The big red door welcomes you to a cozy refuge along the Tarpon River that ensures no one in Broward has to face cancer alone.
Community Foundation of Broward Fundholders recently visited Gilda’s Club South Florida to see how local philanthropy helps deliver patient support in the county with the second highest rate of new cancer diagnoses in the state.
Fundholders toured the tranquil, riverside home in Fort Lauderdale that Gilda’s Club uses to host cancer support groups, medical lectures, yoga lessons, book clubs and other services to help people impacted by cancer.
“We want people to come here and feel at home. We want you to feel like you are part of our community,” said Kim Praitano, president and CEO of Gilda’s Club South Florida.“We want to give people hope.”
Fundholders learned how Gilda’s Club, named after original Saturday Night Live cast member Gilda Radner, helps cancer patients such as Margie Gelber get the knowledge and support they need to face the disease.
“Gilda’s Club has been such an integral part of my life,” said Gelber, who credits Gilda’s Club for helping her survive breast cancer. “I had resources right here in my backyard.”
The tour of Gilda’s Club and other Foundation-guided site visits enable Fundholders to get a firsthand look at the community impact that comes from their gifts – and to learn more about Broward’s biggest challenges.
“It’s all about the experience,” Fundholder and Foundation Board member Ed Hashek said about the visit to Gilda’s Club. “This gives us insight. You get a feel that is such a great service provided to the community.”
Fundholder support for Gilda’s Club is part of the Foundation’s Cancel Cancer initiative – which advances breakthroughs in cancer research as well as patient support for Broward residents.
Cancel Cancer efforts at Gilda's Club are supported by the following charitable Funds at the Community Foundation of Broward:
• Gene and Collette Herman Family Fund
• Donald Vander Linde Fund
• Harold D. Franks Cancer Fund
• The Elizabeth Cotter Memorial Fund
• Edwin A. and Jane N. Huston Fund
• Community Impact Fund
• Federick W. Jaqua Fund
• Steven Halmos Family Fund
• Susan and Jack Loving Unrestricted Fund
If you'd like to learn more about how you can establish a charitable Fund for Broward to support the Cancel Cancer initiative, contact Vice President of Philanthropic Services Nancy Thies at nthies@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503.
