Silver Lady Fund:
Between ten and twelve indigent cancer patients receive assistance monthly through this special WCA fund. Aid is given to cover medicines, transportation to clinics, proper food, bandages, and to help with expenses while undergoing treatment. Social Workers at UM Jackson and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center submit recommendations that are approved by the Executive Board. This fund is supported through two fundraisers. The Silver Lady Tea, held each winter since 1963, is the main fundraising event. Madelon Ravlin, founding president, hosted the first tea in her home to raise funds needed to help the initial patient. Molly Bush donated a linen cloth and napkins for a raffle and asked that the members each bring a silver dollar to place in a silver bowl. This was the beginning of the Silver Lady Fund that has now raised and expended nearly $50,000 to help our community's indigent cancer patients being treated through the UM School of Medicine. Birthday Dollars provide additional income for this account. Members are asked to remember their family members and loved ones with donations each month. Donations from friends of The WCA may be made to The Woman's Cancer Association of the University of Miami, Silver Lady Fund, 1350 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33135-2320.
Ruth Self Education Day:
Designed to keep our members and the community informed about the advances in cancer detection and treatment, the Ruth Self Education Day is conducted each year in conjunction with the University of Miami School of Medicine. Members of the University's Oncology Staff serve as speakers and educators for this event.
WCA All-Chapter Fundraising Events:
Members from each of the five chapters participate in the annual Bloomingdales Shopping Day held in October each year, and in April we conduct Driven to Find a Cure where members secure pledges for the number of miles they drive during that month.
Chapter Fundraising Events:
The events vary each year but include a Holiday Walk, Second Time Around Style Show, Luncheon and Silent Auction, Day at the Races, Denim and Diamonds Country Western Party, Holiday Displays, Walk for Cancer Research, Bunco Parties, Kentucky Derby Party, etc. We also accept donations from friends of The WCA. Send to the attention of President, The WCA, 1350 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33135-2945. A 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, our State of Florida Registration Number is SC-12760.
Grants to UM School of Medicine, May 2002:
$75,000 - Breast Cancer Research & Genetic Counseling for At-Risk Populations
$82,500 - Improving Psychological & Educational Outcomes for Survivors of Childhood Cancer
$49,000 - Two Blood Vessel Laminin Proteins in Tumor Angiogenesis
$50,000 - Psychological Support for Patients Living with Cancer - Full-time Psychiatry Fellow at Jackson Memorial Hospital
$21,744 - How Bone Marrow Transplantation Can be Improved for Treatment and Cure of Hemalogical Cancers The Bargain Box:
Located at 1350 West Flagler, Miami, our resale thrift shop remains one of our largest fundraisers for The WCA. Open six days a week from 9:30 - 3:30, the Bargain Box offers outstanding values for our community. Tax-deductible donations are accepted from members and friends of The WCA. We sell furniture, lamps, rugs, clothing, linens, glassware, shoes, purses, belts, paperback and hardcover books, small appliances, art work, jewelry, collectible records, baskets, toys, baby items, luggage, kitchen items, etc. The Boutique offers designer clothing and collectibles at bargain prices. The public is invited to shop at the Bargain Box and to make tax-deductible donations of items they can no longer use.
