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Four years ago, Kristi Seibert, Joplin, was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“It was on Oct. 9 and at the time, I knew nothing about this world,” said Seibert. “I would say for probably the first two years of my journey, I didn’t know of any breast cancer foundation really at all, that did what Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks does.”
Back in July, she was named the BCFO’s outreach director for the Joplin area.
On Friday night, prior to the cancer foundation’s annual Hooked on Dance fundraiser at University Plaza Convention Center, Springfield, she spoke with the Neosho Daily News.
“I was introduced to BCFO’s executive director in March 2010, because my husband had nominated me for something and we had to link a foundation with it,” she said. “I came over and met Crystal Webster, the executive director, and decided that we really could work a lot together. I really wanted to make a difference. All the while, I was becoming more and more exposed to all of the women around me that needed direct assistance, so I decided at that point and time that my efforts would all be channeled toward BCFO. I wanted to make a difference and we do make a difference. [Just] $115 will pay for a mammogram. My husband’s peanut brittle last year raised about $8,000. That will, depending on the needs, help one, two or three families through the treatment and so we are making a difference. I love what this foundation does.”
As an outreach director, one of her goals is to provide a support base.
“Literally, I do about everything,” Seibert said. “I fund-raise, I talk to a lot of breast cancer survivors and direct them toward our foundation if they need help. The main purpose of my job is to grow the awareness of our foundation to let folks know that we are out there. To deal with industry, to deal with our community.”
The Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks is a resource for individuals and families in Southwest Missouri who are impacted by breast cancer.
“Hooked on Dance is vital to the life of BCFO,” she said. “This is the big one, it is the backbone of our foundation. We have many, many other smaller fundraisers that go on throughout the year, but this is the backbone of the financials, it really is.”
The fundraiser included a buffet-style dinner, drinks, live auction and sponsors. All in all, the event raised around $600,000.
Four years ago, Kristi Seibert, Joplin, was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“It was on Oct. 9 and at the time, I knew nothing about this world,” said Seibert. “I would say for probably the first two years of my journey, I didn’t know of any breast cancer foundation really at all, that did what Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks does.”
Back in July, she was named the BCFO’s outreach director for the Joplin area.
On Friday night, prior to the cancer foundation’s annual Hooked on Dance fundraiser at University Plaza Convention Center, Springfield, she spoke with the Neosho Daily News.
“I was introduced to BCFO’s executive director in March 2010, because my husband had nominated me for something and we had to link a foundation with it,” she said. “I came over and met Crystal Webster, the executive director, and decided that we really could work a lot together. I really wanted to make a difference. All the while, I was becoming more and more exposed to all of the women around me that needed direct assistance, so I decided at that point and time that my efforts would all be channeled toward BCFO. I wanted to make a difference and we do make a difference. [Just] $115 will pay for a mammogram. My husband’s peanut brittle last year raised about $8,000. That will, depending on the needs, help one, two or three families through the treatment and so we are making a difference. I love what this foundation does.”
As an outreach director, one of her goals is to provide a support base.
“Literally, I do about everything,” Seibert said. “I fund-raise, I talk to a lot of breast cancer survivors and direct them toward our foundation if they need help. The main purpose of my job is to grow the awareness of our foundation to let folks know that we are out there. To deal with industry, to deal with our community.”
The Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks is a resource for individuals and families in Southwest Missouri who are impacted by breast cancer.
“Hooked on Dance is vital to the life of BCFO,” she said. “This is the big one, it is the backbone of our foundation. We have many, many other smaller fundraisers that go on throughout the year, but this is the backbone of the financials, it really is.”
The fundraiser included a buffet-style dinner, drinks, live auction and sponsors. All in all, the event raised around $600,000.
“The total raised was significantly up from last year,” Webster.
Organizers at BCFO also noted there will be a similar Hooked on Dance fundraiser – named Pink Ribbon Gala – on July 27 at Downstream Casino and Resort.
“It will be our four state area’s first,” said Seibert.
Seibert said she is pleased with her position.
“This is my passion,” she said. “I am thrilled about it. I feel like this is what I am supposed to do with the rest of my life. Here I am, 52 years old, and I finally know what I am supposed to do when I grow up. I am thrilled, thankful, and honored at being the person to be the voice of the mission.”
