In government elections, some complain about the subtle equation of money to votes.
Sherry Schaffert is not subtle about it. She is seeking ‘reelection? as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Michigan’s ‘Woman of the Year,? and donations are ‘votes.?
The Clarkston area resident earned the title in 2003. In 2004, she simply worked on the volunteer committee behind the fund-raiser, but in 2005 decided to throw her hat back in the ring.
The society’s ‘Woman of the Year? and ‘Man of the Year? titles will go to the volunteers who raise the most money in the campaign, which ends with a silent auction on May 4 in Auburn Hills. The kickoff was March 6 at Nordstrom’s in Troy, and in between the ‘candidates? will be engaged in a variety of efforts to gain either cash donations or items for the silent auction. Each dollar raised equals one ‘vote? for the candidate.
Schaffert’s motivation comes from personal experience. About four year’s ago, her father was diagnosed with leukemia.
‘We didn’t know much about it,? she said. ‘We didn’t know what it meant, and we didn’t know what to expect.?
Schaffert did some research on blood-related cancer, and ended up being a volunteer for the society.
In 2003, Schaffert won the title with about $4,000 in donations. Competition among five candidates is expected to be tougher this year, and she has set a goal of $25,000.
‘It’s very aggressive,? she said, and she already has more than $2,000 pledged. ‘I’m aiming high.?
Some of the items she has obtained for the silent auction include an autographed football from the Green Bay Packers, an autographed puck from the Detroit Red Wings and various gift certificates from businesses such as hotels and hair salons.
In passing the word for cash donations, Schaffert is sending letters to family members and friends, some of whom have promised to write their friends, too.
‘We just mention it wherever we go,? she said.
There are few limitations as to how candidates may raise funds. Schaffert didn’t stage a lot of special events in 2003, but she is considering several ideas this year.
‘Your campaign is your campaign. You can do whatever you want to do,? she said. ‘I’m taking ideas from everybody. You never know what I might end up doing.?
The event has some built-in drama, as totals are not announced until after the silent auction.
‘You don’t know until the end,? Schaffert said. ‘Up to that night, you don’t know what people bid on your silent auction items.?
Along with the fun of the campaign is the serious side of making more people aware of the cause. Approximately 111,000 cases of blood-related cancer are diagnosed each year, with more than 712,000 currently with the disease, Schaffert said. In 2004, more than 55,000 people died from leukemia and lymphoma.
‘Some find it hard to discuss leukemia,? she said. ‘You think it’s the end.?
There is good news, however, and Schaffert said her father has been in remission for about five months.
For more information on Schaffert’s campaign, call 248-894-9202. To donate online, visit www.active.com/donate/sschaffert on the Internet.