Building Gilda’s Club
Before the Gilda’s Club Twin Cities Clubhouse opened on April 23, 2014, years of work were put in by our founders and other volunteers to make this place a reality.
The founders – Jenni Lilledahl, Dolly Lowery, Carrie Puterbaugh, and Valerie Martinson – dreamed of opening what is now Gilda’s Club Minnesota in 1999, and tirelessly volunteered their time and talents, fundraising for 15 years to be able to open our Clubhouse.
Our four founders were not the only ones who made this dream a reality. Many more community members stepped up to aid in fundraising, administrative support, and more to advance this dream. By 2012, they were hosting their 5th annual Roseanne Roseannadanna Golf Benefit.
They imagined a place where no one faces cancer alone. Fifteen years later, it became a reality.
In 2020, Gilda’s Club shifted to virtual programming within 24 hours to continue supporting those impacted by cancer through lockdown. The physical clubhouse reopened in October 2021.
Now, 25 years later, Gilda’s Club Twin Cities has changed to Gilda’s Club Minnesota to reflect our members served throughout the state.
None of this would have been possible without the time, talent, energy, and dedication of hundreds of volunteers within our community. Whether you have been here from day one or this is your day one, thank you for supporting Minnesotans impacted by cancer. Volunteers are the catalysts for change in our community, and Gilda’s Club Minnesota would not be a reality without you.
With gratitude,
Renee Anderson
Administrative and Volunteer Coordinator
612-227-2147 office | 952-767-2591 direct
10560 Wayzata Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55305
