Chairing Race for the Cure

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Sunday is a time to celebrate mothers across the globe. In Philadelphia, droves of women (and men) will flood the streets to walk/run in the 21st annual Susan G. Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure.

“[I’m looking forward to] the excitement of the attendees of the race.” Donna M. Massanova, a 2011 Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure honorary chair, said. “The survivors are just incredible. I went to a survivors’ luncheon and to listen to their stories — they had a very touching video. It is amazing how this organization helps people and seeing it firsthand makes me realize I am truly privileged to be a part of this.”

After a ’09 theft of funds raised for that year’s Race for the Cure happened at 1 Liberty Place — home to Massanova’s employer, ParenteBeard LLC — the audit, accounting, tax and business advisory corporation decided to step in. ParenteBeard, where Massanova is a partner and employee benefit plans practice leader, replaced the stolen money.

“One of my other partners was working with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and I met Elaine [Grobman, Philadelphia affiliate executive director for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure]. We had lunch and became friends and she asked me to be the chair of the leadership committee that works with the board of directors,” Massanova, who is from 20th and Shunk streets, said.

The 52-year-old agreed and has continued working tirelessly for the Race for the Cure since. With the ’11 honorary chair position, she has stepped up her efforts even further.

“We had a large fundraiser with my firm March 30, The Unwine Event … All of the funds collected went to the race,” Massanova said, adding that proceeds from the fine wine auction totaled more than $6,500. “Meryl Weinreb spoke at The Unwine Event. Meryl is a three-time breast cancer survivor and she talks about her treatment 22 years ago and her [more recent] treatments. It is basically because of these organizations that we can be provided with such excellent care.”

Massanova, who was born and raised in South Philly, is also interested in helping her community. By supporting the Susan G. Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure, she is able to directly bring change to the Philadelphia area.

“Seventy-five percent of all funds stay local. They are used to provide mammograms and then if you need treatment after that,” Massanova said. “Then 25 percent goes to corporate, which is for research.

“Once you find out about the people and the doctors and see their time and effort, it is very touching and you really do want to be a part of it and help. I represent my firm in what I do and they support me. We really want to make it a successful year, as well.”

When Massanova graduated from St. Maria Goretti, 1736 S. 10th St. — after attending St. Monica, 1720 W. Ritner St. — she was quick to start a family, which today includes two daughters, a son and four grandchildren. Later, she attended La Salle University, where she majored in accounting and would eventually graduate magna cum laude with a degree in business administration.

“Coincidentally, La Salle just honored me with the Michael A. DeAngelis Award on Thursday night,” Massanova said earlier this week via phone from Las Vegas. “I was one of the honorees from the accounting department. When I graduated, I started working in a regional firm in Philadelphia and then another in Plymouth Meeting.”

Massanova moved to her current firm — then under a different name — in ’03. Making partner in ’04, she is now part of a 30-strong unit that covers six regions. While excelling in the accounting field, Massanova also is grateful her firm supports the charitable work she is continuing with Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

“I sit on the board of Executive Women International, Philadelphia Chapter,” Massanova, the board president, said. “The combined [effort] with EWI and ParenteBeard [means], if we have an event, all the proceeds go to Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. My company [ParenteBeard] is a silver sponsor.”

With all the fundraising and advocating Massanova has done prior to race day ’11, she is also gearing up for her first time attending the early Sunday morning walk/run. She intends for it to be a family event.

“My children will be there. My son, who is a manager in my firm, my daughter and my other daughter and granddaughter will be there,” she said.

With just three days until the main event, Massanova is pleased with the effort she has put in to date, but has no intention of stopping once she crosses the finish line.

“It’s a tremendous organization. … Just to associate with the people and the board members and see their passion. And especially Elaine, her passion for raising funds.

“I want to ensure I can do something that hopefully will cure this disease. Then, [my daughters] will never have to worry about a disease like this. [Seeing the progress made is] really what draws you in to things and then you see the passion and the people.” SPR

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