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Sister Hazel’s Lyrics for Life: A Night of Making Music Matter

Benefiting Lyrics for Life’s Camp Hazelnut & Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation

Gainesville, FL – October 18, 2017… The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation is proud to announce a fundraising event and concert to be held in Gainesville, FL in partnership with Sister Hazel’s Lyrics for Life. The event will take place on Sunday, November 5th, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Santa Fe College Fine Arts Hall, located at 3000 NW 83rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32606.

Lyrics for Life, presented by Rich and Carissa Blaser, will raise funds for Lyrics for Life’s Camp Hazelnut and the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation. Attendees will enjoy cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres as they browse a star-studded silent auction, featuring items from some of the music industry’s biggest names. There will be a very unique and special acoustic “songwriter in the round” performance by Sister Hazel, Edwin McCain, and Emerson Hart of Tonic. The evening will be capped off with an after party presented by Genentech.

Brad Prechtl, CEO of Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) and Board Chair of the FCS Foundation, said, “It’s always great to see the FCS Foundation partner with other local non-profits to help raise funds and awareness. Our events would not be as successful without the continued support from our local communities, sponsors and other organizations, such as Lyrics for Life’s Camp Hazelnut.”

FCS Gainesville Cancer Center Medical Oncologist, Dr. Lucio Gordan, shared, “Lyrics for Life is a great way to raise funds for the FCS Foundation while getting the community involved, and I am excited to be a part of the first event with Lyrics for Life’s Camp Hazelnut.”

Lead Singer, Ken Block added, “It gives us the energy and ambition to fight back. We are fighting back! It’s a personal mission of ours to foster and create events that are fun, cool, exciting, and ultimately meaningful to this vital cause. Together we can make a real difference.”

FCS Foundation Executive Director Lynn Rasys said, “The Foundation is very excited to be a part of such a fun event in Gainesville! This fundraiser brings people together from the community, business and industry, and the medical field to support the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation and helps raise needed funds for patients undergoing cancer treatment.”

Event tickets are $150 per person and include a cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres, concert and after party. The evening will also feature a star-studded silent auction with all proceeds benefiting the FCS Foundation and Lyrics for Life Camp Hazelnut.

Tickets are now available and can be purchased on Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation’s website at Foundation.FLCancer.com/Gainesville. Sponsorships are also available by contacting tboggvl@aol.com.

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About Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation:

The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation believes no one should have to choose between paying rent and paying their cancer treatment. The Foundation was established to assist qualified individuals in the state of Florida who are undergoing treatment for cancer and need assistance paying their essential, non-medical, living expenses such as rent or mortgage, a car payment, auto insurance, and/or utilities so they can focus on their health and recovery. The Foundation is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization and located at 5204 Paylor Lane in Sarasota, Florida. Learn more about the FCS Foundation at: Foundation.FLCancer.com or call 941.677.7181.

About Sister Hazel:

Originating from Gainesville, FL, Sister Hazel is comprised of five gifted, seasoned musicians whose well-spring of natural talent has been called “one of the Top 100 Most Influential Independent Performers of the last 15 years” by Performing Songwriter Magazine. Song “All for You” topped the adult alternative charts during the summer of 1997 and the success propelled their album to platinum status. In their first showing on the country music charts they made a strong debut with “Lighter in the Dark” at #4 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, #6 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart, #30 on Billboard’s Top Current Albums chart and #79 on the Billboard 200 album chart. The band landed on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart again in 2016 with “Unplugged from Daryl’s House Club” at #75. Living up to their fan-centered reputation, the band hosts annual events like “Hazelnut Hang,” that focuses on fan involvement and was a pioneer in themed cruise experiences by co-founding “The Rock Boat,” a cruise featuring nonstop opportunities for fan/artist interaction. Sister Hazel has been equally attentive to connecting with their audience through social media. In addition to the events and touring, the band also gives back with Lyrics for Life. Founded by singer Ken Block and the band, the charity unites musicians and celebrities for concerts and auctions to benefit cancer research and patient-care charities.

About Lyrics for Life:

Lyrics for Life is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer. Sister Hazel frontman, Ken Block, and his band mates founded Lyrics for Life in memory of Ken’s younger brother, Jeffrey, who ultimately lost his four-year battle with cancer that started at age 14. The charity unites musicians and celebrities for concert events, auctions, and other fundraising efforts. The monies raised are donated to groups that are working to find a cure, as well as those aiming to enrich the lives of patients and their families. From research to summer camps and family support groups, we are surrounding this disease and conquering it from every angle. Artists participate in many ways, often by donating handwritten lyrics to one of their songs on anything from a simple sheet of paper to a surfboard to some other unique item, which we offer for auction at one of our Lyrics for Life events. Our team of musicians, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters set high goals for the future. We accept the challenge to find new ways of raising money and awareness and to help make each day a little brighter until there is a cure. http://www.lyricsforlife.org/

About Camp Hazelnut:

Decades of familiar, happy faces cover the walls in the dining hall of Camp Crystal Lake outside Gainesville, FL. Kids around the U.S. have been spending summers there for as long as anyone can remember, so when the Camp’s Director, Scott Burton, got word to the band that he would love to collaborate on an event, everyone loaded up the car and headed out for a visit. The conversation started simply as a family-focused Sister Hazel fan event—a weekend “summer camp” retreat with activities, bonfires, cabins, and, of course, music. When Sister Hazel decided to also invite some regional kids with cancer and their families, the idea took on a whole new meaning, and the weekend turned out to be far more powerful than anyone first imagined: so much so, that they decided to center future Camp Hazelnut events around these special kids and families. The Camp Hazelnut goal is simple: create a playful, safe, uplifting experience for kids and families navigating the overwhelming challenges of a cancer diagnosis. It’s a place to simply get away and come together. The campers embark on a great exploration to discover (or rediscover!) the magic that can only be created at summer camp, and the band is right there alongside them every step of the way, leading activities, playing acoustic campfire sing-alongs, sharing, giggling, and having a blast. http://www.lyricsforlife.org/camp-hazelnut

For More Information, Contact:

Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation
Lynn Rasys, Executive Director LRasys@FLCancer.com
941.677.7184

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
Shelly Glenn, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer – SGlenn@FLCancer.com
770.365.6168

ChappellRoberts
Chris Wilkerson – cwilkerson@chappellroberts.com
813.857.7051

Ganick Communications, Inc.
Elaine Ganick – elaine@ganick.com
615.377.7877

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SPECIAL FUNDS

The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization as designated by the IRS. The Foundation’s EIN number is 20-4616813. The Foundation is also registered in the State of Florida, Registration No. CH24320. A copy of the official State registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling 800-435-7352 within the State of Florida. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State.

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After Your Event

Don’t Forget to Thank Everyone for Their Support

 

  • Thank your sponsors, committee members and other special supporters immediately after the event. A hand-written note, phone call or personal email will be greatly appreciated and will encourage supporters to come back next time!

  • Post ‘Thank You’ messages and photos on social media.

  • Mail a check to:
    Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation
    5985 Silver Falls Run, Suite 210
    Bradenton, FL 34211

  • Once we receive your donation, an acknowledgement letter will be sent to you for tax purposes.

 

Thank you for hosting a successful event that helps cancer patients in need!

Use Various Media to Maximize Publicity for Your Event

These publicity tips and tools will help increase exposure for your event through various media, at very little cost. (Media outlets could include local radio, TV and newspapers, community calendars, social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, etc.).

Create a Timeline to Maximize Publicity

A realistic timeline is important in planning a publicity strategy for your event. Keep this timeline in mind as you put together a publicity plan:

3-4 months before the event:
Identify your target audience based on demographics, interests, and location; develop a targeted media list.

4-6 weeks before the event:
Distribute media materials (i.e., media alert, listing on a community calendar, Facebook posts, Instagram, etc.). Be creative in developing the media materials – what makes your fundraiser different? Media outlets receive hundreds of requests to publicize non-profit events; they can’t publicize everyone – so make sure that YOUR EVENT is so special, different and appealing that it will be hard for the media outlet to resist!

2 weeks before the event:
Make follow-up calls and send e-mails to local media who received the information. Re-send information if they have not received it.

1-2 days before the event:
Email and/or fax a media alert with the basic information about your event (who, what, when, where and why) to the TV news assignment desks and photo desks at the daily or weekly newspapers.

Take Lots of Photos

Photos are a great way to document your event, whether for publicity or simply to share with family and friends. Here are some tips on capturing special moments at your fundraiser:
  • Write out a targeted shot list in advance to make sure you get photos of everything and everyone
  • Take candid and close-up shots that capture the different aspects of your fundraiser
  • Capture images of your sponsors
  • Include three to four people in a photo for the best publicity shot
  • If taking photos on your phone, turn your phone in the horizontal position
  • Send photos to Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation for approved use on social media and website (Please make sure you have permission from the individuals in the photo and include their names)

Ideas for Your Fundraiser Event

The following are just a few ideas for your community fundraiser.  We suggest thinking of something you enjoy doing (e.g., book club, cooking, golf, tennis, bingo, music) and working to add a fundraising component into that. This way, you are not starting from scratch and, in addition to giving back to a great cause, you are doing something you love!

FACEBOOK
You can easily raise money on your Facebook page by clicking on “Raise Money” on your post, including a special message of inspiration or in celebration of your birthday or notable anniversary.

BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Do you have an upcoming birthday, anniversary, shower, or bar/bat mitzvah? Consider contributing to FCS Foundation, in lieu of personal gifts – and ask your friends and family to do the same. This is a great way to get the kids involved!

COCKTAIL PARTY
Throw a cocktail party in your home or at a local restaurant or bar. Many venues provide great deals for non-profit events. For example, ask your friends to donate $50 per person to attend — if you spend no more than $20 per person on the food, you will have a good amount left over after expenses to donate. Include a chance drawing or auction to increase revenue.

GARAGE SALE
Ask friends and neighbors to clean out their basement or garage for a good cause. Organize a garage sale, and you’ll clean out your house while supporting cancer patients in need in our community at the same time!

GOLF OUTING OR TOURNAMENT
Whether planning a small golf outing with friends and family or a larger tournament for your business, think about making every stroke really count by partnering with us to give back to the patients at FCS Foundation!

INDEPENDENT BUSINESS GIVES BACK
Are you a local independent business owner, restaurant or retail owner who is looking to align with a great cause? Whether donating a percentage of proceeds for a day, or a week, or simply collecting an ‘extra tip’ for the FCS Foundation, you can make a difference while you work.

SCHOOL FUNDRAISER
Kids love to help!  Have fun with your students teaching them about the meaning of philanthropy, with anything from a read-a-thon to a bake sale. Be creative! We’d love to hear about your school fundraiser ideas and stories.

SELL, SELL, SELL!
Many marketing/promotional item companies offer a lot of discounted items. Create T-shirts, bracelets, key chains, etc., and sell them at a price more than your cost to create revenue.

TRIVIA NIGHT
This is a fun way to raise funds while increasing awareness about pediatric illnesses. Host your trivia night at a restaurant or other local establishment and invite between 10 and 50 of your friends and family.

PURSE BINGO
Hold a bingo night and charge people to play ($20 for 4 cards, $40 for 8 cards, etc.) Instead of cash prizes, the prizes are designer or vintage purses that have been donated. One of the trendiest and easiest events to organize!

Getting Started

Deciding to host a community fundraiser for the FCS Foundation is a huge accomplishment in itself — thank you!


Here are 10 steps to help you get started:

1. Form a planning committee. Bring together a group of enthusiastic, dedicated people, who share a passion and interest in raising money for cancer patients and their families. This will increase the probability of a successful event.

2. Brainstorm. Members of your planning committee can brainstorm ideas for your fundraiser. Let your imagination guide you — and be sure to consider the special talents of committee members and their contacts in the community! The more people who participate in the planning phase, the more committed they’ll be later.

3. Choose the “right” event. The type of event you choose should fit the size, interests, talents, goals, and time availability of your planning committee.

4. Identify your target audience. Consider who is most likely to attend and support the type of event you have selected. Will the event appeal to everyone? families? adults only?

5. Develop a budget. Try to identify all the expenses involved with your event (invitations, postage, rental space, signage, food and catering, promotional materials, website, advertising, etc.) Then think about possible sources of funds, including people and companies you know that may be able to donate products (food, equipment) or services (graphic design, printing, photography) to reduce your costs. This will help keep your costs down, which is something everyone will appreciate.

6. Develop an event timeline. A timeline is important in planning a publicity strategy for your event. Work backwards from the event date – publicity should start four to six weeks prior to the event.

7. Schedule the event. Select a time that is appropriate and convenient for those who will be attending. Be sure to check local community calendars for conflicting events.

8. Open a bank account. You may find that you will need to establish a bank account to accommodate incoming revenue and expenses. This can be done by visiting a local bank and creating a business account under your event’s name.

9. Collect all funds. We ask that all event proceeds designated for the FCS Foundation be forwarded to the Foundation within 30 days following the conclusion of your event.

10. Say thank you! Sending thank-you letters, notes, or e-mails to everyone who participated in or supported your event shows your appreciation and reinforces their goodwill about the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.
Miguel