Resident gets cancer society awards

Bette Forberg of Woodbury, director of estate and asset services for the American Cancer Society in Minnesota, has received the “Exemplary Mission Delivery” and “Top Performer” awards in a seven-state region stretching from South Dakota to Ohio.

This marks the second consecutive year and fifth time overall she has received the Top Performer Award from the society’s Planned

Giving Business Unit and the first time she received the “Exemplary Mission Delivery” award.

Forberg worked as a home economist for two food companies before becoming a professional fundraiser motivated by her husband’s long but successful battle with cancer. She has raised millions of dollars to help fight cancer since joining the American Cancer Society in 1988.

She assists donors and professional advisers — estate attorneys, certified public accountants, life insurance specialists and financial planners — create charitable gift plans tailored to donors’ needs, values and charitable intent within the framework of minimizing tax liability.

“I can't imagine a better job,” Forberg said. “Every day I help people provide caring support for others by supporting the work of the American Cancer Society. This special kind of generosity gives hope to those living with cancer and prevents many from developing the disease in the first place. At the same time, I can help these donors potentially reduce their own taxes and plan for better financial futures for themselves.”

The Nationwide Exemplary Mission Delivery Award goes to the director of estate and asset services who does the best job of more than 30 peers across the country of supporting the American Cancer Society's mission while working in fund development.

The Top Performer Award goes to the director who has the highest scorecard in the region by excelling in a number of categories.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913, the society is the largest source of private, not-for-profit cancer research funds.

For more information, call toll-free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Tags: woodbury, cancer, awards, forberg, bette