Become a Member
Learn About Membership
Members of the Ocala Royal Dames are enthusiastic about helping to find a cure for cancer. Our unwavering contribution is to financially support cancer research and fund mission-based education.
Why You Should Join the Mission
Since its inception, the Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research has been made up of many vital and creative women representing a broad spectrum of talents, abilities, and experiences. Today’s members are innovative forward thinkers and still very dedicated to the organization’s mission. Here is what some of our members had to say about why they joined the efforts of the Ocala Royal Dames.
“From the time I moved to Ocala, Theresa Castro and several other new acquaintances kept asking me to join the group. And, since I had family members who died from cancer, I agreed! It continues to be important for me to do my part in funding cancer research.”
Laverne Hope
a member since 1997
“I was new to the Ocala area when I was asked to join the organization. Because I wanted to get to know other involved women in the community, I joined. But the most important reason I became a member was because I wanted to be a part of the dedicated efforts of finding a cure for cancer.”
Mary Ellen Poe
a member since 2010
“I joined the Ocala Royal Dames because of my professional and personal family experiences with cancer. I have seen the emotional, physical and financial toll it can cause. Supporting cancer research gives me the opportunity to help make a difference in people’s lives.”
Kimberly Porcelli
a member since 2022
The New Member Pledge
The new members’ pledge obligation is a payment of $2,500 over a ten-year period and the purchase an annual signature event ticket. The $2,500 pledge can be paid at one time, annually in the amount of $250, or semi-annually. The signature event ticket is required while the $2,500 pledge is still outstanding.
If a new member is below the age of 31, there is a membership option known as Lady Dame. Their commitment is an annual payment of $100 and the purchase of a Signature Event ticket. These payments are applied to the overall $2,500 commitment.
The Next Levels of Membership
Life Members
All members who have fulfilled their $2,500 Pledgecommitment pay a $75.00 annual dues payment.
Grand Dame Members
Members who have fulfilled their $2,500 Pledge commitment are Life Members who have the option of being Grand Dame if they have been a member of the organization for at least 5 years. Grand Dame members pay $100 in dues annually.