NSU Horizons Spring 2018

19 NSU HORIZONS For nearly five decades, the Royal Dames of Cancer Research’s mission has remained steadfast—to support cancer research. In addition to the myriad successful fund-raising events for NSU’s Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research (RGI), the women have formed lasting relationships. “Deep friendships are forged in this group of ladies— connections that last forever. Initially, we may come together to help plan a spectacular event for charity, but in the process, we become deeply bonded,” said Rhonda Ritchie, Royal Dames’ immediate past president. The women stay connected between events, luncheons, and meetings through a newsletter that shares updates of each member. “This is a way for us all to stay connected and offer support to one another,” said Ritchie. A remem- brance chair sends out birthday cards to active members, or flowers in the event of an illness or death. The Royal Dames was founded in 1969 by Theresa Castro, Fort Lauderdale resident and cofounder of the Castro Convertibles sofa company. The philanthropic organization was created to raise funds for the Leo Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, which was renamed the Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research and became part of NSU’s Health Professions Division in 2005. (Story on page 16) “We are passionate about our primary focus—to raise funds for cancer research and education about cancer,” said Ritchie, who added that the group has funded more than $3 million of research. The money raised by the Royal Dames cannot be used for administrative or operating costs. Membership in the Royal Dames is by invitation only, with approximately 100 active, dues-paying members and another 50 or so lifetime members. Castro and her team identified 100 women as community-minded humanitarians. “Membership was extended to those who met high standards; thus, they were a select ‘royal’ group of ladies,” said Nell Lewis McGuire, Ed.D., who has served as president of the RGI Board of Trustees and as president and secretary of the Royal Dames, among other leadership roles. She also serves on the NSU Board of Trustees. Each member commits to an endowment of $2,500 and active participation in annual fund-raising events. These include a spring and fall luncheon and the Tiara Ball, the group’s main fund-raising gala, held each November. At the Royal Dames 48th Tiara Ball in 2017, McGuire, Mary Short, and Carol Harrison Kalagher, who also is a member of the NSU Board of Trustees, were honored for their work with the Royal Dames. In 2014, the university honored the Royal Dames by adding the group’s name to NSU’s prestigious Shark Circle on the Fellows Way monument. The Royal Dames’ motto, “Man is not destined to die of cancer,” is taken seriously by its members, said Ritchie. “We dedicate our time and efforts to continue the legacy of those who came before us, who were so passionate about the work being done at RGI to treat and eradicate this disease,” she added. For more information, visit royaldames.org . ¨ BY MICHELLE F. SOLOMON Royal Treatment Supporting Cancer Research for Five Decades (L to R) Betty Shultze, Joey Stotsky, Bonnie Barnett, Sharon Gustafson Florescue, Carole Nugent , Mary Kay Follin, and Ashley Sharp