Organizers of the American Cancer Society’s Second Annual “Legacy of Hope” gala, “Imagine… An Evening in Paris,” are seeking volunteers to help fill key committee roles in planning their French-themed late summer event.
The gala – which will honor local community leaders for their outstanding commitment to the battle against cancer – is slated for August 8 at Robinson Ranch Golf Club. Sponsors, underwriters, and live/silent auction donors are also being sought.
Recipients of the 2010 Legacy of Awards will be: Carl and Jeri Seratti Goldman of KHTS AM-1220, for “Leadership in Community Awareness,” Cheri and Don Fleming of Valencia Acura, for “Leadership in Mission Support,” and Roger Seaver, Chief Executive Officer of Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, for “Leadership in Healthcare.”
“These honorees are exemplary leaders of the Santa Clarita Valley who are committed to the fight against cancer, and each embodies the vision and goals of the American Cancer Society,” said Candy Spahr, president of the American Cancer Society, SCV Unit. “We’re looking for about 15 to 20 volunteers to join our committee and help us make the tribute event a wonderfully memorable night.”
The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization, dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.
Unlike many non-profits, the ACS has been successful at maintaining “single digit” overhead/administrative expenses, generally around nine percent — which means that about 91 percent of all monies raised go directly toward ACS research, programs, and services.
“That is a figure we are very proud of and that shows that the American Cancer Society are good ambassadors of the money we receive,” Spahr noted.
Volunteer Anne DeBusk praised the hope and spirit that unites people through in the ACS.
“Everyone involved with the ACS has been touched by cancer in one way or another, through themselves, family or friends,” she said. “Instead of questioning why they have to suffer, instead of becoming victims of cancer – they fight back. We fight back with one goal – to make cancer history. We fight back by raising funds to promote the many programs that ACS offers, including transportation to doctor/chemo appointments, support groups, free wigs to patients undergoing chemotherapy, education, and much more.”
DeBusk welcomes others to join in on creating the “Evening in Paris” soiree and being a member of the ACS team.
“Come, be a part of the family and what we do,” she said. “Not only will you feel the reward of helping others, you’ll feel like you have a new perspective on life once you get involved with these amazing people.”
For further information contact Tameka Payne, ACS Community Director at 661-298-0886, option 3 or via email at tameka.payne@cancer.org or contact Candy Spahr, Event Chair at 661-299-5536.