Buffalo, NY - A $ 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 http://www.oisheifdt.org.

About Gilda's Club Western New York

Gilda's Club provides a meeting place where men, women and children living with cancer and their friends and families can join together for emotional and social support as a supplement to medical care. Free of charge and nonprofit, the Gilda's Club program includes support and networking groups, lectures, workshops, seminars and social activities in a nonresidential, homelike environment. Gilda's Club WNY serves the eight counties of Western New York. For more information, visit http://www.gildasclubwny.org or call (716) 332.5900.