The Power of Unity
We are now in a new season in Minnesota, where warmer weather has arrived, school is out for summer, birds are chirping, and everything is flourishing due to the abundant rain! With each new season comes fresh starts, new beginnings, and new areas of focus. Gilda’s Club Minnesota has transitioned into a new season as well. In January, we officially rebranded from Gilda’s Club Twin Cities to Gilda’s Club Minnesota to extend our reach to all Minnesotans, ensuring that no one faces cancer alone in our state. As cancer has become the top cause of death in Minnesota, with an estimated 30,000 plus new cases expected this year, the need for support has never been greater. Our goal this year is to double our budget to sustain this growth, and I have faith that together, we can achieve this objective!
Recently, my ten-year-old daughter Lucy taught me a valuable lesson. I was visiting a dear friend at Hope Lodge who was staying there during her cancer treatment. I had brought along some lovely flowers for my nature-loving friend, only to discover that she couldn’t have them near her during recovery. When I returned home with the flowers, Lucy inquired about them, and upon learning the situation, she was deeply moved. She believed everyone should have flowers if they wanted them, so she took it upon herself to make a difference. Lucy took action from compassion using a felt flower kit, paper, glitter, and jewels she found in our craft area. She located small vases around the house, usually reserved for summer dandelion bouquets, and got to work. She crafted faux flowers, and adorned the vases, starting with one for my friend and then continued to create more so I could share them at the Clubhouse with those who couldn’t have fresh flowers, bringing a touch of color and cheer. Children can be our greatest teachers! Lucy saw a need, was moved to help, and she found a way. She utilized her time, talent, and available resources.
I can’t stop thinking about how our collective actions, no matter how small, can create ripple effects that endure for years. Lucy reminds me that as a community, we are stronger than cancer, and together we can support one another and achieve extraordinary things!
Celebrating 10 Years of Gilda’s Club
Our 10th Anniversary Gala was a remarkable success and was a beautiful example of community coming together! Around 450 attendees showed up to show their support and celebrate Gilda Club’s decade-long presence and our expansion across Minnesota. We were honored to have co-founder Joanna Bull join us all the way from California. Joanna Bull, together with Gene Wilder, was inspired to take action following Gilda Radner’s passing, leading to the establishment of the first Gilda’s Club in NYC in 1995. Today, there are more than 40 independently-funded Clubhouses throughout the United States. Joanna shared poignant and inspiring words, and we were thankful to have her presence.
This event highlighted the power of unity in achieving remarkable things. We reached our fundraising goal of $500,000, thanks to the tremendous support and love from our community. A special thank you to all of our amazing sponsors, and to our host, A’BULAE, who will be hosting us again next year! Mark your calendar for April 24th, 2025, the date of next year’s gala.
Fundraisers, events, and things to look forward to!
- Laughing for a Cure: A Night of Baseball & Comedy
Gilda’s Club Minnesota will be celebrating Community is Stronger than Cancer Day (and Gilda Radner’s birthday) with the Rochester Honkers! Friday, June 28th, is Laughing for a Cure: A Night of Baseball and Comedy. The game, which starts at 6:35, will be followed by the finals of the Gilda’s Club Funniest Person Contest stand-up competition contest and a stand-up set by Shaun Weiss of Mighty Ducks fame. $6 from each ticket will be donated to Gilda’s Club. Reserve your tickets here. - Bauer Design Build’s Clay Shooting Event
Bauer Design Build’s annual Clay Shooting Event returns on August 15th! Registration for the annual benefit, which includes clay shooting, dinner, and a silent auction, will open in mid-July. Learn about sponsorship opportunities and silent auction donations here. - Walk for Gilda’s
Save the date for Saturday, September 28th, 2024. We’ll be hosting the first-ever Walk for Gilda’s at Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis! Stay tuned for more information coming soon.
Even though expanding to cover all of Minnesota and doubling our budget may seem daunting, I have faith that by uniting and doing what we can together, we will surpass our goal and provide vital support for our community. Like Lucy, we all can make a difference and impact on the world around us. Come join us and let our community set a positive example, becoming the change we wish to see in the world. If you have any ideas you would like to share with me, know that my red door is always open.
Gratefully,
Gina Parker
Development Associate
612-227-2147 office | 952.767.7623 direct
10560 Wayzata Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55305
Published as part of the June 2024 GildaGram Newsletter.
