The American Cancer Society’s top-performing fundraising teams from Relay For Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and the DetermiNation series, along with their staff partners, convened in Atlanta, GA, last week for a weekend of inspiration and recognition during the annual Top Performers conference.
This elite group of fundraisers from across the nation collectively raised more than $7.4 million last year in support of the ACS mission. Led by the theme “Light the way, leave a legacy,” the weekend featured a lineup of engaging sessions featuring inspiring volunteer speakers such as Relay Hall of Famer Phylecia Wilson, pictured above, and Nucor Steel Hertford Relay For Life Team Captain William Riddick’s session on battling burnout and reigniting your spirit.
The 2024 Top Performers conference left volunteers and staff partners alike feeling motivated and empowered to drive fundraising and fuel the important work of ACS. As Interim CEO Dr. A. I. Wayne Frederick reminded the group, “Our purpose in life every day is to amplify other people’s humanity.”
Attendees also had the opportunity to meet and spend time with ACS executive leaders and hear directly from Senior Vice President of Population Science Dr. Alpa Patel and her team about the latest in ACS-funded research, trends and advancements.
“I enjoyed the awards ceremony—a special moment to celebrate the top teams and hear what they are most proud of,” said Heather Mills, Nationwide Top Performers volunteer co-lead. “Throughout the weekend, they had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the ACS mission, advancements in research, and collaborate with one another. Most importantly, the experience reignited their passion and motivation to continue the vital work in the fight against cancer.”
One top performer shared, “We aren’t just fundraisers. We’re volunteers, leaders and changemakers.” One of the most memorable moments came from a surprise video from the mother of William Riddick who reminded everyone, “what matters most, is what comes next.”
