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50 SHADES OF ROARING PINK – Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation hosted the Annual Fundraising Gala

Tampa, FL – October 19th, 2017… The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation is proud to announce another successful annual “50 Shades of Pink” event hosted by honorary co-chairs FCS physicians, Dr. Christopher George and Dr. Julio Lautersztain. The event was held on October 7, 2017 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay and grossed $200,000 with all proceeds going to patient grants.

The first “50 Shades of Pink” was held in 2014 due to a wedding venue cancellation. When Barbara Long’s wedding was cancelled, she was faced with a dilemma. She had already paid a deposit for the reception and it was nonrefundable. After learning about the FCS Foundation, Barbara chose to donate the deposit she had paid to the venue and chair a fundraising event to benefit the FCS Foundation; thus, “50 Shades of Pink” was born!

This year guests experienced a “Great Gatsby” theme and featured flappers, a covert speakeasy, casino games and live jazz and swing music. All proceeds directly benefit the FCS Foundation, which provides financial assistance for nonmedical living expenses to qualified cancer patients who are currently undergoing treatment in Florida. In addition to events like the “50 Shades of Roaring Pink” Gala and other fundraising efforts, the FCS Foundation’s overhead is paid by the physician partners at Florida Cancer Specialists, so 100% of donations (net of events) benefit cancer patients in need.

Brad Prechtl, CEO of Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) and Board Chair of the FCS Foundation, said, “The FCS Foundation would not be able to raise funds for cancer patients in need without the continued support of our local community and sponsors. We are very appreciative and we look forward to another successful “50 Shades of Pink” Gala in 2018.”

Honorary Co-Chair, Dr. Christopher George said, “I am grateful to serve as Honorary Co-Chair of an event that makes a difference in the lives of patients and their families affected by cancer. As an oncologist, I see the impact cancer has on patients and their families.”

Dr. Julio Lautersztain, Honorary Co-Chair, added, “50 Shades of Roaring Pink” could not have been a success without the continued support from the local community and our sponsors. I am delighted that I had the opportunity to be the Honorary Co-Chair of this unique event which directly benefits cancer patients and their families.”

Foundation Executive Director Lynn Rasys said, “This Gala has been a favorite with for our supporters in the greater Tampa Bay area and the “Great Gatsby” theme was a hit for everyone in attendance. The FCS Foundation is already working on the theme for 2018 and look forward to announcing early next year.”

Event photos: https://50shadesofroaringpink2017.shutterfly.com/

To learn more about sponsoring the 2018 “50 Shades of Pink” Gala, please contact Terri Gagliardi at TGagliardi@FLCancer.com or 941.677.7192.

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About Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation:

The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation believes no one should have to choose between paying rent and paying their cancer treatment. The Foundation was established to assist qualified individuals in the state of Florida who are undergoing treatment for cancer and need assistance paying their essential, non-medical, living expenses such as rent or mortgage, a car payment, auto insurance, and/or utilities so they can focus on their health and recovery. 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

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
Shelly Glenn, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer – sglenn@flcancer.com
770.365.6168

ChappellRoberts
Chris Wilkerson – cwilkerson@chappellroberts.com
813.857.7051

Ganick Communications, Inc.
Elaine Ganick – elaine@ganick.com
615.377.7877

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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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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