At Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation’s 25th Anniversary in 2017, we introduced a new Visionary Award, presented to exemplary supporters of Wellspring whose invaluable contributions have profoundly impacted the lives of those we serve.
Wellspring is proud to present the Visionary Award this year to three individuals who have made significant philanthropic commitments to Wellspring and in doing so have demonstrated extraordinary generosity, commitment, and a passion that has in turn, inspired others to give to the organization.
Wellspring is an organization rich in visionaries who support the cause. It is visionaries who make the very real changes for the betterment of an organization, and it is exciting to share that so many have made an amazing difference to help us grow stronger.
The 2024 Visionary Award is being presented to the following three Wellspring supporters: Mags Shorey, Spencer Lanthier, and Bill Boyle (pictured above).
Mags Shorey
Mags Shorey has a huge heart that enriches the lives of everyone around her. Our Wellspring community is so lucky for her generosity.
First connected with Wellspring in 1999, Mags is one of Wellspring Birmingham Gilgan House’s longest supporters. Since 2016, she has been an integral member of Wellspring’s Board, and has participated in many committees over the years including the Birmingham Gilgan House Expansion Committee, the Strategic Review Committee, the Golf Tournament Committee since 2013, the Resource Development Committee since 2016 and Chair since 2018, and the Governance and Nominating Committee since 2018.
Mags is the epitome of someone who leads by example. Recognizing her leadership position by being involved with Wellspring for so many years, she is a helpful mentor and coach to the members of Wellspring’s Board. Her advice, knowledge, and guidance are so appreciated, always going above and beyond to make sure those who join the Board understand the importance of Wellspring’s mission. Mags is incredibly generous with her time and resources, even formerly volunteering as a Front Desk volunteer at Birmingham Gilgan House.
Over the years, Mags has been a strong champion of Wellspring, regularly using her influential voice to rally the Oakville community into supporting Wellspring.
Her expertise and guidance in philanthropic best practices have significantly shaped and refined our fundraising and stewardship efforts. She has contributed many major donations to Wellspring, enabling us to continue to provide our vital support services to people and families living with cancer.
Spencer Lanthier
Spencer Lanthier made his first connection with Wellspring in 1999 and has been a dedicated “lifetime” donor ever since. He is a member of Wellspring’s Anne Armstrong Gibson Loyal Donor Society, demonstrating unwavering commitment to our cause and creating lasting impacts.
The epitome of an influential and strong leader, Spencer is always looking for resourceful ways to support Wellspring, including introducing Wellspring to many new corporate and individual major gift donors. Over the years, Spencer has directly solicited hundreds of fundraising letters to his friends and business associates. Every year, Wellspring staff would bring Spencer stacks of appeal letters that he would sign and add personal notes to. He was instrumental in securing EllisDon to build Wellspring’s Westerkirk House during the expansion campaign. Spencer continues to go above and beyond for Wellspring, and all of these connections have allowed Wellspring to continue to evolve and better serve our cancer community.
At Wellspring, we’re lucky to have Spencer on our side, selflessly serving as a Board member from 2001 to 2013 and as Board Chair from 2004 to 2008. He was also a member and Chair of the Sunnybrook Expansion Committee from 2010 to 2013, a member of Wellspring’s Real Estate Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and Chair of the Resource Development Committee.
Over the years, Spencer has taken part in many major Wellspring decisions, including hiring Christina Smith as CEO through the CEO Search Committee of 2012.
There’s no doubt that Spencer has been instrumental in the success of many Wellspring events, initiatives, and campaigns.
Bill Boyle
Since 2002, Bill Boyle’s efforts to grow the culture of philanthropy has been crucial to Wellspring’s sustainability.
Bill served on Wellspring’s Board of Directors from 2002 to 2011. He is a former member of the Resource Development Committee, and the very first Adopt-a-Program donor. His exceptional leadership, support, and volunteerism have helped shape the foundation of Wellspring.
He has launched many mission and philanthropy initiatives, including the Oasis Program for those with advanced cancer and our Mission Leaders Program. Bill was also the founding donor of Wellspring’s Initiators Program which has helped raise $300,000 since its inception in 2018 – an incredible achievement.
Always an avid supporter for the cause, Bill Boyle regularly finds exciting opportunities to leverage his giving to raise more money for Wellspring. This has included serving as the matching gift donor for multiple fundraising campaigns, including Wellspring’s Family Circle Campaign which raised 20 thousand dollars.
At this year’s Well Dressed for Spring fashion show, Bill initially pledged to match a very generous $25,000. However, on the night of the event, Bill surprised us by sharing that he would match above and beyond this amount. Guests ended up raising $50,000, which Bill matched dollar for dollar. This doubled the night’s initial target, which we are incredibly grateful for.
Bill’s giving has set a remarkable standard of generosity and dedication. His commitment and passion have inspired others to engage with Wellspring, expanding the reach of our mission to new heights.
Always helping to advance Wellspring’s mission and philanthropy goals, Bill continues to find effective engagement strategies for our supporters and prospective donors. We are incredibly lucky that Bill chooses Wellspring as the beneficiary of his selfless giving and volunteering.
Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for Wellspring. We are so honored to present all three of you with the Visionary Award this year.
