Growth for Gilda’s Club
As we close 2021 and look forward to 2022, Gilda’s Club looks back at a year filled with transition, loss, hope, and reimagining. Nearly 15 years ago, we “imagined a place,” and while we didn’t imagine the world as it is today, we continue to transform ourselves in response to the needs of those we serve.
When we had to temporarily close the red doors of our Twin Cities clubhouse due to the pandemic, we immediately launched a “virtual clubhouse” to continue providing the life-sustaining services our members need. Support of our online programming—along with the steadfast commitment of our staff, board, and volunteers—made it possible for us to say: we’re here for you, and we’re not going anywhere. In fact, community support even made it possible for us to serve 11% more members than before the pandemic.
This pandemic has shown us what is possible when we come together with ingenuity, resilience, creativity—and amazing amounts of heart. With your generous support this year, we were able to maintain TWO clubhouses—our virtual one and our re-opened physical clubhouse—to provide more than 50 free programs per month.
In early 2021 members were surveyed on their experience with Gilda’s programming, both in-person and online, and a resounding desire emerged to maintain and expand our online clubhouse. Our members know first-hand how vital it is that Gilda’s Club’s program of support is available for all Minnesotans facing cancer, and they have been heard! To meet this need and desire, Gilda’s Club will grow our virtual programming membership by 25% in 2022. As part of this growth, we will increase outreach to the greater twin cities area, outstate Minnesota, and to those who don’t feel safe enough to leave their homes, can’t take time off from their jobs or caregiving, or who face other barriers to access support.
All of us—board, staff, volunteers—have been rolling up our sleeves to seize this exciting opportunity for Gilda’s Club Minnesota’s next chapter. This year has been “all hands on deck” for Gilda’s Club—we sincerely appreciate your help and look forward to what we can accomplish together in 2022!
Together, through uncertainty and transformation, we’ve proven that community is stronger than cancer once again! A sincere thank you for your continued support, which has allowed Gilda’s Club Minnesota to continue delivering our comprehensive program both in-person and online.
With heartfelt thanks and wishes of health and safety for you and your loved ones in the new year,
Katherine Todd
Executive Director
612-227-2147 main | 952-767-7620 direct
10560 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka MN 55305
