Saturday, June 28, 2014

Marshay R. Williams, Former Director of Leadership Investments at Sphinx Organization, Joins Celebrities Fore Kids, Inc. as Chief Development Officer

Marshay R. Williams
[Photo Credit - Focused on Forever Studio (Palm City, FL)]

On July 14, 2011 AfriClassical posted news of the departure of Marshay R. Williams from the Sphinx Organization:


This week we learned of her latest appointment:

Non-profit expands team and services to support more children battling, and affected by, cancer and other life-threatening or life-altering illnesses throughout South Florida

STUART, FLORIDA – This month marked a new era in the history of local non-profit, Celebrities Fore Kids, Inc. (CFK).  In alignment with the new goals and objectives established and confirmed by its board of directors, CFK is pleased to name Marshay R. Williams as its Chief Development Officer.

An accomplished project management and non-profit development professional with over 20 years of marketing, fundraising and non-profit management experience, Williams’ efforts have always focused on caring, and creating opportunities, for children in need.  Williams comes to CFK after spending three years engaging donors in support of causes benefiting children throughout the Treasure Coast and North Palm Beach County.  Prior to that, she successfully led the Leadership Investments Team of The Sphinx Organization, an international non-profit organization, headquartered in Detroit, MI, benefiting young musicians.

“I am inspired and humbled by the remarkable success that CFK has already achieved, since its founding in 1997, through a core group of very dedicated board members and volunteers,” said Marlene Filer, Co‑Founder and President of Celebrities Fore Kids.  “Our mission is to support children battling cancer and other life-threatening or life-altering illnesses.  With the wholehearted support of our board of directors, I can say that the time is now for us.  The need is great and Marshay plays an integral part in getting us there,” added Filer.

“CFK has needed someone with Marshay’s experience and influence to lead our fundraising efforts for some time.  Now that Marshay has joined our organization, she will enable us to take CFK to the next level,” shared CFK board member Thomas H. Wilkinson and Treasure Coast President, Seacoast National Bank.

On any given day in the U.S., 10 – 15% of children between the ages of 0 and 18 are battling cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.  Currently, over 16,500 children are treated in only two of the rehabilitation centers within the Martin Health System for either life-threatening or life-altering illnesses.  For many of these children’s families, affording daily necessities while undergoing treatment is virtually impossible.  As such, CFK ensures their needs are met.  They support children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.  CFK offers financial assistance for transportation to and from treatment centers; non-covered medical and prescription expenses; rent or mortgage payments; daily living expenses such as food, phone, water, gas and electricity; individual and family counseling; and other expenses that, typically, are not covered by insurance.  For example, home renovation and expansion projects resulting in greater independence and an improved quality of life for young patients.

“Considering my corporate background, I have witnessed the benefits realized when an organization puts forth a concerted effort to make innovation and creativity a part of its ‘fabric’ [core mission and business processes],” added Filer.  “She [Marshay] is interested in getting the job done and helping children,” shared David. L. Smythe, Martin County Philanthropist and Celebrities Fore Kids Donor.

Williams will use her experience in donor cultivation and fundraising, as well as her passion for helping children, to assist CFK in identifying individuals with an interest in investing in CFK’s vision and mission of serving more families as the organization expands its “footprint” throughout the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches.  “One thing is for sure . . . Celebrities Fore Kids will thrive as a result of her involvement.  We just love her,” shared Helen Cooper, a community volunteer and longtime Sailfish Point resident.

“I have a professional obligation to present philanthropic investors with sound charitable giving options that are worthy of their consideration, harmonize with their personal vision and mission and, once selected, will be managed in a fiscally responsible manner.  Ensuring that they realize the best return on their investment is one of my goals,” said Williams.  “The sole purpose in strengthening and elevating CFK’s fundraising activities is to be able to do even more for our children and families battling cancer and other life-threatening or life-altering illnesses.  Each time we lighten the burdens they carry, we put smiles on their faces.  That is why we do what we do.  I am grateful for the opportunity.”

For more information about Celebrities Fore Kids and their two-day signature fundraiser, the “14th Annual Larry Laoretti and Jim Kaat Celebrities Fore Kids Golf Classic” presented by David L. Smythe (Venue:  The Bear’s Club) on Sunday, November 30, 2014 and Monday, December 1, 2014, please visit CelebritiesForeKids.org or facebook.com/CelebritiesForeKids.

About Celebrities Fore Kids

Celebrities Fore Kids is a non-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer organization that provides financial support to South Florida families who have children battling cancer and other life-threatening or life-altering illnesses, as well as to adults fighting cancer while caring for children 18 years of age and younger.  Celebrities Fore Kids collaborates with case workers from the Robert & Carol Weissman Cancer Center at Martin Health System in Stuart, the Pediatric Oncology Support Team, Inc. in West Palm Beach and The Little Treasures Program at Treasure Coast Hospice to identify and provide support to families affected by cancer and life-threatening or life-altering illnesses.
Comments by email:

1) Dear William,  Thank you for sharing the news with your readers! Marshay shared great things about you and the Sphinx Organization.  I wish you all the best and keep up the great work!  Allison Klempert,  Executive Assistant,  Celebrities Fore Kids, Inc.

2) Good afternoon, Bill!  Hello, Afa!  I hope this message finds everyone well.
Please accept my apologies for my delayed response. As always, I appreciate your support.  I loved reading the update posted on Africlassical.  That was very nice of you!  I send my best and look forward to keeping in touch.  Sincerely,
--Marshay  [Marshay R. Williams] 

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