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The Hillcrest Committee
Hillcrest committee cancer research charity medford oregon nonprofit non profit
Original pen and ink drawing of the Hillcrest House by Frank Rinna, a local artist and husband of Lois Rinna. Lois is an Excalibur member of the Hillcrest Committee. Frank passed away in 2016.
Established In 1946
The Hillcrest Committee was formed in 1946 by Nan Day. She was asked to head the first unit of the American Cancer Society in Jackson County, Oregon. She asked for newcomers to Medford and physicians' wives to work with her. The group’s first activity was to send letters and educational materials to everyone listed in the telephone book, and to solicit funds for the American Cancer Society.
Hillcrest committee cancer research charity medford oregon nonprofit non profit
Gay Twenties Tea - unknown, Monie Bartels and Blanche Frisbie 1958
Jack and Nancy Day
Hillcrest Cocktail Party (1980)
Hostesses: Lorrie Wilson, Hazel Buck, and Frannie Harrington
The Hillcrest House
When the group realized that more members were needed and other fund raising was necessary, a Silver Tea was planned at Hillcrest Orchard House. It proved a popular event, however the collection of “silver” in quarters and dimes did not satisfy the committee’s goals. Other activities were added to the annual Silver Tea, such as fashion shows, table setting contests, wine tastings and jewelry shows. Most of these events took place at Hillcrest House. To this day Nan Day’s family, the Parsons of Seattle, generously donates the occasional use of the Hillcrest House for our committee’s activities.
Independent, Non Profit Organization
Eventually a larger board of women and men formed the Jackson County Unit of the American Cancer Society. However the Hillcrest Committee remained a separate entity and in 2013 became a legally incorporated 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable corporation--The Southern Oregon Foundation Supporting a Cure for Cancer, DBA Hillcrest Committee. Today the fifty members of the Hillcrest Committee continue to raise funds to fulfill the mission of the organization: to financially support organizations whose purpose is prevention of cancer, saving lives and eliminating suffering from cancer, and/or research, education and service related to cancer.
Hillcrest committee cancer research charity medford oregon nonprofit non profit
Hillcrest Women (January 2017)
Hillcrest committee cancer research charity medford oregon nonprofit non profit
Fundraising
Through the years, auctions have been held as fund raisers at brunches and balls. The auction packages incorporate Hillcrest Committee services at lunches, theme dinners and cocktail parties. Hillcrest members donate food and make all arrangements for the various events creating care-free entertaining for the successful bidders. Since 1981 the annual Hillcrest Ball has remained the major fund raising event. It is one of the highlights of the holiday season.
Tourist in Jacksonville Party (2017)
Recognition and Impact
The Hillcrest Committee has received the prestigious Lifetime Excalibur Award from the National Board of the American Cancer Society. For many years the committee raised funds to support Camp UKANDU, a local camp for children with cancer. The Southern Oregon Foundation Supporting a Cure for Cancer annually funds organizations and services fulfilling our mission. Over two and a half million dollars has been donated to date.
Hillcrest committee cancer research charity medford oregon nonprofit non profit
OHSU Reception (2016)
Hillcrest committee cancer research charity medford oregon nonprofit non profit
Future
The Hillcrest Committee has a proud history and is deeply grateful to all who support our mission through donations and attendance at our functions. The Hillcrest Committee is as active and dedicated as ever. We have expanded our affiliations to include the Sparrow Club and support for our local cancer compassionate care centers. However, our primary goal remains steadfast and audacious. We will continue our tradition of raising funds toward developing cures for cancers.
Jeans and Jewels Party (2017)
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