Community in Action
$500,000 Raised: Together
We are in awe.
For the second year in a row, our community came together to raise an incredible $500,000 at Gilda’s Live in 2025. That number is more than just a milestone. It represents time, energy, love, and hope. It is a reflection of what happens when people unite with open hearts and a shared purpose: to ensure no one faces cancer alone.
We are deeply grateful to every person and organization who made this possible. Each contribution, whether monetary, in-kind, or the gift of time, was essential to the success of this powerful evening.
To our generous sponsors, thank you for leading the way:
- Platinum Sponsor: A’BULAE, for hosting us in such a beautiful and inspiring space. A’BULAE donated the ENTIRE cost of the event, and since we reached our fundraising goal, have agreed to do so again next year so that each dollar raised can go directly to supporting our members impacted by cancer!
- Silver Sponsors: AtomicK Productions and Plymouth Lions Clubs
- Bronze Sponsors: John Piatkowski & Maria Killos in partnership with Medica and the Rotary Club of Edina
- To our Table Sponsors and Leaders in Giving, your support was extraordinary.
To our auction and jewelry donors, from local businesses to individuals, thank you for your creativity and generosity. The dazzling pieces from our Jewelry Prize Pull were a huge hit. I even took home a pair of earrings I absolutely adore!
To NUNNABOVE, “the next generation of Minneapolis sound,” thank you for lighting up the night.
To every guest speaker, who reminded us of the real people behind each story of strength and survivorship, thank you.
We would also like to recognize the many volunteers who brought this event to life.
From the small but mighty Gala Committee to the event volunteers, Gilda Greeters, live artist Michelle Schindler, photographer Lucy Boehm, pianist Laurie Guy, Allianz team members, and the GCMN Associate Board, your talents, time, and presence shaped the evening in countless ways.
Because of you, we were able to host a meaningful, moving event with minimal overhead. Funds raised will go directly to supporting Gilda’s Club Minnesota’s mission: to uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care.
Please take a moment to let this accomplishment sink in.
Every single effort added up to something extraordinary.
Every act of generosity made a real difference.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
We did this together!
Walk for Gilda’s
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Lake of the Isles | Virtual Options Available
Cancer impacts thousands of Minnesotans each year. Not just individuals, but entire families, circles of friends, neighborhoods, and workplaces. In 2025, over 37,000 Minnesotans will hear the words, “You have cancer.” With each diagnosis comes fear, overwhelm, and uncertainty.
Gilda’s Club Minnesota exists so that no one has to face cancer alone. Our free, evidence-based programs provide social and emotional support to anyone impacted by cancer. That includes adults, teens, children, and families navigating a diagnosis, caregiving, or grief.
The second annual Walk for Gilda’s is more than a fundraiser. It is a celebration of community strength, connection, and hope. Every dollar raised supports Minnesotans through support groups, healthy lifestyle classes, educational workshops, social events, and resource referrals. Every step taken helps fund these life-changing services.
Register Today and Save
Tickets are 20% off now through July with code EARLYBIRD!
Register at GiveButter.com/WalkForGildas
Why Walk?
Walk in honor of a loved one.
Walk to celebrate survivorship.
Walk so that others may find strength, comfort, and connection in the Gilda’s Club community.
Walk because you believe community is stronger than cancer.
Join us in person at Lake of the Isles or participate virtually from anywhere. There will be 1-mile and 5K walk options, plus a Wellness Fair featuring local organizations and businesses that promote health and well-being.
Ways to Participate
- Register yourself and your family. Kids 17 and under walk free.
- Bring your pup. Add a Canine Companion Ticket to walk with Hank, our beloved Emotional Support Specialist!
- Add a Walk for Gilda’s shirt to your registration to spread awareness all year long.
- Create or join a fundraising team. Raise funds as an individual or group. Prizes will be awarded to top fundraisers.
- Become a sponsor. Multiple sponsorship levels are available to fit all budgets.
- Host a table at our Wellness Fair. Share your products or services that support health and healing.
- Share the mission. Advocate for Gilda’s Club in your workplace, community, and network. Help us reach those who need us most!
- Help us grow the Gilda’s Club community. We’re particularly interested in connecting with individuals in the following roles to help expand our network of resources:
- Community Engagement
- Marketing and Communications
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- C-Suite or Executive Support Roles
Whether you walk, give, sponsor, or share, you are making a difference. Every step, every dollar, and every conversation matters.
Let’s walk together.
For strength. For connection. For Gilda’s.
The success of this year’s gala is just the beginning — together, we’ve reached an incredible milestone, but we’re only halfway to meeting our 2025 fundraising goal. There’s still time, and with your continued support, we know it’s possible. Every gift, every volunteer hour, and every step taken at the Walk for Gilda’s this fall brings us closer to a future where no one faces cancer alone. Let’s keep going, together.
With gratitude,
Renee Anderson
Development Associate
612-227-2147 office | 952.767.7623 direct
10560 Wayzata Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55305
Renee.AndersonGildasClubMN.org
