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Contact the office if you can assist, 716.332.5900 In the NewsGilda's Club WNY Receives Grant from The John R. Oishei FoundationA $300,000 grant recently awarded to Gilda's Club Western New York (WNY) by The John R. Oishei Foundation, payable over three years, will be used to support organizational development activities for the nonprofit organization. Gilda's Club Western New York provides emotional and social support to men, women and children living with cancer and their families and friends as a supplement to medical care. In accepting the first installment of $100,000, Gilda's Club WNY Executive Director Mary Beth Karr said, "As we implement our new strategic plan, these funds will be used to advance the organization in the areas of financial sustainability, membership growth and community awareness. "Since we opened in November 2004, more than 650 men, women and children have completed new member orientation," says Karr. "But we know many people in the area are still not aware of Gilda's Club. We also know that three out of four WNY families will experience cancer, and we want them to know Gilda's Club provides cancer support for the whole family, the whole time. The person with cancer, the friends and family members, are all - anyone three years old and up - welcome at Gilda's Club." "The Foundation has been very impressed with the progress Gilda's Club has made in a relatively short time," says Foundation President Robert D. Gioia. "We are pleased to support this important community asset, and extend our best wishes for the organization's efforts to meet the social and emotional needs of Western New Yorkers living with cancer." About The John R. Oishei Foundation: The John R. Oishei Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for Buffalo area residents by supporting education, health care, scientific research, and the cultural, social, civic and other charitable needs of the community. The Foundation was established in 1940 by John R. Oishei, founder of Trico Products Corporation, one of the world's leading manufacturers of windshield wiper systems. For more information, visit www.oisheifdt.org. Gilda's Club WNY Receives Grant from Teammates For Kids, Foundation (Co-founded in 1999 by Garth Brooks)A $10,000 grant awarded to Gilda's Club Western New York (WNY) by the Teammates for Kids Foundation will be used to support and enhance Noogieland, the nonprofit organization's children's program. Gilda's Club Western New York provides emotional and social support to men, women and children living with cancer and their families and friends as a supplement to medical care. At Gilda's Club, the theme is "cancer support for the whole family, the whole time." Noogieland is a warm, colorful play area and program at Gilda's Club WNY designed just for children ages three to 17 who have been touched by cancer. "Noogieland programs fill important psychosocial needs and allay children's fears by helping to normalize the cancer experience for everyone in the family," says Gilda's Club Executive Director Mary Beth Karr. "New activities funded by the grant include Small Talk, an additional Noogie Night and a Parenting With Cancer group. It will also help facilitate existing events and activities in Noogieland, such as our monthly Teen Night, Family Fun Day and holiday parties." Children who attend Noogieland activities and events benefit by learning problem-solving and communication skills; how to manage one's feelings and emotions; how to live with cancer, and how to deal with grief and loss. "A cancer diagnosis is difficult enough for the person being diagnosed, but we sometimes don't realize how such news can affect children, even the very young ones," says Kathy Kurtz, MSW, Program Manager and Noogieland Coordinator at Gilda's Club WNY. "Children are much more aware than we give them credit for, and we all know they have very active imaginations. They are much less fearful when they're included and feel comfortable asking questions. Noogieland is a place full of imaginative possibilities for a child experiencing cancer in his or her family. It's also a place to just sometimes forget about cancer for a little while." About the Teammates For Kids Foundation: The Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation was incorporated in January 1999 in the State of Colorado as a non-profit corporation. The purpose of the Foundation is to contribute financial resources to selected non-profit organizations that effectively serve and benefit children with an emphasis on health, education and inner city services. The Foundation enlists the participation of professional hockey, football and baseball players who contribute a predetermined sum based upon selected categories of on-field and on-ice performance. For more information, visit www.teammatesforkids.com. Gilda's Club To Be Featured in USA Today
"USA TODAY wanted to find a way to give back to the nation during our 25th anniversary celebration by celebrating causes that are closest to the hearts of Americans," said Susan Lavington, vice president of consumer marketing, USA TODAY. "We selected charities that represent a broad range of interests including environment, health, animals, arts, education, human services, and public benefits, and hope our readers will join us in saluting these charities." "Being featured among such a stellar list of charitable organizations is truly an honor, and we thank USA TODAY for the privilege" said Vivien Hoexter, CEO, Gilda's Club Worldwide. "Our 30 clubhouses located throughout the US and in Canada, provide exceptional support for our more than 45,000 members; but when statistics tell us that 3 out of every 4 people are touched by cancer every single day, the value of this recognition becomes priceless in helping Gilda's Clubs extend our message well beyond our red doors." In addition to Gilda's Club Worldwide, other charities chosen include Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Olympics, American Red Cross and the Humane Society of the United States. Gilda's Club will be profiled in the print and online versions as well as on a special 25th anniversary Web site found at http://www.usatoday.com/news/snapshots/25anniversary/hcf.htm. Volunteer Opportunities Gilda's Club Western New York is looking for persons who are interested in volunteering. Please contact Susan Lichtblau at 716-332-5900 ext. 201. Inside the Red Door Throughout the clubhouse you find warm, soothing colors and textures. There is comfortable furniture and lots of windows. All of these features are part of the warm and welcoming environment for which Gilda's Clubs throughout the United States and Canada are known: FIRST FLOORReception AreaWhen the signature red door is opened, you enter a warm, friendly, homelike reception area where a receptionist greets you. If you need to know where your workshop is being held, the date of a specific social event or what the Gilda's Club monthly calendar offers, the receptionist will gladly help you. Living RoomComfortably furnished with several cozy seating areas, this is a place to meet other people living with cancer, talk, read, and relax. Community RoomThe entire Gilda's Club "community" gathers here for potluck suppers, lectures, seminars and entertainment. KitchenIn addition to a place to share a cup of coffee, lunch, and conversation, this kitchen is the site of cooking and nutrition demonstrations. SECOND FLOORGroup RoomsIn these special rooms, members meet regularly for support and networking groups facilitated by licensed healthcare professionals. It is here that members share the experiences and feelings that are a part of living with cancer. Art RoomCreative activities such as painting, drawing, collage and watercolors take place in this colorful and inviting space. LibraryThe library provides specialized resource material, periodicals and books, as well as a computer with Internet access. "It's Always Something Room"This soothing and inviting room is designed for members who may need time out from the bustle of life, or a rest before traveling home or to a treatment. This room is a personal refuge, a quiet place to relax, renew, and rejuvenate. THIRD FLOORActivity RoomThe primary emphasis in the original ballroom is on exercise and relaxation classes. In addition, comedy nights, parties, and presentations are held here. LOWER LEVELNoogielandOffering children a warm, supportive playroom and program, Noogieland is a magical space within the club. It makes a difference in the lives of young people affected by cancer. Noogieland programs aim to fill important psychological needs and allay children's fears by making the appearance of cancer part of ordinary life. Teen AreaTeenagers meet for group activities and relaxation here as well as pizza parties and other social activities. Billiards RoomThis room holds a pool table for pros and novices alike.
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Last Modified: March 31, 2008 1140 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14209 Phone: 716-332-5900 Fax: 716-362-0842 © 2007 Gilda's Club Western New York. All rights reserved.
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On July 20, Gilda's Club Worldwide, the leading organization dedicated to providing social and emotional support throughout North America for people living with cancer, their families and friends, will be highlighted in USA TODAY as part of the newspaper's 25th Anniversary celebration. The publication has chosen to salute 25 major charities in this way in an effort to acknowledge the generosity and social responsibility of American citizens.