On Saturday March 22, members and guests of the UCCRF Associates Board will gather under the historic dome of the Harold Washington Winter Garden for their 2nd annual Gatsby Gala to help raise funds for research. We had the chance to speak with the gala co-chairs Stephanie Werner and Ruthie Nemeier both Chicago natives and young professionals balancing philanthropic commitments and life.
SLC: What made you get involved with the organization?
Stephanie: I’ve been involved with UCCRF from the age of 12 selling raffle tickets for the women’s board auction. My mom has been on the women’s board for as long as I can remember, and my dad actually had cancer – lymphoma – when I was in high school and college. When I was looking for opportunities to become philanthropically involved after moving back to Chicago post-graduation, this seemed like the perfect fit.
Ruthie: My dad was diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer when I was in college, and he was treated in clinical trials at University of Chicago’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. When I moved back to Chicago post-graduation and looked for opportunities to give back to my community, getting involved with UCCRF to fund similar projects and immunology research was a natural fit.
SLC: What is the mission of the organization?
Stephanie & Ruthie: Our board supports immunology research at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. Immunology is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to target and destroy all types of cancer cells. Its broad applicability is what makes immunology research so impactful. Our board specifically provides what we like to call “seed funding” for the scientists at the U of C – we fund the pilot studies that generate the data required to apply for NIH grants – a $40,000 donation on our part has repeatedly turned into multi-million dollar grants in a short time span.
SLC: How do you balance demands of being a young professional and your philanthropic commitments?
Stephanie: Honestly, I’ve always been a multi-tasker. I’m passionate about my philanthropic work and it’s important to me, so I make the time. Even though consulting is demanding, I’m lucky enough to work for a company that offers flexibility and is supportive of my philanthropic involvement. I’d say most employers like having employees who are engaged in the community, but for those whose jobs don’t allow them as much time to dedicate to their cause of choice, there are other ways to get involved – pitching in via email, bringing friends to events, or lending their expertise to a cause.
Ruthie: I work in non-profit fundraising, so balancing that with my philanthropic commitments, where my volunteer roles often mirror my regular “day job” responsibilities, can be a challenge, especially when you factor in all of the additional weekend and evening events that occasionally conflict. Ultimately, like Steph, I’ve always been a multi-tasker, and the organizations I choose to be involved with in my spare time are doing work I truly believe in and feel passionately about. It’s worth the effort to make the time.
SLC: For someone looking to get involved with UCCRF what would you tell them or sets you apart?
Stephanie & Ruthie: UCCRF is special because research has the potential to go so far – it can be leveraged to help so many people with a ripple effect as the findings cascade into different types of cancer treatments. I also think that UCCRF is broadly relatable – given that almost 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, cancer affects just about everyone in one way or another. For those looking to get involved, being on the Associates Board makes you a member of a great group of interesting young professionals and part of what makes us different is that we’re not set in our ways – we’re always open to innovative new ideas for events and fundraising.
SLC: In terms of fundraising, what are some best practices you can share?
Stephanie: When you talk about your cause, you should know your facts (have a fact sheet that you’ve looked at recently) but you should also speak from the heart. Let people see why you’re passionate about your cause and why it’s important to you, supplemented with information about why it might be important to other people, too. And follow through, follow up, and follow through – once you reach out, follow up promptly. Follow through with what you’ve promised your donors or sponsors. This is a relationship based business, so maintain the relationships with your donors so that they’re likely to donate again in the future.
Ruthie: Don’t ask for money if you aren’t 100% comfortable standing behind what it’s going to fund. Be transparent with and grateful to your donors. Acknowledge them genuinely and in a timely manner. People give to people
Tickets and more information about Gatsby Gala and UCCRF Associates Board HERE
