Meet Courtney Sprechini

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Courtney Sprechini. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Courtney , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Throughout my entire life, I have found joy in helping others. As a teen, I began to expand helping others beyond my community by volunteering for various large scale charities and participating in many fundraising events. During this time, my uncle was also diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. That devastating news motivated me to host a fundraiser to raise money for a charity (the International Myeloma Foundation) dedicated to research for that particular type of cancer. After that successful event, I saw the true difference I could make not just for my community but the world.
With a fire in my heart and the help of my friends and family, I sought out to create and produce a variety of other fundraising events to raise money not only for charities that support valuable, life-saving research and treatment options, but also to make a difference in the lives of individuals who are battling cancer. This has since enabled me to found a non-profit organization and hold annual events in my community.
For me, there is no greater reward that to know I have lightened someone’s load, even just a little bit or helped to ease their burdens. Though I will never be a doctor or scientist, I know that I have found my purpose in lifting spirits and providing much needed financial support to those courageously battling cancer.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Having a background in musical theater, performances seemed to be the natural fit when creating fundraising events and getting involved in the community. Each year, my troupe of performers and I plan a “Cabaret 4 A Cure” fundraiser to benefit an individual battling cancer or a cancer-based charity. The event consists of a dinner-show of live musical performances along with raffle prizes to help raise money to offset medical bills and expenses for the beneficiary (or fund research for a charity).
In addition to our annual Cabaret 4 A Cure fundraiser, we host “dine & donates,” holiday performances, karaoke contests, toy-drives, entertain at Farmer’s Markets and community events, and even visit hospitals and senior living facilities, when possible.
Our goal is to raise awareness and funds, as well as the spirits of our beneficiaries during their darkest times. We strive to improve the quality of our beneficiaries lives, and also enjoy giving back to our community, sharing the gift of music with those who might not otherwise have access to it.
We are completely volunteer based and work tirelessly throughout the year to secure sponsors, donations, and support so that we can maximize our help. As a tight-knit group, we have been fortunate enough to create bonds with those we have assisted, which has made our efforts all the more meaningful. Until there is a cure, we look forward to growing and evolving to meet the needs of those we serve!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

To successfully run a non-profit organization or produce fundraising events, it is critical that one is a good communicator, has strong organizational skills, and is flexible. As in most fields, having strong communication skills can make a tremendous difference. When planning events or running an organization (or business), there are so many moving parts and people with whom you have to share information to achieve your goals. Many aspects require collaboration, too, therefore, being able to effectively communicate with committee members, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, etc. is key. Staying organized is another important skill to strengthen, especially when managing people and events, so that tasks are done correctly and efficiently. If things are forgotten, misplaced, or delayed, that can mean additional costs- which is detrimental to any business and devastating to a non-profit.
Lastly, it is important to be flexible. Despite the best, clear communication among team members and the most detailed and organized plans, life happens. Things don’t always go the way they are expected to, and it’s essential to be able to adapt and move forward. Obviously, some obstacles are greater than others, and many changes/setbacks have lasting effects on project or event outcomes, but making the best of the situation (or revamping entirely) is the only way to survive. In my case, I always keep in mind that someone is relying on my group’s ability to fundraise for them, so I have to make it work. When I think of many success stories, I think of people or companies who have been able to adjust their sails and make the necessary changes to grow. Which for me, is how I can continue to help and serve others.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

We are always looking for ways to grow and expand. We are continuously grateful for all the wonderful support we have been fortunate enough to receive in the past, and are always looking for individuals or businesses who are willing to be a sponsor of our Cabaret 4 A Cure or donate to our event. We accept monetary donations as well as in-kind donations, that can be given to our beneficiary or used in our raffles. If you’re local, we’d love to have you attend one of our events, too!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cabaret4acure.org/
• Instagram: @cabaret4acure
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cabaret4ACure
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cabaret4acure