Jackvony champion of ACS

Bernard A. Jackvony was recently honored for his volunteer service by the American Cancer Society in Rhode Island. He leads the estate and trust practice at Pannone Lopes Devereaux & West LLC and is a former lieutenant governor of Rhode Island.

You have volunteered and served in leadership positions with the American Cancer Society for more than 40 years now. What has it been like to watch the organization’s growth and impact over time?

Through life-saving research, education, advocacy and services, the ACS has made great strides in the fight against cancer. It has been very gratifying to see the reach and influence of ACS grow throughout the years, both locally and globally. Their impact today is more profound than ever, touching the entire world.

Why did you initially choose to volunteer with the ACS in particular?

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In 1974, after returning home from the U.S. Marine Corps, I was recommended by a friend to oversee the annual fundraising efforts of the local ACS. It reconnected me with people in the community and we exceeded every goal we had set. From day one, I have been impressed with their professionalism, focus and determination to create a world with less cancer. 

How does your volunteer/nonprofit work tie into what you do as an attorney?

As an attorney, I am exposed to a wide cross-section of society and a variety of issues.  Just as every legal case is different, so too are the range of issues and challenges nonprofits face. My training and experience as an attorney provide me with insights to understand issues a nonprofit such as ACS faces.

What would you say to businesspeople who think they may not have the time or resources necessary to volunteer in their spare time?

Having a supportive spouse and family is of paramount importance. One must also realize that time is a manageable commodity and resources involve more than just money. Ideas and commitment contribute to a nonprofit’s success as much as money. And your remuneration is the satisfaction of contributing to a worthy cause. •

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