In the 1950's, a group of civic-minded women of Dade County organized The Woman's Cancer Association of the University of Miami ("WCA") to help fight the battle against cancer.
There were 28 members at the first meeting, but by 1959, the enlarged membership was ready to broaden its scope of service. A resolution for an organizational charter was adopted and this group became known as the Woman's Cancer Association of the University of Miami. Mrs. Fred Ravlin was elected Founding President. WCA beginnings were small with a treasury of $13. Nonetheless, with the philanthropic support of Mr. W. L. Philbrick, WCA launched our first money-raising project, The Bargain Box.
In its first year of affiliation with the University of Miami. WCA received the Miami Herald "Honorable Mention Award" for service to Dade County and The Miami Daily News "Special Achievement Award" In the 1960's. WCA's service record produced second place in The Miami Herald 'Club of the Year' contest for 1962. Teamwork and cooperation were the keynote of WCA's service programs. By 1963, WCA branched out into 18 Chapters, and had raised $245,766.80 for the UM School of Medicine programs.
Aside from our research and educational program and with the blessing of the University of Miami, the Molly Bush Silver Lady Fund was established in 1963. With members giving birthday dollars and funds from the WCA and Silver Lady Tea, WCA was able to assist cancer patients. Although this is a very small part of our service, it has been most rewarding over the years.
The year 1964-65 will be remembered as one of greater responsibilities for WCA. With a sturdy record for service and ability and a well-founded trust in the loyalty of its membership, WCA pledged the first $500,000 support to the University of Miami Medical School Building Program, matched equally by the National Health Institute. WCA's supporting effort assured $1 million of available funds for cancer facilities in Dade County. Five summer fellowships for cancer research were provided for young medical students and $38,000 created a new "Family Medicine' research program designed to teach the importance of early diagnosis in the family doctor's office. WCA's Bargain Box literally burst at the seams, and a bigger and better location was necessary. Year end of 1967, WCA members had raised $601,665.42. Dr. Calvin spoke to the WCA in January 1968. thanking the organization for raising over $600,000 in support for the UM School of Medicine.
The groundbreaking for the Basic Science Building, for which WCA pledged its funds, became a reality in 1967, and the most modern and up to-the-minute scientific equipment was purchased through the monies raised by WCA for cancer detection at the School of Medicine. The University of Miami honored the WCA by membership in the Society of University Founders. Since being a member, WCA support continues to be recognized each year by the University.
In the 1970's. WCA received a legacy of $703,770.82 from the Estate of Glenn H. Curtiss, Jr., for whom the Diagnostic Center at the University of Miami Hospitals and Clinics was named in 1972. In May 1974. the final $50,000 payment of WCA's $500,000 pledge was made, and in the fall of 1974 a new pledge of $1 million was made to the University of Miami School of Medicine in unrestricted funds to be used at the Comprehensive Cancer Center for the State of Florida. By 1977, Dr. Emanuel M. Papper, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the University of Miami School of Medicine, announced that the Center had a home at the University of Miami Hospitals and Clinics--a long awaited dream come.
In the 1980's, a resolution commending WCA was presented to its President by the Public Health Trust of Dade County at its April 15, 1982, meeting. Those Past Presidents who had remained active were also presented a Certificate of Appreciation. Dr. Bernard Fogel, Interim Dean of the University of Miami School of Medicine, had glowing words of praise for the work that all had done for the School of Medicine, the Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Jackson Memorial Hospital. It was truly a memorable experience.
In May 1984 the final payment on WCAs second $1 million pledge was made and a third pledge of $1 million was approved by the WCA's Board of Directors.
In 1985, WCA purchased the building which the Bargain Box had been operating from for a total of $233,800, a portion of which was financed. At the end of fiscal years 1985 and 1986, WCA was able to pay additional amounts of $28,739 and $25,000, respectively. In 1988 the mortgage balance of $66,647.53 was satisfied. Within a 4-year period, WCA had paid the entire purchase price for the building. At the WCA Installation Luncheon on May 11, 1989, the Mortgage was burned, with President Mary Nolan and Bargain Box Chairman, Kathy Logan, officiating.
In the 1990's, during the year 1990-91, a re-evaluation of WCA contributions determined that WCA's third pledge of $1 million made in 1984-85 had been fulfilled. The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (SCCC) then requested that WA join their 'Decade of Triumph Campaign" with a new pledge of $1 million to be paid within a 5-year period.
WCA's first contribution of $245,000 was made towards this new pledge on May 10, 1991.
At the WCA Installation Luncheon held on May 10,1992, President Mary Nolan presented a check for $210,000 to Dr. Norman Altman, Director, SCCC. In just 2-years, WCA had completed one-half of its $1 million pledge to the "Decade of Triumph Campaign' for the SCCC. The members of WCA can be proud of their dedication and accomplishments towards WCA goals.
At the WCA Installation Luncheon on May 13, 1993, President Mary Nolan presented a check for $240,000 to Dr. Azorides Morales, the current Director, SCCC. This was the third payment to the 'Decade of Triumph" $1 million pledge, with payments made now totaling $695,000.
On May 12,1994, President Eileen Cubillas presented a $340,000 check to Dr. Azorides Morales, completing in a 4-year period WCA's $1 million 5-year pledge to the "Decade of Triumph Campaign", with the overage of $35,000 to be applied to whatever pledge WCA may make in the future.
At the May 11, 1995, Installation Luncheon, President Eileen Cubillas presented a WCA check in the amount of $255,000, payable to the University School of Medicine, to Edward D. Foote, President of University of Miami. It is especially pleasing to know that these funds are being used for "matching" Federal grants. This means greater funding in recruiting the finest research doctors in the field of cancer.
WCA contributions to the University of Miami School of Medicine now total over $6 million.
President Nan Diffenderfer presented Dr. W. Jarrard Goodwin, Director, SCCC, a check in the amount of $172,500 during the May 1996 Installation Luncheon.
At the WCA Installation Luncheon on May 11, 1997, President Nan Diffenderfer presented a check in the amount of $115,000 to Dr. W. Jarrard Goodwin for Research at Sylvester. She also presented a check in the amount of $50,000 to Dr. Mariana Baum. Director of the Woman's Health Initiative.
In appreciation of WCA's support. on May 27, 1997, Dr. Baum presented the WCA with a beautiful commemorative plaque and Congresswoman Lleana Ros-Lehtinen presented WCA with an American Flag, which flew over the Capitol on May 21, 1997. The flag with accompanying certificate and the commemorative plaque will remain on display at the Bargain Box.
On May 15, 1997, an Unveiling Ceremony of the Donor Wall of Benefactors of Sylvester was held. This wall is located in the Patio Area of the SCCC and WCA is prominently inscribed thereon.
WCA volunteers were recognized at the Jackson Memorial Hospital Volunteers' Luncheon on May 15, 1998.
At the WCA Annual Installation Luncheon on May 14, 1998, President Barbara Voight presented a check in the amount of $278,000 for Cancer Research to Dr. W. Jarrard Goodwin, Director, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and University of Miami School of Medicine.
On May 13, 1999, at the WCA 41st Annual Installation Luncheon, two checks in the amount of $565,000 were presented by President Barbara Voight to Dr. W. Jarrard Goodwin, Director, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, to be distributed as follows:
An Endowment Fund in the amount of $400,000 was established with the University of Miami/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in the name of The Woman's Cancer Association of the University of Miami in memory of Pearl M. and Edwin L. Powell. It will be rewarding to watch this contribution grow and to see the results with new discoveries and advances as a result of this endowment established with funds given to The WCA through the estate of Mrs. Powell, a former member of the Franklin C. Bush Chapter. A check for $165.000 was also presented to the SCCC for general programming from funds raised by chapters and the Bargain Box. Another $200.000 was added to the endowment in September to make the total $600,000.
The Silver Lady Fund, separately maintained by the Chairman, is composed of donations of birthday dollars by members as well as the proceeds from the WCA Annual Silver Lady Tea, held specifically to supplement this Fund. Cancer patients are recommended by the Social Services Department of the Hospital, with selection and approval of the patients by the Executive Board.
In the 2000's, under the leadership of Cheryl Bubb, 1999-2000 was a productive year for the WCA. Profits from the Bargain Box (open year round) were up from the previous year and with the proceeds from the Holiday Festival and varied events of the six Chapters, WCA was able to present three checks at the May 11th Installation held at the Rusty Pelican-$25,000 to Oncologist Dr. Stuart Toledano, Pediatric Oncology and Hematology; $50,000 to George Batchelor Foundation, University of Miami School of Medicine for children's cancer research; and $175.000 to the Medical School's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Funds were also set aside for refurbishing the Bargain Box.
The interest accrued on the Powell Endowment is awawrded yearly by The WCA for cancer research at Sylvester. The total donations made by WCA through the years to the University of Miami now have reach over $7 million.
WCA was recognized once more at the Jackson Memorial Hospital Volunteers' Luncheon May 12, 2000.
The May 10, 2001 WCA Installation provided the opportunity for President Cheryl Bubb to present $200.000 to Dr. Jerry Goodwin of the University of Medical School's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Making the annual contribution possible, WCA has conducted a successful "Sale Day" in partnership with Bloomingdale’s Department Store, continued daily operation of the Bargain Box and introduced a new project "Driven to Find a Cure' a yearly chapter fund raising initiative. Individual chapters, also, raised money with various events throughout 2001.
The Silver Lady Fund provides financial assistance of $100 to as many as 12 indigent cancer patients monthly. Additional suppost for the fund is, also made possible through the elegant Silver Lady Tea, which this year added an honorary "Golden Lady" designation.
Another bequest of $100,000 from the Evelyn Kelly Shelley Estate to Granada Chapter enabled the WCA to name the Family Education Center of the Batchelor Children's Research Institute in her honor. WCA representatives accepted further honors on behalf of WCA at the dedication of the new Institute on May 3, 2001.
An informative Ruth Self Education Day was presented at Sylvester on February 8, 2001 and WCA again, was thanked at the "Volunteers Enrich Our Lives" luncheon on May 25, 2001 for its efforts.
The Bargain Box has benefited from the planned refurbishing, repainting, repairing, retooling, etc. The Improved "Boutique" area offers more interesting higher priced items to customers as well.
The 2001-2002 year began with a luncheon hosted by President Gail Highland, introducing The WCA Executive Committee to cancer project representatives for the UM School of Medicine.
In September, $50,275 was awarded from the accrued interest in the Powell Endowment to Dr. Robert Kirsner's Cancer Control Research project at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Additionally, $5000 was provided to fursnish a bereavement room for families of cancer patients in the Gynecology/Oncology Unit at UM Jackson Memorial Hospital.
In December, $20,000 was provided to the Department of Pediatrics Division of Critical Care to extablish The WCA Bereavement Fund. With only four programs in the State of Florida, this is the only one named by an organization.
The first fall WCA fundraiser, Bloomingdale's Sale Day, featured a display of art by children with cancer on behalf of our organization. The annual Silver lady Tea in January 2002 also featured this art, and a silent auction that produced $350 for the children's Cancer fun. Kelly Gandet, reigning Miss Florida, posed for pictures with the Golden Ladies at this event.
In February, the Ruth Self Education Day hosted by Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center introduced the physicians and reported the status of various cancer education, control and welfare projects.
The funds from the Second Annual Driven to Find a Cure in April 2002 will provide startup funds for chapters, with funds being held by chapters until the next annual Meeting.
Proceeds for WCA Fundraising events for 2001-2002 were awarded at the May Installation Luncheon at the Riviera Country Club. University of Miami President, Donna Shalala served as the guest of honor. The recipients of grants included:
Dr. Daniel Armstron The Madelon Ravlin Award for $82,500
Dr. Lisa Baumbach The Archie Clot Award for $75,000
Dr. Carlos Sandoval-Cros $50,000
Dr. Jie Li $49,000
Robert Levy and Monica Jones $21,744
The grants awarded brought the total year's donations to $353,869 and increased the WCA's total contributions throughout the years to: $8, 742,106.21.
In tribute to the WCA's founding President, Madelon Ravlin, a bronzed plaque has been created and will be displayed at the WCA Headquarters. A web site (www.wcaofum.org) was established for the WCA in 2002.
2002-2003 has been a successful fundraising year; we would like to recognize the John Foster Dulles, one of the oldest WCA chapters, which merged with other Chapters.
In September, Dr. Rodney Howell and the Jackson Memorial Pediatrics Department hosted an appreciation luncheon for representatives of the WCA to let them know they do make a difference. The interest earned from the Powell Estate Endowment provided an early grant of $28,354 for Dr. Rakesh Singal of the Sylvester Cancer Center.
The separate Silver Lady Fun for indigent cancer patients was enhanced again by the well-planned Silver Lady Tea featuring the "Golden Ladies" guests.
The major funds for the year-end grants were endowed by (i) Bloomingdal'es Shopping Day Sales, (ii) "Driven to Find a Cure". (iii) proceeds from WCA's Chapters event and (iv) Bargain Box income. For the first time, the shop receipts exceeded the annual goal set by the volunteer manager. The aim of $80,000 for the year was topped by over $9,000!
The annual Ruth Self Education Day was hosted this year at the Batchelor Children's Research Institute where doctors reported on the advances in career research made possible by the WCA's contributions. Representatives of the Association were, also, included in the University of Miami Medical School Luncheon event for all 2002-2003 volunteers.
The final event was the Installation of 2003-2005 President Judi Wilcox and other 50 years of progress. officers held at Coral Reef Country Club with guest speaker, Dr. John Clarkson, Dean of the Medical School for the University of Miami, sharign highlights of the school's The grant awards followed to inspire the association for another year:
Dr. Kent Lai -- The Madelon Ravlin Award $50,000
Dr. Mathias Lichenheld -- The Arch Clot Award $47,882
Dr. Luis Raez -- $40,000
Dr. Diana Lopez -- $30,000
Dr. Stuart Toledano -- $25,000
Dr. Patricia Cantwell -- $15,000
Dr. Pasquale Benedetto -- $2,500
Dr. R. Rodney Howell Tribute Fund -- $1,000
In 2003-2004, the WCA led by President Judi Wilcox has blended old and new fund raising projects to raise $149,500 for both research grants and comfort for the bereaved. Additionally, through the accrued annual interest from the Pearl and Edwin Powell Endowment, $23,409 was granted to Dr. Bal and Vinata Lokeshwar for prostate andd bladder cancer research.
The Bargain Box continued to be the leading money maker for the group with a media boost from a "Miami Herald, Neighbors" article, "Double Duty: Thrift Shop also aids Cancer fight." Donations and hard work by the four chapters (Granada Chapter has merged with Barton & Ravlin) as well as the loyal part time Bargain Box employees energized the operation six days a week.
The organization repeated participation in the Bloomingale Shopping Day and for the first time joined the Doral Golf Tournament, "Birdies for Charity"-a great success that will be included in next year's project.
The traditional Silver Lady Tea was repeated, but with a new twist. Instead of being held in a home, the Coconut Grove Ritz Carlton was chosen. "Puttin' on the Ritz" paid off at $8,423.64 in income-$600 more than last year, enabling the Silver Lady Fund to assist 12 indigent cancer patients during the year.
The Ruth Self Education Day (45th) was hosted by the Office of Medical Development of the U. of M. Medical School and held at the Batchelor Children's Research Institute, WCA members, also, attended the dedication of the Gyno-Oncology Bereavement Room at the Diagnostic Treatment Center at Jackson, founded in 2001-2002.
The theme of the May Installation Luncheon, held again at the bayside Coral Reef Yacht Club, was "Planting the Seeds of Tomorrow." Dr. Bernard J. Forgel, MD. Dean Emeritus of the School of Medicine spoke of the Association's past accomplishments and brought the luncheon attendees up to date on Medical School progress. The presentation of grants awards:
Madelon Ravlin Award-$50,000 to Sheldon Greer, PhD.
Archie Clot Award-$30,000 to May Abdel-Wahab. MD. PhD.
$25,000 to Kent Lai, PhD, (a published paper acknowledged the financial support of the WCA)
$25,000 to Stuart Toledano, MD
$15,000 to the Woman's Cancer Association Bereavement Fund
$4,500 to Deborah Olin Heros, M
Symbolically, following the awards, candles were lighted to honor past presidents and guide the way for newly installed officers for 2004-05.
Finally, through a dramatic change, the association by-laws were amended to welcome male members and junior members. Ariel Gonzalez, a young woman with a big heart and a desire to help others, is making history by founding the "WCA Juniors" to include young women and men to strengthen the WCA mission. Looking forward to a bright future, the Association extends a warm welco to our new members.
The association's 2004-05 fund raising efforts began with an attempt to draw more attention to the Bargain Box. The "Miami Herald" as department generously granted a special non-profit rate of $57.95 for a week long ad. Unfortunately, potential shoppers' attention was diverted to storm shopping needs for an unexpected September hurricane, which also caused the Bargain Box to be closed for a day.
The organization repeated participation in the Bloomingdale's shopping event in October and the "Birdies for Charity" in conjunction with the Doral Golf Tournament. The new WCA Junior Chapter members also held an event.
2005 looked ever better with the beautifu and financially successful silver lady tead in January. The event held at the Coconut Grove Ritz Carlton made $15,799.36 to provide aid for 14 indigent cancer patients during the year. Additionally "Birthday Dollars" collected at individual chapter meetings continue to support the Silver Lady Fund as well.
The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center hosted the annual Ruth Self Education Day lunch in February. The researchers presented encouraging updates on both cancer prevention and treatment and demonstrated what our fund raising projects accomplished as well as the need for more.
In March the University of Miami Medical School's "Partners in Caring" luncheon honored all the volunteers who have supported the school. The Woman's Cancer Association was included with an enthusiastic "thank you" for being one of the earliest support groups for the medical facility.
The culmination of the year's efforts were celebrated at the May Installation of 2005-2006 Officer's luncheon at La Gorce Country Club. Though selecting from the 27 grant requests was difficult, the $190,000 available made it possible to fund 5 valuable projects.
Madelon Ravlin Award-$50,000 to Steven E. Lipschultz, M.D. Department of Pediatrics
Archie Clot Award-$50,000 to Partha M. Das M.D. Sylvester Cancer Center
$45,000 to Roland Lurecia PH D. Department of Microbiology and Immunology
$30,000 to Yao Shan Fan, M.D., PH D, Department of Pediatrics
$15,000 to the Woman's Cancer Association of U.M. Bereavement Fund, Department of Pediatrics
With candles lit, outgoing president Judi Wilcox passed association leadership to the newly installed executive board. All pledged their cooperation for the challenges of the coming year.
Ruth Jacobs
Historian
