#1 National Fundraiser

Reproduced as printed in the American Cancer Society’s “The Pacesetter Insider” Boston Edition, May 2007:

Stacy Matseas: #1 National Fundraiser for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

I had the pleasure to meet with Stacy Matseas in the beginning of April to discuss her amazing success and dedication to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and the American Cancer Society. Stacy is a participant of the San Diego, California walk.

She got involved over 6 years ago when her friend Victoria, a breast cancer survivor, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Stacy says, “Victoria’s breast cancer diagnosis changed the way I lead my life. I came to the realization that we can ALL MAKE A SIGNIFICANT difference in the lives of many, and there is no greater joy than to bring HOPE, FAITH, and LOVE to others.”

Stacy personally has been a Flagship Sponsor ($15,000 level) in San Diego for 3 years. The October 2007 event marks Stacy’s Circle of Friends 4th year as a Flagship Sponsor.

In 2006, Stacy made a personal goal to raise over $100,000 for San Diego’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk- and did it! Stacy emailed over 1,000 people asking for support, and challenged her 200 donors to increase their donations by 50% from prior years (as she did herself). Her technique to raising the money- ask a lot of people and be persistent with reminding them! Stacy said, “People want to help, and it is a pleasure to have the opportunity to give them that chance. I am often thanked for asking people to donate and for sending them reminders.”

Stacy also chairs the San Diego volunteer Champions Committee, which partners with the Making Strides staff to enhance the overall experience for Pacesetters and to encourage other participants to strive to become Pacesetters. Stacy is reaching out and networking with other Making Strides top fundraisers across the Nation, including, #2 Sue Harmon of Westchester, NY and Boston’s very own top fundraisers, Maureen Leary-Jago, Pacesetter and team captain of the Pacesetter team, “Friends of Jill Leary” and Lorraine Hubrich, Pacesetter and team captain of the Pacesetter team, “Invested Friends and Family.”

For more information on Stacy’s involvement, her team (Stacy’s Circle of Friends) or to contact her, visit her website, www.stacyscircleoffriends.org