Volunteer Spotlight: Maureen Brown & Betsy Maza

If you’ve ever stepped into Basket Central, Dance for the Cure's warehouse where the "Basket Genies" create the fabulous raffle baskets for our annual fundraiser, chances are you’ve seen Maureen Brown and Betsy Maza quietly working behind the scenes. The two friends started volunteering together three years ago, but Maureen’s connection to Dance for the Cure goes back even further.

Maureen first got involved about eight years ago by helping her sister, Arleen Kornbluth, with basket prep. After retiring, she decided to take on a bigger role—and brought Betsy along with her. What started as helping out with a few simple baskets turned into a regular part of their week.

Over time, both grew more comfortable and confident with the creative side of basket-making, and they found that the real reward came not just from the finished baskets, but from the people they met and the time spent together.

For Maureen, the mission hits close to home. She’s a three-time cancer survivor, first diagnosed at 34 when her child was still a toddler. Volunteering with Dance for the Cure is one way she chooses to give back—and support others who are just beginning their own journey.

“Being able to help even a little, or to show what’s possible after cancer, that means a lot,” Maureen said.

Betsy was on board from the beginning when Maureen invited her to join. A survivor herself, she appreciated that DFC was focused on local support, run entirely by volunteers. “It’s different from bigger organizations,” she said. “Here, the help goes directly to women who need it.”

The friendships they’ve built at Basket Central are just as meaningful as the work. Betsy remembers one meeting that fell on her birthday. “They brought out a cake,” she said. “That kind of thing really makes you feel welcome.”

“Maureen and Betsy—affectionately known as MoBe—bring a calm, creative energy to everything they do,” said co-founder Joanne Liscovitz.

“As former teachers, they’re patient, adaptable, and always ready to help. They lift the room with their humor and heart, and we’re so grateful for the joy and steadiness they bring to our Basket Central family.”

Co-founder Kathleen Cirioli echoed that appreciation. “Maureen and Betsy fit right in with the rest of our volunteers and are ready to join in wherever needed,” she said. “They are an asset to our dedicated DFC family.”

Whether sorting donated items or assembling baskets for the Ribbons of Hope fundraiser, Maureen and Betsy are always there—steady, thoughtful, and part of what makes Dance for the Cure what it is.

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Are you interested in volunteering?

Please visit our Support Us page or contact Joanne or Kathleen directly.

Visit our Volunteers page to see our great team!