Giving Back

Table of Contents

Moffitt’s Board of Advisors Honors Champion of Cancer Research

Moffitt Cancer Center recognized Coach Don Shula in an award ceremony attended by nearly 400 people, including NFL Hall of Fame members, former senators and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist. The Moffitt Board of Advisors’ Leadership & Philanthropy Award Dinner, held at The Ritz-Carlton in Miami’s South Beach on Feb. 3, netted $250,000 for cancer research at Moffitt.

“Moffitt Cancer Center is very, very special to me,” Shula said. “My breast cancer foundation has donated a lot to Moffitt because we knew they would do the best with the money. What Moffitt is doing with cancer research is unbelievable. That’s why I’m proud to be a part of it… and honored to receive this award. Hopefully someday we’ll find a cure for cancer.”

The event was hosted by Moffitt Board of Advisors’ Chair Sam Donaldson, an ABC News veteran, who got the crowd roaring early in the evening with his high-energy delivery. Donaldson said Shula’s accomplishments as a leader were immeasurable.

“His dedication on and off the field has been an inspiration to many and has sparked Moffitt Cancer Center to bring together his family, friends and cancer warriors to say ‘thank you,’” he said.

Donaldson was joined by event co-chairs Bob Griese, quarterback of that “perfect” 1972 Dolphins team, and his wife, Shay.

“Don has been a great mentor and a wonderful friend,” said Bob Griese, a fellow member of Moffitt’s Board of Advisors. “He has worked hard to find a cure for cancer through the Don Shula Foundation for breast cancer research, and many lives have been made better for it. We consider it an honor to present this award to him.”

Gov. Charlie Crist surprised guests when he entered the room with his wife, Carole. The governor congratulated Shula for his outstanding leadership.

“It’s a great event tonight for Don and Mary Anne Shula,” Crist said. “It’s important that we all pull together to fight this dreaded disease and eradicate it from the world, and Moffitt is the way to do it.”

Other notable guests were: Florida former Gov. Bob Graham; NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell; Senator Connie Mack; Pro Football Hall of Fame member Deacon Jones; and Bruce Allen, general manager of the Washington Redskins.

The host committee included Bruce and Kiersten Allen; Ed and Marsha Droste; Jon and Cindy Gruden; Dave “Lags” Lageschulte; H. Lee and Dianne Moffitt; Les and Pam Muma; Kristi Quarles; Dale “Champ” Regnier; Robert and Peggy Rothman; and Patrick and Sharon Sobers.

Magnolia Ball Sponsorships Add Up to Lifesaving Cancer Research

Magnolia Ball Sponsorships

Platinum Sponsorship - $25,000

Gold Sponsorship - $15,000

Silver Sponsorship - $10,000

Bronze Sponsorship - $8,500


Underwriting Opportunities

Guest Photo Underwriter - $7,500

Sponsor Gift Underwriter - $7,500

Program Printing Underwriter - $7,500

Dessert Underwriter - $7,500

Full-Page Program Advertisement - $1,000

Thank you to these and all of the 2010 Magnolia Ball Sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor


Platinum Sponsors

Grand Chapter of Florida Order of the Eastern Star Shines for Moffitt

For 22 of Moffitt Cancer Center’s 24-year history, the Grand Chapter of Florida Order of the Eastern Star has embraced Moffitt’s mission to “contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.”  Throughout the years, Florida’s chapter of the world’s largest fraternal organization has donated nearly $205,000 to help fund many research projects and equipment needs including renal cell carcinoma, gastrointestinal cancer, gynecologic cancers and clinical research.

For Joann Heath, the chapter’s 2008-2009 Worthy Grand Matron, supporting Moffitt’s cancer research was a clear choice.  A longtime cancer survivor herself, Heath has watched as family and friends have battled cancer.  Heath credits the research, treatments and care at Moffitt for the excellent outcome of one friend who has survived renal cell carcinoma for 11 years.   

“Moffitt’s cancer research means so much to this Grand Jurisdiction because we know, first hand, about the research that is being done,” Heath said. “Through the many, many various programs at Moffitt, our members and family members are benefiting.  We at one time had 20 or more of our members being treated at Moffitt, at the same time.  Some survived and some didn't, but because of continuous efforts and research programs at Moffitt, we feel that in the future the survival rate will be much higher and our loss of loved ones fewer.”   

Shirley Fessell, stewardship officer in the Moffitt Foundation, has worked closely with the organization for many years.  She helps identify research needs and ensures that 100% of the contributions benefit the project that’s chosen each year.

“Moffitt has been so fortunate to have the Grand Chapter of Florida-Order of the Eastern Star as a partner for so long,” Fessell explained.  “Their support has meant so much to our research work.  We are deeply grateful for the efforts of their members in raising funds to benefit the patients who seek help for many types of cancer at Moffitt Cancer Center.”

For more information about how your organization can donate to one or more specific cancer projects at Moffitt, please call Shirley Fessell at (813) 745-4689 or (813) 745-1403.

Testimonials and Tribute Gifts Make a Difference at Moffitt

Every week, the Moffitt Foundation receives donations from grateful patients and family members whose lives have been touched by the dedicated staff at Moffitt Cancer Center.  These donors have experienced the compassionate care of doctors, nurses and others in Moffitt’s clinics and hospital, sometimes many years ago.  The Foundation reads every touching letter or note, and celebrates the good health or prolonged life that donors relate. 

Each month in Momentum, we will share excerpts of these touching letters with you. 

 “Your care and attentiveness to my sister touched my heart. Thank you.”
-- Michael F., Richterswil, Switzerland 

“Thanks to the ongoing research in treating metastatic colon cancer, my mother was given the chance to enjoy 3 + years of life after diagnosis of stage IV colon cancer in 2006.  My grandfather died of metastatic colon cancer within just four months of his diagnosis in 1980.”
-- Joshua H., Tampa, FL

“Since my successful treatment in 1986 for Hodgkin’s (disease) at Moffitt, I am still living a healthy, productive life!”
-- Loretta T., Land O’Lakes, FL  

“I am particularly grateful to Dr. Tawee Tanvetyanon for his expertise and kindness.  His treatment of my husband allowed us to have four happy and unexpected years together.  Dr. Lary Robinson, who performed surgery for my lung cancer, was also responsible for our prolonged life together. My deepest appreciation to all the staff at Moffitt.”
-- Elizabeth G., Clarksville, TN

Community Events

Thank you to these community groups for holding the following events to raise support for Moffitt Cancer Center.

Bulls for a Cure
February 20
Tampa

A Lil Night of Music
February 27, 2010
Tampa

Survivors and Friends Dinner
March 3, 2010
Winter Haven

Online Giving Is Open 24/7

With just a few clicks of your computer mouse, you can make an online, tax-deductible  donation to Moffitt Cancer Center.  Online giving is fast, secure and convenient.  Best of all, you’ll know that your gift is advancing cancer research and patient services at the only Florida-based NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.  When you give online, you will receive an automatic receipt by email and a written acknowledgment shortly after.

Visit www.Moffitt.org/Giving and Make A Donation Now.  You can also register for our events online.

Contact Us