Reflecting on a Year of Impact: Honoring our 2025 Volunteers
As we reflect back on 2025, I want to celebrate the incredible impact our volunteers have had on Gilda’s Club Minnesota. Every class taught, event supported, conversation shared, and moment of kindness offered has shaped the experience of our members and strengthened the community we hold so dear. Their dedication, compassion, and spirit have shaped every corner of our community.
This year has been full of meaningful milestones, and our volunteers were at the center of them all.
Moments That Moved Us: Events Powered by Volunteers
This year’s major events – our annual Gala and the Walk for Gilda’s – were stronger than ever because of the volunteers who showed up early, stayed late, and ensured every detail was thoughtful and welcoming. Their energy truly brought these gatherings to life.
These events are not just fundraisers – they’re reminders of the collective strength that surrounds Gilda’s Club Minnesota. Volunteers helped turn them into celebrations of hope, resilience, and connection.
The Heart of Our Club: Volunteers Who Lead Programs
Inside the clubhouse and online, volunteers continued to uplift our members through healthy lifestyle programs like yoga, meditation, improv, and nutrition; social opportunities including Birds & Brew, Dudes & Donuts, and Euro Café; education sessions; and fun family programs like Trick or Treat and evening dinners. Their passion created spaces that offered comfort, laughter, connection, and healing.
Every week, our members benefit from the compassion and expertise of the volunteers who lead programs that nurture the mind, body, and spirit.
Behind the Scenes, but Never Out of Sight
Behind the scenes, our Gilda Greeters, garden crew, board and committee members, and event support volunteers quietly kept our community thriving. While unseen at times, the impact of this work is felt every day.
As someone who joined this organization this year, I am deeply grateful to have worked alongside each of our volunteers. Getting to know our volunteers has been one of the greatest joys of my time here, and their commitment reminds me daily why this mission matters.
Looking ahead to 2026, I am excited to continue building a community rooted in support, connection, and growth. Together, we will keep creating a place where no one faces cancer alone.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Melissa McWilliams
Program & Volunteer Coordinator
612-227-2147 office | 952-767-2591 direct
10560 Wayzata Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55305
