RITA's History 

 

The RITA Foundation, Inc.

 

The idea for the RITA ( Research Is The Answer ) Women’s Tennis Tournament began in late 1996 at a Deercreek Country Club Tennis Committee meeting.  We decided to host a women’s doubles tennis event, accompanied by a Kick-off Party and Silent Auction, with the proceeds being donated locally to help fight breast cancer.  The first RITA Championships were held August 4, 5, and 6, 1997 at Deercreek Country Club with 64 teams participating.  Our donation to the Baptist Regional Cancer Institute was $ 36,000.00.

 

The same format was used in 1998 with 89 teams participating and over 200 people attending the Kick-off Party and Silent Auction.  The resulting donation was   $54,500.00 which, again, went to the Baptist Cancer Institute.

 

1999 saw the RITA Championships become the largest charity tennis tournament in Jacksonville with 147 teams competing.  This tournament now plays at three sites:  Deercreek, San Jose and Jacksonville Golf & Country Club.  Two additional events were added; the RITA Black Tie Gala, a dinner dance at San Jose Country Club attended by 230 people, and a tennis tournament, luncheon and fashion show at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.  Our donation from the three events was $ 78,700.00. Again, all proceeds were donated to the Baptist Cancer Institute as we continued to use the Baptist Health System Foundation as our non profit entity.

 

The year 2000 saw additional milestones.  RITA was incorporated as The RITA Foundation, Inc., a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) non profit corporation.  The first RITA 5 K Classic Race was held in April with 325 women competing and enthusiastically approving of our race format.  The Black Tie Gala in June was another sell out. The RITA Championships grew to 173 teams and the accompanying Kick Off Party and Silent Auction had record attendance.  SenioRITAs at Sawgrass, another new event was a smashing success.  64 teams competed, over 100 attended the Kick Off Party and $ 26,000.00 raised for The Mayo Clinic and Baptist Medical Center Beaches.  November saw the RITA at Amelia Island women’s tennis tournament, luncheon and fashion show.  $ 5,000.00 was raised for Baptist Medical Center Nassau.  $ 111,000.00 was donated to the local medical community, bringing our four year total to $ 280,000.00.  The RITA Foundation, Inc. was a sponsor, along with the Baptist Cancer Institute, Genentec, and AstraZeneca of the first Women’s Public Health Symposium.

 

2001 saw continued progress in our events plus increased giving at year’s end. Our 5 K Race did not grow as we had hoped.  Our date coincided with the March of Dimes Walk and Opening of the Beaches Festival.  The 2002 Race will be open to men.  The race will be called Out Run Cancer and will feature a totally new concept in fund raising.  Both non profit and for profit teams will be able to designate their fund raising to the breast cancer program of their choice.  Individual runners will have the same opportunity.  With most non profits looking for additional funding, we feel this will give them an excellent opportunity to raise program funds with minimal effort.  Our Black Tie Gala was another sell-out.  Perhaps our best party yet.  The RITA Auction and RITA Championships remain our largest event in terms of revenue.  Our first golf event, Lexus Champions for Charity, netted $ 44,000.00 and promises to grow next year.  SenioRITAs at Sawgrass Senior Women’s Tennis Tournament grew to 90 teams and with a new Silent Auction provided additional money.  In addition to our events, we partnered with Aetna US HealthCare for a bowling event, Baptist Cancer Institute for the second Women’s Health Symposium, and Southern Wine & Spirits special wine promotion yielded $ 2,000.00 for RITA.  In all, our net proceeds were $ 166,000.00. These were distributed to Shands Jacksonville ( $ 50,000.00 ), Baptist Medical  Center Beaches ( $ 16,000.00 ), Baptist Cancer Institute ( $ 80,000.00 ), The Mayo Clinic ( $ 16,000.00 ), and Women’s Center of Jacksonville ( $ 4,000.00).   Our five year total is $ 446,000.00.  All in all, another great year of growth and giving. 

 

2002 was an interesting and challenging year.  In the aftermath of 9-11-01, a weak economy, we had to work harder and smarter to grow and refine our special events.  The RITA 5 K Classic Race in April became the RITA Out Run Cancer 5 K andgrew both in participation and proceeds.  The Silent Auction, Black Tie Gala, SenioRITAs at Sawgrass, and Lexus Champions for Charity all had record proceeds.  Only our RITA Championships showed a decline and we have decided to move the event from July to May.  We had a booth in the Southern Women’s Show for the first time in an attempt to reach more volunteers and give RITA more exposure.  Another mile stone was reached as LongHorn Restaurants became a Corporate Sponsor.  We plan to work closely with this new partner to further our mutual goals of growth and local involvement.  Record proceeds of $ 200,000.00 will be donated to various local Breast Cancer programs plus many support groups.

 

2003 saw a continuation of all our special events.  We have moved the Out Run Cancer 5 K to May to avoid the conflict with the March of Dimes event, moved the RITA Championships and Auction to May to avoid the heat of July.  The Black Tie Gala remains in July.  Two new projects include establishing a Web Site and creating another 5 K event, Caring And Sharing Hope, that will be open to any non-profit organization as a turn key fund raising event.  2003 concluded with the largest contribution to date, over $ 241,000.00, bring out total to over $ 887,000.00.

 

As we approach the RITA Black Tie Gala on July 24, 2004, we are half way through the eight special events for this year.  The Gala will, however, mark a special milestone as we pass the $ 1,000,000.00 contribution level that evening.

We finished the year with another record donation exceeding $ 294,000.  The largest increase, from the Lexus Champions for Charity Golf Tournament, was the result of Shands Jacksonville partnering with us to help drive the Sponsor revenue.  RITA will also be the beneficiary of a major donation from Brumos Mercedes, Brumos Porsche, and Lexus of Jacksonville.  We look forward to further enhancing our golf event and the two 5 K Walk / Run events.    

 

2005 was another terrific year of accomplishments.  Our first stock donation, our first equipment purchase, and record grants were the highlights.  One of our first events, the RITA auction held in conjunction with the RITA Championships Women’s Tennis Tournament, got sidelined.  After nine years of tremendous efforts, our committee wanted and needed a break.  Hurricane Katrina affected our fund raising efforts at Jacksonville Golf and Country Club and had a negative affect on one of our major Sponsors for next year.  All of our special fund raising events did well financially and will be continued in 2006.  The stock donation allowed us to purchase $170,000 of equipment at a significantly reduced cost.  In turn, the equipment was given to the Breast Health Center of Shands Jacksonville.  Because of the possibility of further leveraging our event proceeds, we have been working with our local hospital cancer programs to determine their equipment needs and wishes.  We then contact major equipment manufacturers to attempt to obtain favorable pricing, terms, donations to the charity.  Our largest Sponsor, Lexus of Jacksonville, along with their sister companies, Brumos Mercedes and Brumos Porsche, have advised us that their commitment from all 2005 new automobile sales to RITA was at $69,000 as of November 30.  This incredible show of support for our Mission, our all volunteer/ no salary or overhead business model, and our innovative money management is greatly appreciated and will be immensely helpful with our New Equipment Program.  Financial results for the year $363,000 in cash grants and $170,000 in equipment.  Our total donation to local programs is now $1,644,713.  July, 2004 saw us surpass the $1,000,000 mark.  2006 will see us surpass the $2,000,000 mark. 

 

2006 marked our tenth year of raising money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer.  We continue our special event activity with six major events that additionally include two auctions.  Our net revenue was $296,083.33 excluding $2,551.46 in interest earned.  In addition, we have accounts receivable of $53,275.83 expected to be received in calendar 2007.  There were really two significant achievements during the year.  First and foremost, we were able to donate a LORAD Secureview DX digital mammography machine to the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville.  This unit was purchased directly from LORAD, a Hologic Company, the market leader in this new technology.  Our donation, valued at $400,000 represents the largest single donation we have made.  Secondly, we have been  able to accumulate the money necessary to publish a “NOTEBOOK for the cancer patient”.  Funds came from private fundraisers, special gifts, and Memorials. We anticipate actually have the NOTEBOOK printed by February, 2007 and  distributed at no cost to all interested local cancer programs.  To date, all have been extremely pleased with the NOTEBOOK and are looking forward to being able to include with other materials to all newly diagnosed patients.  This project, along with the iPODS to Mayo and portable DVD players to Baptist, are examples of the special thought and effort given to provide the best long term use of any special funds received.  Funds from our Black Tie Gala were used to purchase equipment for the Baptist Cancer Institute that helps technicians position patients for MRI scans.  With 2006 cash grants of $176,439,18 and equipment donations of $380,000, our donations to local cancer programs now total in excess of $2,201,000.

 

The RITA Foundation, Inc. remains a volunteer organization donating 100 % of our proceeds from our events to local health care organizations.  Proceeds are specifically designated to be used for breast cancer research and patient related programs.  The goals are to fund medical research, increase awareness of the disease, and help in the prevention of breast cancer.  Our funds have been used for establishing a breast cancer genetics screening program, many breast cancer prevention programs, assistance to patients who are underserved or uninsured, and funding of several local breast cancer support organizations.

 

2007  Wow, RITA has just finished our eleventh year…. who would have thought!  Certainly, not me.  Our major events continue to perform well.  I am still trying to increase participation in our two 5 K Walk / Run events as they provide the best opportunity to dramatically increase income. 

 

Overall income was $468,306.52 less event expenses of $123,813.79 for a net of $344,492.73.  We issued grants totaling $330,110.28 and are carrying over $14,382.45 for special projects plus our interest income.  The “NOTEBOOK for the cancer patient” will be reprinted by mid 2008 and distributed at no cost to all interested cancer programs. 

 

We will be donating $250,000 to UF & Shands Breast Health Center in December to help purchase state of the art digital mammography equipment.  This represents the proceeds from our 2005 and 2006 Lexus Champions for Charity Golf events plus $20,000 from this year’s revenue.  We donated $30,000 to both Baptist Medical Center Beaches and the Mayo Clinic.  Part of the Mayo donation paid off our commitment made in late 2006 to fund a $25,000 digital mammography study for Dr. Elizabeth DePeri.  Because of the excellent work by the Bosom Buddies support program of the Women’s Center of Jacksonville, we have donated $44,000 this year and plan major support again next year. 

 

All in all, 2007 was another excellent year.  I want to mention that Lexus of Jacksonville and their sister company, Brumos Motor Cars, Inc. have become a true partner with The RITA Foundation.  They are the title sponsor of five of our six special events and their financial support exceeds six figures.  They truly believe in both our Mission and the way we conduct our business……still no salary costs or overhead expenses. 

 

Our total donations to date now exceed $2,500,000 and our goal is to reach $3,000,000.  All the money remains in Jacksonville funding local cancer programs.

 

 

2008 The year started out on a relatively high economic note and by mid-year was rapidly deteriorating. Overall, we did really well. All six
events had outstanding levels of participation. Our two women’s tennis tournaments were at capacity; our Black Tie Gala was a sell out for the tenth year; our two Caring And Sharing Hope ( CASH ) had the most participants to date and raised over $64,000 for the designated non-profit organizations. Total revenue was $412,133.69, less event revenue of $126,354.93 for a net of $285,778.76. Our total grants totaled $291,115.22. The overage was covered by funds that were carried over from 2007 to cover specific commitments.

The second printing of the ‘NOTEBOOK for the cancer patient’ was delayed until January, 2009. RITA continues to give this 84 page organizer free to local cancer programs. In December, we announced a new program for women on Medicaid with Lymphedema. Our partners in this underserved area are Lexus of Jacksonville, the Lymphedema Clinic, and the Players Championship.

Shands Jacksonville Breast Health Department received $250,000 in January. Scheduling issues delayed presentation from December, 2007. Another $250,000 was to be donated in December of this year, but will now take place in January, 2009. The Baptist Cancer Institute received $20,000 for research, Baptist Medical Center Beaches received $28,000 for their breast cancer programs, Mayo Clinic received $28,000 to fund a lymphedema study by Dr. Sarah McLaughlin. Lastly, the Women’s Center – Bosom Buddies Support Group received $26,000 which is half their annual operating budget. Our grant to Baptist Beaches represents their largest annual donation.

RITA has now donated over $2,800,000 to local programs….without any salary costs or overhead expenses. Our six events are already scheduled for 2009. In spite of the continued economic slowdown, we expect to surpass the $3,000,000.00 contribution level.

 

2009 As this year began, it was difficult, given the poor economic conditions, to forecast our results. We were confident about our event participation, but the other component of our fund raising is corporate and individual contributions. For the most part, we were extremely pleased.

 

Our Financial Summary shows Total Net Revenue at $283,638.02, $5,000 less than last year. Not included in the Net Revenue number were large contributions from golfer Jim Furyk and Lexus of Jacksonville….these came in right at year end and will be deposited in January and reflected in 2010’s results. All our events continue to do well in participation, most at capacity.

 

We did achieve three major milestones this year…..over $3,000,000 in total grants since we began, over $1,000,000 to the Baptist Health System and over $1,000,000 to Shands Jacksonville. You can see the year by year grants by going to the Recipient Programs tab.

 

In addition, we have made some strategic partnerships that will help to grow specific events and, hopefully, perpetuate them. At the end of last year, we began a partnership with Volunteer Jacksonville, now called Hands on Jacksonville, to grow our two 5 K Walk/Run events. We began to grow participation this year under the name ‘The Human Race’ and fully expect to double participation in 2010. All the net proceeds from both events will go to Hands on Jacksonville.

 

Our second partnership is with the Baptist Cancer Institute. For ten years, they have received the proceeds from the RITA Black Tie Gala. Now, they will be fully involved and desire to make this event their key fund raising effort for their cancer research program.

 

In addition, RITA continue to work with a group of nurses at the new Mayo Hospital, helping to establish a cancer library; grew our Lymphedema program by granting $25,000 to Shands Jacksonville and $5,000 to In the Pink to assist women purchase the compression garments needed for their proper treatment.

 

All things considered, another banner year for The RITA ( Research Is The Answer ) Foundation, Inc. We continue to donate 100% of the net proceeds from our events and all the money remains in Jacksonville. Thank you for your support in these difficult times. Know that each and every dollar is highly valued and helps benefit someone right here in Jacksonville.

 

2010 The year turned out to be challenging, yet successful. If you look at the Financial Summary, you will note the total grants are lower than last year. Last year we entered into several new partnerships.

 

This year these partners managed three of our six annual events. Bill Gist at Jacksonville Golf & Country Club took over The RITA Championships Women’s Tennis Tournament. Participation grew with a new format, but no neighborhood fund raising activity took place so fund raising lagged. Plans for this year include moving the event from June to April and expanding the Players Party. All registration will be done online.

 

Hands on Jacksonville took control of the Spring and Fall 5 K Walk/Run events, which are now called ‘The Human Race’. Both agency and individual participation increased along with the proceeds. However, fund raising efforts by the non-profit agencies went directly to them without passing through our books. So while the amount raised was much higher than last year, our results appear to be lower. The good news is more money was raised by the non-profit community using our 5 K fund raising concept and platform.

 

The Baptist Cancer Institute had planned to use The RITA Black Tie Gala as their primary fund raising effort, but delays have pushed the event into 2011. The two events we actively managed, Lexus Champions for Charity Golf Tournament and SenioRITAs at Sawgrass Women’s Tennis Tournament, were both highly successful. The golf event netted $86,472 for Shands Jacksonville and SenioRITAs gave $31,500 to both Baptist Medical Center Beaches and The Mayo Clinic.

 

Five events have confirmed 2011 dates and planning is already underway. We expect to finalize the sixth event date shortly.

Grants to the Baptist Health System exceed $1,000,000 and the same is true with Shands Jacksonville. We are approaching $750,000 at Mayo Jacksonville. Our total grants now exceed $3,300,000 and will reach $3,500,000 by year’s end. RITA continues to donate 100% of our event net proceeds without any salary or overhead expense.

 

We look forward to growing our event contributions in our Mission fighting breast cancer in Jacksonville.