Following a financial downturn and board reorganization, cancer support agency WomenCARE is moving ahead with a matching donation drive as well as a long-term planning effort. The non-profit organization, which is located in Capitola, continues to offer free support services to women facing all types of cancer. “Not one service was ever stopped,” said new board president Michelle Ney. “We just needed to buy a little time.” As part of an effort to raise $80,000 by September, an anonymous donor has pledged to match donations of $1,000 up to a total of $10,000, and funds from the new board members will match another 10 gifts of $500. An appeal letter sent in July raised $12,000 in the first two weeks, with donations from $25 to $1,000, said Ney.
The volunteers working on the strategic initiative plan have been gathering information ranging from grants and donors to staff salary comparisons. The board plans a final adoption of the plan by the end of October. The $80,000 goal will cover costs for four months while the organization’s new operating plan is being implemented, Ney explained.
WomenCARE has raised nearly half its goal.
The organization’s financial troubles followed the loss of support from a major foundation due to a change in priorities and the failure of a large pledge to materialize, she said.
Other local organizations have stepped up to help WomenCARE, which stands for Women’s Cancer Advocacy, Resources and Education.
The Rollergirls donated a portion of the proceeds from their July 19 derby to the agency, and the Santa Cruz Chamber’s July mixer host, Financial Resource Associates, used the event as a fundraiser and sponsored a benefit raffle. Ney said attendees were so supportive of the idea that mixers may be used periodically to support various non-profits.
