Pat is one of our many behind the scenes volunteers. She is someone who is committed to Komen because of the cause. Pat first became involved with Komen through participating in the Race for the Cure. She was blown away and inspired by the experience. She began by volunteering during Race Day with registration, volunteer check in and team packet pick up. She has advanced the mission of Komen by helping assemble packets for the Breast Health Symposium, preparing shells sold at the Pink Tie Ball, as well as working in the kitchen the night of the event .

For Pat volunteering is a family affair, she says her mother taught her to be involved and she teaches her children and grandchildren the same. She has gotten her husband Neil involved at the Race and she has enlisted her grand daughter’s Girl Scout troop to help at event registration and staffing the I AM THE CURE booth at the Mall events.

Pat answers the call to help whenever she can, no job is too big or too small, and she sees the big picture in what it takes for the mission.

OUTSTANDING NEW VOLUNTEER
Laura Sutton

Laura was first introduced to Komen by volunteering with another organization where she represented them at the Race for the Cure. Through her relationship with Deborah Ryan she began to get involved with the Education and Outreach Committee. Since September of 2006 Laura has helped with every major event and educational activity at Komen.

Laura was on the planning committee for the 2007 Breast Health Symposium, where she helped facilitate one of the breakout sessions. She also assisted with the auction during the Pink Tie Ball and was a Co-Captain in implementing the I AM THE CURE campaign at the 2007 Race for the Cure. Through I AM THE CURE, she led over 100 young people to reach out to participants to share vital breast health information and encourage people to be advocates in their own breast health.

In January, Laura will be a 5 year survivor. Through her experience she says that she has met a lot of wonderful courageous friends and that she can help others not just during treatment, but throughout life. Her favorite part of volunteering with Komen so far is the annual Race. It enables Laura to touch so many lives and work with many volunteers who give of themselves to educate others.

OUTSTANDING YOUTH VOLUNTEER
Kate Gasparro

When Kate was 8 years old, she needed a personal service project. Kate’s mom had run in the Race for the Cure and thought helping to organize a group for one of the water stations would be a good idea. That idea led to the beginning of Kate’s significant commitment to Komen. Along with organizing the water stations, Kate has assembled Survivor Goodie Bags, helped with Race team photos and survivor hospitality. This year in addition to the Race, she volunteered at the Breast Health Symposium and at the Pink Tie Ball, where she helped with set- up, registration, the auction and event break down.

In 6th grade she began collecting Yoplait lids at her school and in the first year she collected 400. She then expanded to collecting at other schools in her district and now she collects from 7 different schools. In the past two years she has collected over 2,500 lids.

Kate is working on the Congressional Gold medal, in which she has to complete 400 hours of volunteering for a particular cause. So far Kate has completed over 250 hours of volunteering, including over 80 hours that she volunteered in the Komen office.

In addition, Kate has also started a Pink Ribbon Club at her high school and she has already recruited over 25 students to participate in breast health education and fundraising.

PROMISE OF ONE AWARDS

Harald Herrmann

Harald Herrmann made a personal commitment to Komen OC four years ago after his wife Kathie died of breast cancer at age 38. He promised his 8 year-old son, Austin, he would carry on his mother’s memory, her story and spirit. His active involvement with Komen OC is a demonstration of our commonly shared vision of a world without breast cancer.

As COO & President of Yard House Restaurants, Harald has supported the Race for the Cure for several years by sponsoring individual and team pledge prizes, giving many incentive for raising more money to support our mission.

This past year Harald took on a new challenge, Chair of the Inaugural Pink Tie Ball. His leadership was a vital part of the success of this first time event. He was instrumental in securing many in kind donations and it was under his direction and vision that we used volunteers as servers for the event, something that is rarely done and was a huge success. His stewardship of funds and innovative fundraising ideas were instrumental in helping to raise nearly $245,000 in the fight against breast cancer.


Annie Stoeckmann

Annie has been a supporter of Komen for over a decade through participating in Race for the Cure and other signature events. In 2005, after she retired, Annie increased her commitment to Komen. In her capacity as an office volunteer ,not only does she help with data entry, filing, and other administrative tasks, but she also plays a vital role in preparing for all of our major events,

Annie assisted with our community needs assessment, including interviewing key stakeholders and has helped with various aspects of the grants process. She has also volunteered as a facilitator at the Breast Health Symposium, assisted with volunteer check-in at the Race and updated our Speakers Bureau presentations .

Annie embodies the spirit of a volunteer, she helps whenever it is possible.