A technology consultant with Fidelity Information Services (FIS), Florida native Paula Gean says she loves working with amazing technology, but also for a company that is dedicated to community involvement. Thanks to FIS’ steadfast commitment to giving back, Gean has been able to devote herself to her career as well as local philanthropic projects, like the annual Partners Card.
A fundraiser for the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute (WRCI), the Partners Card offers 10 days of discounts and specials at more than 190 participating merchants and restaurants in central Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas. The cards are $50, and 100 percent of the proceeds go to the WRCI Auxiliary to fund projects that benefit cancer patients. Below, Gean — who is chairing this year’s program — shares more about Partners Card, its impact in the community and what to expect this year.
Soirée: How does Partners Card work? Where can you purchase a card?
Paula Gean: The card buyer purchases a Partners Card (PC) for $50; 100 percent of the card purchase goes directly to the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary to fund projects that benefit cancer patients. Participating PC merchants offer a generous 20 percent discount to cardholders for the 10-day period from October 24-November 2. PC sponsors underwrite all administrative and production costs of the promotion. Cards may be purchased online at UAMSPartnersCard.com, by calling 686-8286 by Oct. 14, by visiting one of the card-selling retailers or through a volunteer.
SO: Where exactly does money from the sale of Partners Cards go?
PG: The WRCI Auxiliary has made major contributions to the Institute since 1997. Some of these include: $1,603,500 in direct grants and donations to WRCI physicians, cancer programs in Arkansas and the WRCI Foundation; $550,950 to the UAMS Family Home and Cancer Institute Auxiliary Cancer Support Center (the Auxiliary is the largest monetary donor to the Family Home); $200,000 for a digital mammogram machine; $25,000 for the MIRT waiting room in Ward Tower; $22,000 to Dr. Steve Harms’ Breast Imaging Project; head and neck screening; tobacco cessation support group; post-mastectomy bras and pads; free wigs and caps for patients with hair loss; and much more. Learn more about the programs and mission of the WRCI at UAMS at www.Cancer.UAMS.edu.
SO: What’s new for this year?
PG: We have three presenting sponsors this year: Gene Lockwood’s, Highlands Oncology and Natalie and Win Rockefeller. There’s also a kick-off party at Iberia Bank from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11.
Partners Card
When: Friday, Oct. 24 – Sunday, Nov. 2 | Info: www.UAMSPartnersCard.com, 686-8286