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Foundation Staff

Lynn Rasys – Executive Director

Lynn Rasys – Executive DirectorIn her role as Executive Director, Lynn oversees all aspects of the FCS Foundation, including strategic planning, financial oversight, staff management, program development and execution of the Foundation’s mission, vision, and goals. Previously, Lynn was the FCS Foundation Volunteer Program Manager responsible for recruiting, training and scheduling volunteers at facilities currently participating in the FCS Volunteer Patient Support Program, as well as developing and identifying additional Florida Cancer Specialists’ facility opportunities throughout the state. A graduate of Salter College in Worcester, MA, Lynn has more than 30 years’ experience in corporate and nonprofit management. Before joining the Foundation, she was Director of Communications and Development at Cat Depot, a nonprofit cat rescue and adoption center, and responsible for media, public relations, advertising, fundraising, donor development and human resources. Previously, Lynn was the Executive Director for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Florida Suncoast Chapter, where she was responsible for the overall operation of the six-county affiliate. In her leisure time, Lynn enjoys reading, the Florida beaches, and spending time with her family and rescue cats.

Rebecca Davis, Associate Director

Rebecca DavisIn her role as the FCS Foundation Associate Director, Rebecca oversees the Client Services financial assistance program as well as the state-wide Volunteer program. Rebecca’s experience includes more than 15 years of non-profit management, program implementation and strategic planning. Rebecca earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Florida and a Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Management from the University of Tampa. In her personal time, Rebecca is an active member in her community and enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Stephanie Will, Development and Event Manager

Rebecca DavisIn her role as Development and Event Manager, Stephanie oversees all logistics for the FCS Foundation special fundraising events and development initiatives. Through relationship-building, she connects individuals, groups, and corporations to the Foundation’s mission through their time, talent, or treasures. Stephanie earned a Bachelor of Science in International Business and a Master of Business Administration, both from The University of Tampa. She also served for one year as an AmeriCorps in Boulder, Colorado with the “I Have A Dream” Foundation. Stephanie has seven years of non-profit development experience, most recently as Director of Development for The Salvation Army of St. Petersburg. She has a passion for coffee, thrift shopping, and DIY crafts.

Dawn Froncek, Volunteer Program Manager, South Region

Andrea CirabisiIn her role as FCS Foundation Volunteer Program Manager Southwest, Dawn oversees volunteer recruitment, screening, placement, training, support and recognition. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Dawn has experienced a broad-based professional career that has included four years of volunteer management in the non-profit realm, as well as expertise in marketing, sales and tourism. In her personal life, Dawn enjoys the outdoors and beaches, pursuing a variety of creative projects and spending time with family and friends.

Ashleigh Perkins, Volunteer Program Manager, North Region

Andrea CirabisiIn her role as FCS Foundation Volunteer Program Manager of the north region, Ashleigh oversees volunteer recruitment, screening, placement, training, support, and recognition. Ashleigh has over four years of volunteer and program management experience. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in non-profit management from Southern New Hampshire University. In her personal life, Ashleigh enjoys spending time with her family and Goldendoodle, Walter.

Brian Garnant, Event Manager

Brian Garnant In his role as Event Manager, Brian manages all aspects of planning and logistics for FCS Foundation fundraising events including onsite event management. Brian also oversees the Fundraising and Communications Coordinator including the online donor management system and event software, as well as communications, management of marketing and website agencies, and the Condolence Program. Brian is a native of Peoria, Illinois and served for 14 years as Special Event Manager of Five Points Washington, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Washington, Illinois overseeing 200+ events per year. Brian earned a Bachelor of Business degree from Western Illinois University. Brian likes being active in the community and serves on the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Programming and Events committee. In his spare time he enjoys golfing and spending time with his family at the beach.

Diana Hunter, Development Manager

Kristin Caulley In her role as Development Manager, Diana oversees the Foundation’s development initiatives, including special appeals and campaigns, donor cultivation and stewardship programming, legacy giving, major gifts, event sponsorships, business partnerships, and grant applications. With a Master of Nonprofit Management and over six years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Diana has had the opportunity to work at both established and start-up nonprofits in a variety of sectors, including Arts and Cultural and Attraction-based institutions, while gaining proficiency in fundraising, event planning, donor engagement, stewardship, and advancement strategies. Prior to joining the FCS Foundation, Diana spent several years living and working abroad, including as a World Center Volunteer for the World Association of Girl Guide and Girl Scouts, and serving in the United States Peace Corps. Diana is an avid Swiftie and theater lover, and in her free time enjoys reading, crafting, baking, and being in the mountains.

Ally Olson, Fundraising and Communications Coordinator

Ally Olson In her role as Fundraising and Communications Coordinator, Ally oversees social media content, manages the condolence program, and provides support for special fundraising events. In May 2023, Ally earned a Bachelor of Art degree in Biology, Society, and the Environment from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Prior to joining the FCS Foundation, Ally worked for the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts Career Services and completed an internship at the Minnesota Horticultural Society. Beyond her professional life, Ally finds joy in reading, yoga, and spending time outdoors.

Teresa Gowin, Client Services Financial Coordinator

Teresa Gowin In her role as Client Services Financial Coordinator, Teresa overseas the payment processing for grant recipients. Teresa has worked in the accounting industry for over 20 years, and in the non-profit field are as a full charge bookkeeper for several years. Teresa is Florida raised but recently moved to Illinois. In her leisure time, Teresa enjoys nature, plants, and spending time with her family.

SPECIAL FUNDS

The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization as designated by the IRS. The Foundation’s EIN number is 20-4616813. The Foundation is also registered in the State of Florida, Registration No. CH24320. A copy of the official State registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling 800-435-7352 within the State of Florida. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State.

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

Contacte a FCSF

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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