Board member, The 11 Day Power Play 2018 – 2024
25 years working in higher education and healthcare philanthropy
HOW IS THE 11 DAY POWER PLAY IMPORTANT IN THE FIGHT FOR CANCER?
To me, the 11 Day Power Play doesn’t just support finding a cure for cancer, it empowers and supports families in the community in the fight. Especially children going through treatment and benefiting from programs of our beneficiaries. The beautiful thing is, it brings everyone in the community together giving them an opportunity to help, support families, and positively impact the lives of people fighting cancer.
DO YOU FEEL THERE IS SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT THE HOCKEY ASPECT OF THE EVENT VS. OTHER FUNDRAISERS?
There’s nothing better than doing something fun while at the same time supporting a cause. And naturally, it becomes something people WANT to do rather than something they HAVE to do. The 11 Day is unique as it enables kids to learn the power of philanthropy while doing something they love.
THAT’S A GREAT SEGWAY INTO WHY YOU BECAME SO INVOLVED. MANY DON’T KNOW THAT AMY (LESAKOWSKI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE 11 DAY POWER PLAY) HAS THREE SIBLINGS. YOU ALL LIVE OUT OF TOWN. WHAT BROUGHT YOU SPECIFICALLY TO THE FOREFRONT?
Well, I started getting involved by giving, using my vacation time in June for the first Community Shift to travel to Buffalo and help pack the first ever set of team jerseys. It was so satisfying getting all of those jerseys packed. Although it took a long time – it was a lot of work sorting and packing nearly 1,300 jerseys – it was gratifying to know that the community really showed up to participate the first time it was open to the community. And now it’s closer to 3000! And a shoutout to all the volunteers that give up so much time every year to shepherd the event. Another great joy of mine is seeing the same volunteers coming back year after year. The 11 Day is truly a family.
WHAT GOT YOU TO JOIN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
So, going back, one of my greatest satisfactions was once the event launched after the opening ceremony. Once it started, just walking around and seeing the families, seeing the youth teams, seeing people involved having a great time. Once it was moving, it just seemed so seamless. By joining the Board I was able to be part of the 11 Day all year, not just a few days a year.