Join us for our workshop "Productive Relationships + "WALLOP!" = Sustained Funding" on October 14, 2011. To register or learn more about our upcoming workshops, click here. 

Greetings!  

"Never underestimate the power of a small group
of committed people to change the world.   

In fact, it is the only thing that ever has."

~ Margaret Mead

You have probably heard me say "Service is the rent we pay for our space on earth."  It is the core value by which I live and operate KMAC & Associates.

This month, I am highlighting one of the organizations to which I am honored to "pay rent"; the Cancer Center Council (CCC). 

Organized in 1984, the Cancer Center Council (CCC) is a broad-based, nonprofit organization of volunteers who make a difference in the fight against cancer.  The mission of the CCC is to support the Cancer Therapy and Research Center (CTRC) at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio through cancer education, community outreach, fundraising, patient assistance and volunteer services.

Numbering over 650 current members, roughly 50 board members and approximately 20 advisors, this group of incredible women lead multiple, diverse activities to meet the mission.  After all, who HASN'T been affected by cancer?  But it is more than that.  The variety of ways to be involved is as diverse as the people affected by cancer.  There's the Partners Shopping Card, an opportunity to shop and cure cancer at the same time; the San Antonio Express-News Book & Author Luncheon, benefiting CTRC's Phase 1 Clinical Research Program which provides hope for patients through new, investigational anti-cancer drugs; the CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, with over 8,000 international attendees; the Spring Lecture Luncheon, providing funds for the Patient Assistance Fund; educational events; and volunteering in the clinic with patients and their caregivers....

I am so proud to be associated with this group of community-minded volunteers who make the work of the CCC so effective.  In addition to the CCC, you see their time, talent, treasure, and influence, shared with many other nonprofits in our community - shining examples of volunteers with WALLOP!  Their actions show that they too believe "Service is the rent we pay for our space on earth."

Each and every one of us has something we can give back, no matter our circumstances. There is always someone whose life you can make better in some way.  And the amazing thing is, we often GET back more than we GIVE!  When you experience that "high", you've got WALLOP!  It means you will continue to give support long after the "project" is over.  You will also continue to tell your story, share the vision, advocate for others to join in your joy.  As my board term draws to an end, that's exactly how I feel about the Cancer Center Council.

So here is my challenge to you; a "call to action" to find the cause that is important to YOU and get involved on the level that is appropriate at this particular point in your life.

Don't deny yourself the joy of giving!

Sincerely,

 Kathy MacNaughton, CFRE