About the Royal Dames

The Royal Dames' Mission

It is our fundamental belief that mankind is not destined to die of cancer. To this end, the Royal Dames are dedicated to funding research to find a cure.  


About the Royal Dames - Royal Dames of Cancer Research - royal-dames-cancer-research

The Royal Dames' History

As an all-volunteer organization, all of our proceeds go into funding cancer research. 

The Royal Dames started over 50 years ago when Dr. Joel Warren needed $250,000 to fund his cancer research.  He approached Theresa Castro (yes, for those of you who are older, the Castro of Castro Convertible Sofas). Never one to shirk a challenge, Theresa got 100 of her friends to pledge $2,500 ($17,361 in today's economy). They called themselves the Royal Dames and founded a 501 (C) (3) non-profit: the Royal Dames of Cancer Research, Inc.

Stopping cancer in our lifetime is a commitment we want to see come true. To date, the Royal Dames have raised millions of dollars to encourage, aid, enrich and support valuable educational programs and critical cancer research at the Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute, located in the Center for Collaborative Research at Nova Southeastern University


About the Royal Dames - Royal Dames of Cancer Research - membership-page

The Royal Dames' Signature Event - The Tiara Ball

Hailed as the highlight of the social season, this spectacular annual event is attended by community leaders and leading researchers throughout the tri-county area. It not only raises awareness, it raises the funds to fight this formidable foe.


Membership of the Royal Dames

We are looking for a few good women who have the time, talent and leadership skills to be a Royal Dame. To join this carefully selected group of philanthropists, you should be creative, farsighted, oriented to the betterment of the community and dedicated to the organization's mission. Dues are $3,000, payable in a lump sum, a 5-year or 10-year time period. To be considered for membership, please complete our contact form and our Membership Chair will contact you.


Tax Information

Non-profit IRS Form 990


If life is what you make it, help make it cancer free. Support our world-class cancer researchers at Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research at Nova Southeastern University by donatingbecoming a sponsor or purchasing tickets to the Tiara Ball.