BECKSTRAND CANCER FOUNDATION APPOINTS TWO NEW MEMBERS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (February 21, 2008) – Beckstrand Cancer Foundation announced two new members of its board of directors, San Juan Capistrano resident George O’Connell and Laguna Beach resident Patty Collins. Collins and O’Connell will help raise awareness of the nonprofit cancer foundation and carry out their mission to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and their families, assist with fundraising efforts, and have a hand in the planning of the Foundation’s annual gala event, The Diamond & Pearl Ball, in October.

“Beckstrand is extremely fortunate to add these two new members to the board,” said Lil Spitzer, Executive Director of the Beckstrand Cancer Foundation. “Both Patty and George have made an impact on the organization as devoted advocates and I cannot wait to see the growth they will inspire over the next year.”

Collins was introduced to the Beckstrand organization after her daughter, Andi, passed away from cancer. After seeing firsthand the hardship the disease can cause a family, she was eager to join an organization that provides such in-depth and direct financial and emotional assistance. In addition to sitting on the board, Collins’ daughter, Lauren, initiated Beckstrand’s “Four Pearls,” an auxiliary of Beckstrand, for young professionals and corporations to get philanthropically involved and make a difference in the lives of cancer patients.

“I hope to share with the community the wonderful efforts of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation and motivate others to contribute to such a worthy cause,” explains Collins. “No other charity does what they do, and I am privileged to be involved.”

O’Connell was also introduced to the organization through Andi Collins, a family friend whom he had known since she was a very little girl. Since attending The Diamond & Pearl Ball in 2006, he has become a strong supporter of the work Beckstrand Cancer Foundation does.

“Once I discovered what Beckstrand was about and learned more about the ‘Four Pearls’ I was hooked for life,” shares O’Connell. “I want to help Beckstrand get their message out to not just Southern California, but all of the country. I am dedicated to promoting the wonderful work that the Beckstrand organization is providing our community.”

Collins and O’Connell will join the prestigious roster of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation board members, which includes James Stephen of BNY Mellon; Terry Petty of Petty Associates, LLC; Alice Police, MD of Pacific Breast Care; Kati Robson of O'Melveny & Myers LLP; and Tara Shapiro of Versal Capital.

 

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