURSE BINGO
Hold a bingo night and charge people to play ($20 for 4 cards, $40 for 8 cards, etc.) Instead of cash prizes, the prizes are designer or vintage purses that have been donated. One of the trendiest and easiest events to organize!

Getting Started

Deciding to host a community fundraiser for the FCS Foundation is a huge accomplishment in itself — thank you!


Here are 10 steps to help you get started:

1. Form a planning committee. Bring together a group of enthusiastic, dedicated people, who share a passion and interest in raising money for cancer patients and their families. This will increase the probability of a successful event.

2. Brainstorm. Members of your planning committee can brainstorm ideas for your fundraiser. Let your imagination guide you — and be sure to consider the special talents of committee members and their contacts in the community! The more people who participate in the planning phase, the more committed they’ll be later.

3. Choose the “right” event. The type of event you choose should fit the size, interests, talents, goals, and time availability of your planning committee.

4. Identify your target audience. Consider who is most likely to attend and support the type of event you have selected. Will the event appeal to everyone? families? adults only?

5. Develop a budget. Try to identify all the expenses involved with your event (invitations, postage, rental space, signage, food and catering, promotional materials, website, advertising, etc.) Then think about possible sources of funds, including people and companies you know that may be able to donate products (food, equipment) or services (graphic design, printing, photography) to reduce your costs. This will help keep your costs down, which is something everyone will appreciate.

6. Develop an event timeline. A timeline is important in planning a publicity strategy for your event. Work backwards from the event date – publicity should start four to six weeks prior to the event.

7. Schedule the event. Select a time that is appropriate and convenient for those who will be attending. Be sure to check local community calendars for conflicting events.

8. Open a bank account. You may find that you will need to establish a bank account to accommodate incoming revenue and expenses. This can be done by visiting a local bank and creating a business account under your event’s name.

9. Collect all funds. We ask that all event proceeds designated for the FCS Foundation be forwarded to the Foundation within 30 days following the conclusion of your event.

10. Say thank you! Sending thank-you letters, notes, or e-mails to everyone who participated in or supported your event shows your appreciation and reinforces their goodwill about the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.
Miguel