A Sold Out Event at the Beautiful Minneapolis
Golf Club |
The Second Annual Roseanne Roseannadanna Golf Benefit was a huge success The numbers keep rising, with donations and some generous matching gifts coming in, the amount raised (net after expenses) is now
more than $65,000.
The benefit kicked off with a round of golf on a
championship course that included an "Outshoot the Celebrities"
competition, and a hole-in-one chance to win a car from Rudy Luther
Toyota. Following last minute bids for the silent auction, everyone
enjoyed an informative and entertaining evening.  Brian
"BT" Turner Cities97, and John Sweeney of the Brave New Workshop, back by popular demand, were our emcees for the evening's program. They kept
the audience thoroughly engaged and when they turned to guests to support the evening's
"Fund-a-Need" for the Twin Cities clubhouse, hands shot up all over the room with pledges raising
thousands of dollars. Gilda's Club Twin Cities is very fortunate to have the continued support of friends like Brian Turner and John Sweeney.
If you weren't at the event or didn't have the opportunity to
make a donation, you can donate now click here Dr. Chris
Moertel and Dr. Brenda Weigel,
members of the GCTC Medical Resource Council, presented the need for a Gilda's Club Twin Cities to many new friends and supporters. They explained how our clubhouse will make a difference for the Twin Cities cancer community,
and why the social and emotional support offered through the
Gilda's Club program is as essential as medical care for those living with
cancer. GCTC will be the only support organization to offer a dedicated
facility for everyone touched by cancer; men, women, teens and children, along
with their families and friends every week of the year.
John
Sweeney and actors from the Brave New Workshop Comedy Theatre formed a
foursome for th e day's tournament. Later, without missing a beat, they joined
the rest of the cast of the Brave New Workshop performers for a set of hilarious improvisation to conclude the evening's program, The performance, in
the true spirit of Gilda Radner's spirit, brought the audience to tears with laughter. Many
thanks to The Brave New Workshop performers who gave so freely of their
time and talent.
The Gilda's Club Twin Cities Board of
Directors would like to acknowledge and thank the 2009 Golf Committee, our
sponsors, silent auction contributors, day-of-event supporters, golfers, dinner guests, volunteers and celebrities
for the generous sharing of time and financial gifts. The board extends very special thanks to the Co-Chairs Joyce Wahr and Bette
Englund whose leadership, planning and implementation was flawless. As Gilda
says, "It's always something," and July 27th was something wonderful! click here to see the great photos of the event.
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A Special Thank You to our "Outshoot the Celebrities" Team
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Brian "BT" Turner from Cities97 and his team
of celebrities gave so freely of their time; "BT" asked them for an hour and they
gave us all afternoon. The "Outshoot the Celebrities" team's boundless
enthusiasm and banter kept golfers thoroughly entertained while Heather
Thomas, our GCTC volunteer, coaxed golfers to give her a $20
donation to out-drive the celebrity of their choice. Thanks to all of our celebrities for their help in making the day memorable.
Brian "BT" Turner, Cities97 Brian Leighton, G.B. Leighton Band
Frank Vascellaro, WCCO -TV/Channel 4
Heather Hall, Mrs. Minnesota-America
Sally Wingert, Guthrie Theatre
Tim McNiff, Kare 11
Laura and Nikki, Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders
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Our Sponsors Really Made a Difference
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Gilda's Club Twin Cities extends a sincere thank you to the
2009 Roseanne Roseannadanna Golf Benefit sponsors. Their generosity
and support will help us move even closer to opening a Gilda's Club in the
Twin
Cities where members will be provided with essential cancer support. click here to
see the complete list of our fantastic golf event sponsors.
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Silent Auction
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Over 100 items were generously donated and artfully
displayed by Rachel LaTour and her imaginative team. This energetic team was
also responsible for the speedy bid tally and checkout at the end of the
evening. A round of applause to the team and a special thank you to the generous auction
donors. To see what wowed the crowd click here.
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Volunteer
Spotlight |
Stacey Allen,
Volunteer Coordinator and Beth Killion, Day-of-Logistics for the Second Annual
Roseanne Roseannadanna Golf Benefit.
Scheduling and managing the dozens of volunteers needed for an event like this was an enormous organizational undertaking involving weekly committee
meetings and daily contact with volunteers over several months. Stacey and Beth
pulled this off with such panache that the majority of the volunteers will be
signing up to work on next year's event.
When asked about her experience, Stacey remarked, "the
most wonderful part of working with a group like this is mingling with such
talented and dedicated people. I learned so much more than I had ever thought I
would. Who knew you could work hard,
have fun, and create great memories too!" Beth added,
"There were so many dedicated volunteers that
came together that day to make the event a success. I particularly appreciated
the ladies who committed over two hours to blowing up 150 balloons and forming
them into bouquets for our outdoor and stage decorations. Some new
friendships were formed between these fantastic women and the surroundings
looked great dressed in red, black and white balloons."
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The
Wellness Community Update |
The
headquarter offices of The Wellness Community and Gilda's Club are pleased to
announce that as of July 1, 2009, we have joined forces to become the largest
provider of psychosocial cancer support in North America and will be extending
our reach to even more people affected by cancer.Our combined organization will also be the largest employer
of psychosocial oncology support professionals, advancing the idea that
psychosocial care is as important as medical care in the face of a cancer
diagnosis.Both Gilda's Club and The
Wellness Community have grown extensively during our combined 45 year history
to make a significant difference for people affected by cancer. Both organizations have also
established solid, reliable reputations in the cancer community and share an
unwavering commitment to quality, integrity and services based on the best
research available to move our respective and complementary agendas forward.
On November 7, 2009, The Wellness Community and
Gilda's Club will host a Cancer Summit in Washington, DC, to formally introduce
the newly unified organization and vision.People with cancer, survivors, caregivers, health care
professionals, and health care leaders will be invited to this milestone event,
which will mark a new beginning of the highest quality cancer support for the
millions of people facing this disease.
read more
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You Can Make a Difference
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It was Gilda Radner's dream to provide a homelike environment where people with cancer, their families and friends could gather
for free, emotional and social support. Here's how you can help make
this dream a reality.
Make a personal donation: Every dollar given will bring us closer to opening our doors. To make a donation: http://www.gildasclubtwincities.org/makeadonation.php
Volunteer: We have many exciting and rewarding things for you to do. To sign up go to: http://www.gildasclubtwincities.org/volunteer.php.
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Save the
Date: Monday July 26, 2010 Minneapolis Golf Club Third Annual Roseanne
Roseannadanna Golf Benefit |
Sidebar
Quotes From the 2009 Golf Event Jenni Lilledahl, GCTC President: "I continue to hear
comments every week from people who attended our
event. Not only will the money raised ensure stability as we move
forward hiring an executive director, launching our capital campaign
and securing a
location, but the relationships sparked and the event's pure energy
have created
an undeniably positive momentum."
Bette
Englund Co-Chair: "While the
economy said we couldn't, we were blessed with grand volunteers, enthusiastic
golfers, and people dedicated to making things better for those experiencing a
life where, It's always something!"
Joyce Wahr Co-Chair: "I am enormously
gratified in this difficult economy to have seen the outpouring of support from
the community, volunteers, and for the Gilda's Club mission that no one face
cancer alone."
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Golf Treats
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Special thanks to Angie's Kettle Corn and Summit Beer who provided treats on the course for the golfers.
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Behind the
Scenes |
We have some terrific
volunteers who worked very hard behind the scenes (and a couple behind cameras)
who deserve our thanks.
Kelly
Lawrentz, On-site photography
Valerie
Martinson, Treasurer Vicki
Stromberg, On-site photography Lisa
Thompson, Decor and gift bags
Nancy
Whittlesey, Design
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Laurie
Walker, Communications |
Committee
Chairs and Volunteers
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We had a number of hard working committee chairs and volunteers who deserve special thanks. read more
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News and Events
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Kundalini Yoga Class
Erika Peterson, GCTC volunteer and yoga instructor, announced the move of the free Kundalini Yoga class for anyone living with cancer to The Penny
George Institute for Health and Healing. This is the yoga class previously held at The Center for Happiness.
All
changes effective September 13, 2009 New Location: Yoga Studio provided by The Penny George Institute for Health and Healing Abbott
Northwestern Hospital 2833
Chicago Avenue Minneapolis
MN
New Time:
Sundays, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more
information about parking, Kundalini Yoga and the terrific instructor Erika
Peterson, please click here
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Welcome New Volunteers |
Alexia Chrisan Ali Shireh Carolyn McCormick Gary Nathan Gayle Jorgens John Andreini John Doiron Kathy Pfaendtner Nancy Whittlesey Susan Dunfee
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Thank you Helena
Raghubir, Director of The Center for Happiness |
More than two years ago, Helena Raghubir, Director of the Center for Happiness, generously agreed to donate space for the "temporary" location for the Kundalini Yoga Class for anyone living with cancer. While we are moving to a new location, we've gratefully enjoyed Helena's hospitality for a long time.
Please refer to the News and Events article in this newsletter for details about the move.
Thank you Helena. We are so appreciative of the many hours
our friends and supporters have spent at The Center for Happiness. read more |
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