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The Menina of the Reef Sculpture Project

A Collaboration with Underwater Museum of Art

The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation is thrilled to partner with the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) for an innovative collaboration that ignites art, marine conservation, and a powerful message of hope. Introducing Menina of the Reef: An Infinite Message (La Menina del Arrecife: Un Mensaje Infinito), a stunning sculpture by Spanish Artist Antonio Azzato, set to become a permanent part of UMA’s seventh annual underwater installation in the Summer of 2025.

 

The Underwater Museum of Art is the first permanent underwater sculpture garden in the U.S, located off of Walton County, Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. Each year, a juried selection of sculptural works, drawn from artists throughout the world, is installed in the underwater garden. Over time, the sculptures metamorphize into a living reef, providing crucial habitat for local marine life.

Send a Message of Hope

Be a part of The Menina of the Reef, a powerful symbol of resilience, transformation, and renewal, as it becomes a living testament to those facing cancer. This stunning sculpture isn’t just art – it’s a beacon of hope for cancer patients and their families across Florida. You can be part of this innovative project and the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation at the same time!

 

For a minimum donation of $100, you have the opportunity to contribute a personal “message of hope” that will be sealed in a time capsule within the Menina sculpture, which will become a permanent part of the Underwater Museum of Art’s living coral reef.

Be a part of The Menina of the Reef, a powerful symbol of resilience, transformation, and renewal, as it becomes a living testament to those facing cancer. This stunning sculpture isn’t just art – it’s a beacon of hope for cancer patients and their families across Florida. You can be part of this innovative project and the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation at the same time!

Sponsor Levels

• Message displayed on FCSF website

• Commemorative coin

• Message displayed on FCSF website

• Commemorative coin

• Message displayed on FCSF website

• Recognition on FCSF website and social media

• Autographed photo signed by artist Antonio Azzato

• Commemorative coin

• Message displayed on FCSF website

• Recognition on FCSF website and social media

• Autographed photo signed by artist Antonio Azzato

• Commemorative coin

• Message displayed on FCSF website

• Recognition on FCSF website and social media

• Commemorative Las Meninas cashmere scarf (while quantities last)

Give Hope Today

Deadline for messages to be received has been extended to April 4, 2025!

The deadline for messages to be received was April 4, 2025. Check back soon for additional opportunities to support and participate in the Menina of The Reef sculpture project.

Artist Rendering

About the Underwater Museum of Art

Photo provided by umafl.org

Meet Antonio Azzato

Dine + Dive Event

UMA LOGO PAINTED_LARGE_BIG TEXT
SWARA Logo
CAAWC_PublicArt_Logo_Web

Thank you to our Sponsors

Undersea Heritage

Donor Message
Raul Storey, MD To those who have faced the depths of challenge with courage, your journey transforms into life itself. From struggle blooms beauty, from resilience, renewal. Like coral growing from hardship, your strength creates an eternal reef, honoring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future. Your legacy lives on, forever thriving.

Depths of Life

Donor Message
Lucio Gordan, MD Empowered by art, united in hope: Florida Cancer Special Foundation’s Menina of the Reef Sculpture Project illuminates resilience, transforming battles into beauty. Together, we walk beside patients, and families turning significant challenges into purpose with creativity and care. Every brushstroke of courage, every shared story—strength thrives.

Seascape Stewards

Donor Message
John Sodeika In support of those in the battle and of all family, friends and caregivers that support them. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 – The Sodeika family

Reef Patrons

Donor Message
Michael Brandon Marsters In honor of Julie Marie Michelle Zarate. 1966-2019. A Touch of Mom Forever. Love Darla Gale and Michael Brandon.
Elaine  Ganick In honor of Laney, who thrives... and of Rosalie and Sal, whose memories will always survive. Prayers for future happy endings for all those facing cancer.
Jill DeSimone and Greg Moisan Thank you to all the FCS Oncologists and all HCP helping patients make more memories. Thank you FCSF for your support with families and patients.
Thomas Uhler In honor of all the heros who've survived or fought cancer and those who've assisted them thorough the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Revenue Cycle Quality Assurance Team In loving memory of nephew, Kevin Soriano; mother, Elizabeth Fernandez; former FCS coworker, Jill Andrews; father, John A. Powers, mother, Patricia M Brown Powers, sister, Sharon G Knudsen; sister, Conni Lipp; and in honor of our manager, Tracy Stoops. Always in our hearts, always fighting for a cure!" From the FCS Revenue Cycle Quality Assurance Team
Dawn Coons In memory of my dear husband, Billy, who passed in 2024. You didn't have cancer but felt for all those who did. Such amazing and strong souls! Dawn Coons, AH Cancer Registry

Gulf Guardians

Donor Message
Linda and Rob Emery Better together. Linda & Rob Emery 4/11/2025
Karen Dziura and Lynn Rasys Embrace this new chapter with courage and joy. Every ending is a fresh beginning, filled with endless possibilities. Trust the journey, believe in yourself, and welcome the unknown with open arms. The best is yet to come—step forward with hope, love, and excitement for all that lies ahead!
Jeffrey Baumeister Life is a Journey. Move with the currents. Float with the tides. Ride the waves. How deep is the ocean? How high is the sky? So is our love for you.
Lynn Rasys For Mila Rae Menendez celebrating March 30, You are full of magic, laughter, and endless possibilities. Always remember that you are strong, smart, and so very loved. Keep shining your bright light, exploring the world with wonder, and dreaming big—because you can do anything you set your heart to! Love, Grandma
Lynn Grisco To my beloved mother and father-in-law, who are no longer with us, may you rest in eternal peace. To my cherished family who continue this journey with me, I wish you immense health, happiness, and prosperity. May this message carry our love and hopes through the currents of time, as steadfast and enduring as the reef itself. – Lynn and Todd Grisco
Claudia Graham You are strong and you will get through this. Never lose Hope. Hope is necessary even in the face of uncertainty.
Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation Team We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Together, we uplift, support, and honor patients and their families, providing compassionate care when they need it most. – The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation Team: Lynn, Rebecca, Diana, Brian, Teresa, Ashleigh, Mike, and Ally
Andrew Menendez & Melissa Ariss-Menendez Just as water is boundless, so too are the fears and anxieties that people with cancer are facing. The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation believes that cancer patients should be focused on their health not their ability to cover the cost of essential living expenses. That’s why the foundation supports Floridians undergoing cancer treatment with financial assistance regardless of where they receive treatment. Florida is blessed with many incredible oncologists, treatment institutes and centers, and healthcare systems. Helping cancer patients keep their heads above water financially while receiving treatment anywhere, is boundless care. Together with my wife, Melissa, our time capsule hope is that FCSF is able to provide patient-centric resources for every Floridian who needs them.
The Wheeler Family In celebration of Jacque Wheeler’s strength we embrace hope. Each day is a step forward, filled with courage, love, and resilience. Keep believing, keep fighting, and know brighter days are ahead. Your strength is powerful, and your hope lights the way.
Karen Ridley My dear friend Brittany, you are Human Sunshine who brings radiant joy and warmth to those around you. May many blessings and great healing be with you now and always. Your kind, generous, incredible
Dwight Martin In heartfelt appreciation of Dr. Guancial and the staff at FCS Golf Dr Sarasota. Their caring and compassion will be remembered always
Patricia Martin In memory of the loved ones who fought cancer with bravery and grace. Each of you will be in our thoughts and prayers forever.
The Olson Family In memory of Hazel Adele Raasch. We see you in every season. We hear you in every change. You walk beside us every day. Always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.
Lynn Cowdright To my beautiful children Mike and Amber may you both have wonderful, happy, and healthy lives. You have been such an inspiration to me. I am so blessed to have you. I love you so much! Mom
Tim O'Donohue A cure for cancer before my lifetime!
Brian Garnant May this message bring a sense of calm and reassurance. Know that healing is possible, and hope is always within reach.
Cory Person  
Madhavi Venigalla, MD  

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.
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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.

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!

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)

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!

Contacte a FCSF

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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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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