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Foundation Board

Raul E. Storey, MD – Co-Chair

Raul Storey MD – Board Member

As a board-certified Medical Oncologist, Raul E. Storey, MD provides cancer care to patients at the Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) clinical locations in Vero Beach/Sebastian.  He is beloved by his patients for his tireless dedication to enhancing the quality of life for those with cancer. Since joining FCS, he has actively supported the Foundation’s mission to assist adult cancer patients across Florida in need of financial support for essential, non-medical expenses. Due to the generosity of the FCS physicians in covering all overhead expenses for the Foundation, 100% of donations received go directly toward patient grants.

 

Dr. Storey received his medical degree from Universidad De Carabobo (UC) in Valencia, Venezuela and completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at Texas Tech University. During his residency and fellowship training in Oncology/Hematology at the University of Louisville, James G. Brown Cancer Center in Louisville, KY, he gained experience with the MD Anderson Cancer Center Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Department.  At the start of his career, he served as the research project coordinator for an oncology group in Houston, TX. He has been published in numerous prestigious publications including the Journal of Oncology and Medical Oncology, and he has presented at conferences in the United States and internationally.

 

Dr. Storey is driven by his personal mission to enhance the experience of cancer treatment. While being focused on creating an impact on the world, he is equally energized by connecting deeply with humans. He feels strongly that the cancer journey experience can be massively improved by connecting mind, body, and soul – what he refers to as “beautiful healing”.  To that goal, he has created the “Healing Arts Medicine” program (https://www.healingartsmedicine.com/our-story-1), that integrates with cancer treatment for expression through liberal arts. Creating a safe space for patients to express their emotions, learn new coping strategies, manage anxiety/depression, decrease pain, and positively change the overall Cancer experience. In parallel, the creation of “Healing Arts Hub” https://healingartshub.com, a platform for a series of over 100 virtual arts programs and experiences of interest to patients, caregivers, staff, and the public.

 

Cancer has seen significant transformative changes in terms of treatment approach and outcomes in the last decade. Raul is dedicated to advancing the search for a cure by facilitating and overseeing participation in research clinical trials. His impact is again realized through community organizations such as FCS Foundation, We Care Program, Men Wear Pink and Music Angels. He was nominated for Man of The Year 2019 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Dr. Storey-Rojas is a sports enthusiast and enjoys running, paddle surfing and polo, as well as traveling and playing guitar.

Michael Diaz, MD – Co-Chair

Michael Diaz, MD – Board Chair

Dr. Michael Diaz is an oncologist and hematologist for Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS). He joined FCS in 2011 and is the Immediate Past President and Managing Physician for the statewide practice. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Diaz provides leadership for a number of organizations, he serves as the Director of Patient Advocacy and Federal Legislative Committee Chair for the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO), as well as being a Past President. Dr. Diaz advocates nationally for cancer patients and practices by serving as the Past President of the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) as well as the Co-Chair for the organization’s reform workgroup, which develops quality and value-based alternative payment models.

He advocates for Florida Medicaid patients by serving on the Florida Medicaid Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee to ensure access to state-of-the-art, quality-based care, and advises the Florida Governor’s office and State Legislature by serving on the Florida Cancer Control & Research Advisory Council. Dr. Diaz is on the Board of Directors for the National Cancer Treatment Alliance, which works with regional/national employers as well as their health care coalitions to improve the understanding of quality and value-based cancer care and develop collaborative programs related to cancer care. Dr. Diaz also serves on the FCS Finance Committee.


As a part of his philanthropic commitment, Dr. Diaz is dedicated to providing medical care to populations who are underserved and has participated in numerous medical missions to Kingston, Jamaica.

Cory J. Person, Esq. – Secretary

Cory J. Person, Esq. – Board Member Cory J. Person serves as in-house staff litigation counsel for a national financial and insurance services association, representing his client and its members in insurance and tort related litigation.  Prior to his current role, Cory was a partner with a national insurance defense litigation firm, where his practice focused on the defense of claims in the areas of tort and catastrophic loss, labor & employment, and commercial litigation throughout Florida.

Cory is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law, where he served as president of the UNC Trial Team and UNC Trial Law Academy.  Mr. Person also served as Managing Editor for the UNC School of Law First Amendment Law Review and was awarded the Gressman-Pollittt award for excellence in Oral Advocacy.

Cory is a past president of the Hillsborough County Bar Association and the George Edgecomb Bar Association, the largest African-American voluntary Bar Association in the Tampa Bay area.  He is a member of the Defense Research Institute and the International Association of Defense Counsel, a select invitation only organization for defense lawyers and corporate counsel.

Prior to law school, Mr. Person served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps.  Among the awards Mr. Person received for his service are the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

J. Thomas Uhler – Treasurer

J. Thomas Uhler – TreasurerJ. Thomas Uhler is a founding principal of Uhler Vertich White Advisors, an independent firm specializing in comprehensive estate, financial, retirement and investment planning for successful families, and a forty-year veteran of the financial services profession. Uhler is a survivor of both cancer and heart disease. Tom and his wife Linda chaired the 2004 American Heart Association Lee County Heart Ball and co-chaired the 2005 Heart Ball. Uhler was chosen as Hero of the Year 2013 by the Fort Myers News-Press and was nominated in 2014 as a national finalist for the Community Leadership Awards by the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation. 

He has served the United Way of Lee County as board chair, 2011-2012 campaign chair, and 2016-17 campaign co-chair. Uhler serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation and serves as board chair of the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. He is an Eagle Scout and a life member of the National Eagle Scout Association. Uhler is proud to have been chosen as a Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida Lee County Business Hall of Fame Laureate in 2010. A resident of Sanibel Island since 1977, Uhler is a member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Sanibel-Captiva Islands. He was chosen as the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2011. Uhler is a graduate of Susquehanna University in his native Pennsylvania, with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences.

Lynn Cowdright – Volunteer Liaison

Lynn Cowdright - Volunteer Liaison

Retired after 43 years as a physical therapist, Lynn worked in a variety of physical therapy disciplines starting with the VA Hospital System for wounded service members and veterans during the Vietnam conflict. She provided home health in Wisconsin, California and Illinois before moving to Delaware, where she worked in Pediatric and Newborn Intensive Care Units and was the physical therapy coordinator for 30 physical therapists providing school-based therapy from pre-K through high school. Prior to moving to Florida in 2004, Lynn worked at an oncology home health company where she developed a company-wide Cancer Related Fatigue program. For the last six years, Lynn has enjoyed being a patient support volunteer with the FCS Foundation. She knows the important role that volunteers play and, as our Volunteer Liaison Board Member, Lynn will be able to provide insight into the strategic growth of our volunteer program.

Jill M. DeSimone – Board Member

As a senior pharmaceutical executive, Jill DeSimone has built a reputation for leading large-scale global business transformations. Jill is also known for her commitment to developing talent, which has been a focus throughout her career. She has leveraged her 40 years of expertise as a transformational leader to drive organizations forward by establishing excellence in patient-centric operations, igniting profitable, scalable growth and enabling agility in complex regulatory environments and dynamic, competitive markets. Prior to her retirement in 2022, Jill was President, U.S. Oncology at Merck, where she led the launch of the U.S. Oncology business, including Keytruda.

 

With considerable experience in the non-profit sector, Jill is passionate about building innovative, high-performing organizations that drive patient and customer impact. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Northeastern University and completed a fellowship with The Wharton School. Prior to joining the FCS Foundation Board, she sat on the boards of the American Lung Association – New Jersey Chapter and Dress for Success; she also served as Board Advisor for the Children’s Health Fund.

 

In addition to the FCS Foundation board, Jill is now serving on the following boards:

 

Praxis Precision Medicine

  • a clinical stage company focused on development of therapies for the central nervous system

 

Affini-T Therapeutics

  • an immune oncology cell therapy company

 

Oncternal Therapeutics

  • a clinical stage oncology company

 

iTeos Therapeutics

 

Swim Across America

  • a nonprofit focusing on cancer research

Lynn Grisco – Board Member

Lynn Grisco, Founder and CEO of Grisco Consulting, LLC, is an accomplished biopharmaceutical executive with a diversified career spanning global life sciences, cosmeceuticals, specialty pharmacy, and business consulting. Lynn applies her extensive knowledge to advise businesses in healthcare services, driving strategic planning, marketing, sales, and successful product launches.

 

Most recently, Lynn served as Chief of Staff to the EVP, COO, and Head of Commercial at Acadia Pharmaceuticals. Previously, at Avadel Pharmaceuticals, she spearheaded the launch strategy and marketing plans for Lumryz, a transformative treatment for narcolepsy, earning multiple industry accolades, including two Apex Awards and PM360’s Trailblazer Award. At Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) Oncology, Lynn launched products and indications across multiple tumor types, led a team in developing impactful, franchise-wide patient support programs, and received several awards, including the America’s Region President’s Award.

 

Inspired by her mother’s sudden diagnosis of a rare and aggressive cancer, Lynn leveraged her oncology background to work closely with her mother’s medical team, extending their time together until her mother’s passing in March 2014. This experience has fueled Lynn’s dedication to advancing innovative treatments and advocating for patient-centered care and access to therapies. Dedicated to advocacy, Lynn also serves as Vice Chair of the Wake Up Narcolepsy (WUN) Board and was honored as a Co-Chair and the Mission Family for WUN’s inaugural “Shadows to Light” Educational Forum and Gala in 2024, which raised over $500,000 for narcolepsy awareness and research.
Lynn resides in Naples, Florida, with her husband, Todd, and their two children.

Cherylle Hayes, MD – Board Member

Dr. Cherylle Hayes – Board Member​A Board-certified radiation oncologist with over 20 years’ experience, Dr. Cherylle Hayes is the medical director at North Florida Regional Medical Center, where she was instrumental in the development of a cancer program. She established the first Cyberknife radiosurgery program in North Central Florida and built a physician team with a wide range of oncologic expertise. She has also served as assistant professor at the University of Florida. Dr. Hayes holds undergraduate degrees in nuclear medicine technology and health physics. She went on to earn her medical degree at Medical College of Georgia, where she completed her residency in radiation oncology. She has specialized interest in breast and gynecologic cancer treatment, cancer survivorship and quality-of-life issues. As a member of the radiation oncology executive committee at Sarah Cannon Research Institute, she worked with physicians around the country to develop clinical pathways for the delivery of radiation oncology. Dr. Hayes has served on the boards of many community organizations in Central Florida, including the American Cancer Society, the Advisory Board of Gainesville Health and Fitness and the University of Florida Performing Arts. She is active in numerous local and national professional societies.

Maen Hussein, MD – Immediate Past Chair

Maen Hussein, MD – Board Chair

Board-certified in Medical Oncology/Hematology, Maen Hussein, MD practices at the Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) clinical locations in the Villages Cancer Center/Brownwood. Dr. Hussein currently serves as a board member of the Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation Board and is Immediate Past Chair of the Foundation. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Association of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO).

 

After completing his Residency at Brown University at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Dr. Hussein was awarded his Fellowship in Medical Oncology at St. Louis University. In addition to his medical practice, he has participated in numerous clinical trials and was named the Principal Investigator on a recent lung cancer trial conducted through Florida Cancer Specialists and Sarah Cannon, one of the leading community-based clinical trial organizations in the US.

 

In 2010, he was the recipient of the Leesburg Regional Medical Center Outstanding Achievement Award, Leesburg Regional Medical Center Foundation Hope in Healing Humanitarian Award in 2014 and was named Physician of the Quarter Award at Florida Hospital Waterman. In his spare time, Dr. Hussein enjoys playing recreational soccer, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Andrew Menendez – Board Member

Andrew Menendez – Board Member Andrew is an Audit Partner in the Tampa, Florida office of Ernst & Young, LLP specializing exclusively in the Health Science and Wellness sector. Andrew has over 15 years of experience serving a variety of health care organizations, including not-for-profit multi-hospital health systems, academic medical centers, public issuers, high-growth entrepreneurial entities and pharmaceutical entities. Andrew regularly attends recurring sector trainings, including those related to compliance audits, Uniform Guidance, not-for-profit provider care and advanced accounting and auditing for health care entities. Andrew is a graduate of the University of South Florida with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Accounting and is a licensed certified public accountant in the state of Florida. Andrew is passionate about community involvement, including sitting on the University of South Florida Accounting Circle Board of Directors and the University of South Florida Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy Advisory Council. Prior to joining the board of the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, Andrew had a particular interest in working with organizations that assist families in their fight with cancer after having experienced the same when his younger brother went through a similar journey at a very young age.

Tim O’Donohue – Board Member

odonohueTim is the owner of Castle Gate Farm, LLC, the Ocala region’s premiere equine center featuring thoroughbred breeding, layups and equestrian show jumping facility. The O’Donohue family were the gracious hosts for the FCS Foundation’s Farm to Table events held in January 2020 and April 2024, which collectively generated over $460,000 in support of adult cancer patients in need of financial assistance. The New England natives made their first move for sunshine and warmer days to Florida in 2012.

Tim is president of New Age Software Services Corp., based in Hampstead, NH, which provides a range of information technology and software engineering services. After receiving his undergraduate degree in business administration and marketing from the University of Lowell, Tim worked as an account manager supporting financial services clients in New England. Tim previously served on the Landmark Benefits INC Board of Directors that ran the largest fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire.

John Sodeika – Patient Liaison

John Sodeika - Patient Liaison

Originally from Chicago, John moved to St. Petersburg after receiving his Masters in Engineering Management from the University of South Florida in 1996. He moved to Naples in 2005, where he now works as a Senior Director for Arthrex, the world leader in instruments and implants for Sports Medicine. In 2019, John was diagnosed with Stage 4 adenocarcinoma, stomach cancer that had spread to the liver and lymph system. Thanks to the outstanding care of Florida Cancer Specialists physicians Dr. Mark Rubin and Dr. Judy Wang, John’s cancer is now under control and he was able to stop treatment in November of 2020. John became aware of the Foundation while undergoing treatment and he says he was particularly impressed by the compassionate support from the FCS Foundation volunteers. As Patient Liaison Board Member, John will provide an important perspective to guide the Foundation.

Escape to Bali’s Breathtaking Beauty

Enter to win a luxury getaway for six in the heart of Indonesia!

Soak up the Essence of Bali, Indonesia for eight days and seven nights at the Bali Double V Villa for up to six people, including round trip airport transfers, unrestricted access to Atlas Beach Club, a private chef and an on-call driver with private luxury vehicle. (land only).

1 Chance for $25, 3 Chances for $50, and Lucky 7 Chances for $100.*

Enter Drawing

*Suggested donation

Terms and Conditions: Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability. Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Passport required for travel outside the U.S. Cost of food prepared is the responsibility of the traveler. Travel is valid for 18 months from date of issue. A minimum 45 day advance reservation is required. CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellation prior to arrival may be subject to forfeiture of reservations and funds.

Dine + Dive Event

Dine + Dive is a fine art, food and wine event igniting all of the senses to benefit the nation’s first Underwater Museum of Art! Guests will view several of the 2025 UMA sculptures before they head to their permanent underwater home, mingle with the artists, and sample delish food and more than 50 wines from around the world. Taking place April 30, 2025, at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach, FL.

Meet Antonio Azzato

Inspired by the iconic Las Meninas painting by Diego Velázquez, Spanish-based artist and sculptor Antonio Azzato has brought dozens of largen-than-life sculptures to the streets of Madrid since 2018, using them to raise money for various charities. Now, for the first time, he is partnering with the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation to submerge a special, one-of-a-kind Menina statue in the Underwater Museum of Art, located off the coast of Florida. This unique sculpture will foster new coral growth and marine life as part of a man-made reef. Just as the ocean symbolizes the resilience and renewal found in the cancer journey – turning pain into hope and struggle into new beginnings.

Learn More

About the Underwater Museum of Art

The Underwater Museum of Art is the first presentation of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA)’s Art In Public Spaces Program and was produced in collaboration with the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA). The purpose of the UMA is to create art that becomes marine habitat, expanding fishery populations and providing enhanced creative, cultural, economic and educational opportunities for the benefit, education and enjoyment of residents, students and visitors in South Walton.

Learn More

Celebrate With a Donation

There are many special events in life that give us reason to celebrate: birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, a team win…or even reaching a long sought-after milestone. Instead of sending flowers or a gift, consider celebrating something or someone by making a donation to Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation! Your gift will help a cancer patient with household bills so they can concentrate on something really worth celebrating – getting better. What a powerful way to celebrate something, or someone, very important to you!

Celebrate Today!

Double Your Donation

You could double or triple your annual gift to Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation if you or your spouse works for or has retired from a company with a matching gift program. Complete a matching gift form from your human resources office and send it in with your gift.

Find Out if Your Company Matches Donations

In Memory/Honor Of

One touching way to show support is through giving in honor or memory of a loved one. If you’ve lost someone to cancer or want to honor someone currently engaged in their brave fight, a contribution in their name can be a powerful way to recognize their journey in a meaningful way. Your donations can represent personal messages of love, support, and resilience, and will directly help those currently navigating the ups and downs of their own cancer journeys.

Donate in Memory or Honor of a Loved One

Monthly Recurring Donations

Your generous donations make a real difference, and we’ve made it even easier to support our cause with our monthly recurring giving program. Consistent financial support allows us to plan better and provide uninterrupted assistance to those we serve. Your sustained commitment can help a vulnerable individual in the most crucial time of their life. Remember, even small donations can make a massive impact!

Make a Monthy Recurring Donation

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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Dirección de correo electrónico(Requerido)
¿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