New Support for Children, Teens and Families

Published by Gilda’s Club® Worldwide Fall 2007
New Support for Children, Teens and Families
“It’s our honor to
partner with Gilda’s
Club Worldwide.”
—Ralph Fisco, Lexus
Event Marketing and Promotions Manager
Hugh Hildesley, Executive Vice President of Sotheby’s, auctioning off the 2008 Hybrid Lexus Sedan
For the past two years, Lexus Corporation
has partnered with Gilda’s Club Worldwide and served as the major sponsor for the Gilda’s
Club Worldwide Annual Benefit Gala. This year, Lexus took a lead role in helping Gilda’s
Club Worldwide expand and enhance our support for Children, Teens and Families by donating the entire proceeds of the auctioned Hybrid Lexus Sedan to support these initiatives.
Children and teens represent an underserved population when it comes to the provision of cancer support, particularly for children who have a family member living with
cancer. One quarter of families living with cancer have children under the age of 18 living
in the household. Until now, there has been little support available for these children.
Gilda’s Club Worldwide is currently overseeing pilot projects for children and teens
throughout our affiliate network. These pilot projects are creating and improving curriculums
and/or toolkits that address the social and emotional needs of children touched by cancer. The
goal is to develop the best and most effective support for children living with cancer and then
implement these projects throughout our network.
Ralph Fisco, Lexus Event Marketing and Promotions Manager, has taken a lead role
in working with Gilda’s Club Worldwide. “Gilda’s Club Worldwide helps families make the
most of every moment during one of the most difficult life situations. Their assistance gives
children valuable tools they can use throughout their life to achieve their greatest potential. It’s
our honor to partner with Gilda’s Club Worldwide.”
USA Today
USA Today salutes Gilda’s Club
Worldwide as one of the nation’s
top charities as part of their
25th Anniversary celebration.
For more information, please visit
www.gildasclub.usatoday.com
Letter from the Board Chair
2007 has been an exciting year of growth for Gilda’s Club Worldwide, setting the foundation for our goal of reaching over one million
men, women and children living with cancer over the next five years.
A centerpiece of this growth has been the incredible work of our
affiliate network which has implemented new workshops, groups
and activities; reached out to more people; and, day in and day out,
advanced the Gilda’s Club mission.
Earlier this year, Gilda’s Club took four new cities into affiliation
—Twin Cities, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Southeastern Ontario
—and we will soon witness the Grand Opening of Gilda’s Club Louisville! We now have
over 45,000 members, 22 open clubhouses and 9 more in development across the United
States and Canada.
More than 175 board members, staff, volunteers and session leaders arrived in Buffalo
on April 18 for four exciting days of meetings, workshops, networking and sharing of best
practices around this year’s Affiliates Conference theme of Building Partnerships for Growth. Gilda’s Club Worldwide was recently chosen as one of USA Today’s Top 25 Charities.
Coinciding with the USA Today promotion, we launched the first phase of our re-designed
website and will begin to roll out a new marketing campaign over the next several months.
Finally, we will miss our beloved partner and friend, Joel Siegel. Joel devoted his heart
and energy for many years to building Gilda’s Club. His memory will live on inside and
outside our clubhouse doors.
Rosie O’Donnell & Ralph Fisco, Lexus
Laura Wheat Chair, Board of Directors
Salute to Joel Siegel
On June 29, 2007
Charles Bronfman & Angelica Berrie
Gilda’s Club lost one of its
staunchest advocates, dearest
friends, and most cherished
colleagues. Joel Siegel, film critic
for ABC-TV, helped to open the
very first Gilda’s clubhouse on
West Houston Street in New
York City in 1995, along with
founder Joanna Bull and Gene
Wilder. He helped guide Gilda’s
Club’s growth to 30 clubhouses
across North America and generously contributed his time,
Joel Siegel
talent, spirit and humor to our
with his son, Dylan
members, staff and friends.
Throughout his illness, Joel epitomized the “Gilda Legacy” which is the foundation of
our organization — practicing every day how to LIVE with cancer, whatever the outcome.
The Board of Directors, Staff, 30 affiliate organizations and 45,000 members of Gilda’s
Club Worldwide extend our love, respect and sincere condolences to his family and our
heartfelt thanks to Joel himself.
Anika Noni Rose, Tony Award-winning actress
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Cyndy & Bjorn Aaserod
with Elvis Duran, Z100
Robert Eick with
Laura & Doug Wheat
stars shine
at 2007 Benefit Gala
Carmen Marc Valvo with women wearing his designs
More than 500 guests raised nearly $2 million dollars
at the 2007 Gilda’s Club Worldwide Benefit Gala held on May 17 at New York City’s
spectacular Cipriani 42nd Street. Sponsored by Lexus Corporation and emceed by
Z100’s Elvis Duran, guests enjoyed an outstanding show by Rosie’s Broadway Kids,
introduced by Rosie O’Donnell, a runway fashion extravaganza featuring couture
designs by Gala Honoree Carmen Marc Valvo, and a stunning performance by Tony
Award-winning actress and Dreamgirls star, Anika Noni Rose. The event also honored
Angelica Berrie, an exceptional friend of Gilda’s Club Worldwide, as well as corporate
sponsor sanofi-aventis. The evening’s live auction, chaired by Randy Federgreen and
Beth Klein and conducted by Hugh Hildesley, Executive Vice President of Sotheby’s,
was highlighted by a 2008 Hybrid Lexus Sedan and a New York City shopping excursion with Carson Kressley. This was the second year in a row that Lexus served as the
major sponsor for the Benefit Gala and played a key role in shaping the success of the
evening. The Benefit’s honorary chairs were Rosie and Kelli O’Donnell and the chairs
were C. Robert Eick, Jr., Dana and Michael Goldstein, and Laura L. and Douglas
D. Wheat. Additional sponsors included American Airlines and SAC Capital Advisors,
LLC. LVMH Perfumes and Cosmetics and Diageo – Johnnie Walker provided fabulous
gift bags. Next year’s Benefit Gala will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2008.
Young Leadership Council Members
Shabnam Kazmi, sanofi aventis & Laura Wheat
Mike Goldstein & Ted Orenstein
Carmen Marc Valvo
Fashion Show
Peter & Laurie Grauer
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Revolving Loans Help Create
Sustainable Fundraising Model
The Gilda’s Club network of affiliate organizations is
one step closer to achieving financial sustainability thanks to a
generous gift from The Works of Grace Foundation. Founded by
Gilda’s Club Worldwide Board Member Benjamin Wood and his
wife, Theresa Castellano-Wood, The Works of Grace Foundation
has established a revolving loan fund, managed by Gilda’s Club
Worldwide, which is distributing five loans in 2007 to enable
Gilda’s Club affiliates to be trained in the innovative Benevon
fundraising model.
Benevon is a proven program that coaches nonprofit organizations how to create sustainable funding sources and establish longterm donor relationships. The program trains board members, staff
and volunteers through interactive, hands-on multi-day workshops.
The Woods’ generous gift was inspired by the successful participation of previous Gilda’s Club affiliates in the Benevon program.
To date, 12 Gilda’s Club affiliates have begun implementing the
Benevon program with great results.
Board Member Benjamin Wood and his wife, Theresa Castellano-Wood,
founders of The Works of Grace Foundation
Loans must be paid back to the fund itself within 18 months of
initial Benevon training.
Gilda’s Club Worldwide and its network of affiliates are grateful to Ms. Castellano-Wood and Mr. Wood for their sponsorship of
this important initiative. Their gift is also being matched dollar
for dollar by a generous friend of Gilda’s Club Worldwide. We
look forward to having other affiliates in the network participate in
the future!
The revolving loan fund represents a unique opportunity for
affiliate clubhouses to receive the necessary training to become
sustainable organizations, while not incurring additional costs.
“What’s unique about Gilda’s Club is that it also provides
support to friends and family. So it’s a place you can really go
to as a family unit.” —Carmen Marc Valvo, who served as a judge for the Snapshot of Survival Contest
Gilda’s Club Worldwide Honors
sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis was honored at the 2007 Benefit Gala
in recognition of the pharmaceutical company’s commitment to
supporting families living with cancer. Shabnam Kazmi, Associate
Vice President of Oncology Marketing and New Projects, accepted
the award on behalf of the corporation.
In 2006, sanofi-aventis sponsored two projects that made an
important impact on the lives of hundreds of people living with
cancer, and their families and friends. Snapshot of Survival was the
first national art contest and exhibition that highlighted the widespread impact of colorectal cancer. The TEAM Approach: Prostate
Cancer Treatment, Education, Awareness and Management program
brought critical cutting-edge information to men with prostate
cancer, along with their families and friends. These programs have
been renewed for 2007.
Gilda’s Club Worldwide is proud to partner with sanofiaventis, a corporation that truly understands and cares about the
human side of cancer.
Gala Honoree and Snapshot of Survival judge Carmen Marc Valvo with
Pearl Griffith Eccles, Gilda’s Club member and Honorable Mention Winner
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Young Leaders Make a Difference
The Gilda’s Club Worldwide Young Leadership Council is a new generation of leaders
raising both money and awareness for Gilda’s Club Worldwide. Founded by Board
Member Evan Berkley, the Young Leadership Council is now led by Chair Bill Bermont
and Vice Chair Beth Klein. The group plays a key role in advancing the Gilda’s Club
mission and hosted several successful events this year.
The Young Leadership Council’s 2006 sold-out Benefit at the DKNY
flagship store brought together more than 450 people including celebrities Carson
Kressley, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Elizabeth Berkley, and Greg Lauren and was sponsored
by DKNY, New York Magazine, Johnnie Walker, Siemens, Lehman Brothers and Paul
& Phyllis Fireman Foundation. The 2007 event will be held at the DKNY flagship
store on Thursday, September 27 and promises to be even more exciting.
save the date
Young Leadership Council
3rd Annual Benefit
Thursday, September 27, 2007
DKNY Flagship Store
New York
For more information, please visit
www.gildasclub.org/ylc
SeaFair’s Grand Luxe
Cocktail Reception
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Chelsea Piers, Pier 59
New York
Greg Lauren, Carson Kressley,
Emmanuelle Chriqui & Elizabeth Berkley
Benefit Gala
Spring 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Bill Bermont & Alan Blaustein
Laura Wheat & Beth Klein
Cipriani 42nd Street
New York
DJ Berrie & Carson Kressley
The Young Leadership Council also joined the Board of Gilda’s Club
Worldwide at a one-of-a-kind cocktail reception at New York’s beautiful antique and
Oriental rug showroom, the Doris Leslie Blau Gallery. Owner Nader Bolour opened
the doors to his magnificent gallery to welcome Gilda’s Club Worldwide and auction
carpets designed by Tommy Hilfiger and Nanette Lepore to benefit Gilda’s Club
Worldwide.
Nader Bolour & Nanette Lepore
Elizabeth Berkley, Randy Federgreen & Larry Wiesler
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Gilda’s Club Worldwide
Proud recipients of
CIBC World Market
Miracle Day 2006
Gilda’s Club Worldwide
322 Eighth Avenue, Suite 1402
New York, NY 10001
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
New York, NY
Permit No. 7179
1-888-GILDA-4-U
www.gildasclub.org
Address Service Requested
Gilda’s Club Worldwide is a cancer support community where men, women and children, who have
Gilda’s Club Worldwide Staff
any type or stage of cancer and their families and friends, can come together, free of charge, for social and
emotional support. Currently, there are 22 open Gilda’s Clubhouses in the United States and Canada.
Vivien Hoexter,
To make a donation, please contact Joan Siffert, Senior Vice President, Development 917-305-1200 x223 [email protected]
Senior Vice President, Program,
Research & Education
Joan R. Licursi, Senior Vice
President, Strategic Growth
Joan Siffert, Senior Vice President,
Development
Kathryn Kavicky, Vice President,
Marketing & Communications
Robert Carraro, Director, Corporate
& Foundation Relations
Cathy Ferrone, Director, Affiliate
Relations
Lucretia Gilbert, Associate Director,
Major Gifts
Gilda’s Club Worldwide Board of Directors
Laura L. Wheat, Chair
Michael F. Radner, Vice Chair & Secretary
W. Patrick McMullan III, Treasurer
Eran S. Ashany
Winifred A. Baker
Pamela Baxter
Evan Berkley
C. Robert Eick, Jr.
Lynn Fantom
Randy Federgreen
Dana Goldstein
Stephanie Kugelman
Charles Mallis
Albert N. Masi, Jr., Ph.D.
William Modell
Diane F. Perlmutter
Ted Orenstein
Benjamin Wood
Joel Siegel, Chair Emeritus
Honorary Directors
Angelica Berrie
Joanna Bull, Founder
Gene Wilder
Medical Resource Council
Herbert Pardes, M.D., New York-Presbyterian
Karen Antman, M.D., Boston University School of Medicine
Vincent T. DeVita, Jr., M.D., Yale Cancer Center
Kathleen M. Foley, M.D., Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Jimmie C. Holland, M.D., Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Karolynn Siegel, Ph.D., Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health
David Spiegel, M.D., Stanford University School of Medicine
Young Leadership Council
Bill Bermont, Chair | Beth Klein, Vice Chair | Glen Kopp, Secretary
Artie Ambrosio | Nicole Berrie | Alan Blaustein | Sarah Carberry
Matthew Garman | Lauren Ginsberg | Philip Giordano | Jessica Goldberg
Erica Gray | Claire Hadden | Jenny Hermanson | Cynthia Jones
Joel S. Kent | Rachel Masi | Brandon Miller | Allison Silver | Aaron Zahn
Gilda’s Clubhouses
Albany, NY | Atlantic City, NJ | Buffalo, NY | Brooklyn, NY | Chicago, IL
Dallas, TX | Delaware Valley, PA | Detroit, MI | Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Grand Rapids, MI | Hackensack, NJ | Milwaukee, WI | Nashville, TN
New York, NY | Palm Springs, CA | Pittsburgh, PA | Quad Cities, IA/IL
Rochester, NY | Seattle, WA | Toronto, CAN | White Plains, NY
In Development Atlanta, GA | Barrie, Ontario, CAN | Denver, CO | Louisville, KY
Madison, WI | Washington, DC | St. Louis, MO | Minneapolis, MN
Kansas City, MO | Southeastern Ontario, CAN
Chief Executive Officer
Joyce Bichler, M.S.W., A.C.S.W.,
Sara Goldberger, L.C.S.W.-R,
Associate Director, Program
Sheelagh Cabalda, Affiliate
Relations Manager
Felicia Rowe, Affiliate
Relations Manager
Jamie Diaz, Development Associate
Jaime O’Brien, Development
Associate
Bryan Brady, Project Manager
Jane Papa Ramos, Executive
Assistant
Shannan Wagner, Office Manager