Celebrating 20 Years a Conversation with CEO, Lily Safani in THIS ISSUE

Summer 2015

Gilda’s Club: Celebrating 20 Years A Conversation with CEO, Lily Safani IN THIS ISSUE

Meet the CEO, Lily Safani

Funder’s Update

At the Clubhouse

Event Highlights

20 Years of Gilda’s Club NYC GCNYC CEO, Lily Safani on stage at Carolines on Broadway for Gildafest’15

How long have you been with Gil- Club’s mission. da’s Club (GC) and why did you choose to work there? What is the most important thing you would want someone to know I have been with Gilda’s Club for about GC that perhaps they don’t eight years. Prior to joining Gilda’s know? Club, I spent several years in healthcare and became particularly inter- People don’t realize how welcoming ested in the disparities in healthcare our community is to individuals of for the underserved and uninsured all ages living with cancer. When populations of NYC. they walk into our Clubhouse, they can immediately see what a special When the opportunity to work at place it is – unlike the hospitals Gilda’s Club presented itself, I found and doctors’ offices they have visit paralleled my own beliefs on the ited. It is really like visiting some- importance of education and sup- one’s beautiful home. But most im- port for all people living with can- portant, they probably realize they cer and their families. I jumped at should have contacted us earlier. the chance to help serve a population that could benefit from Gilda’s Continued on page 4 1 Board of Directors Robert J. Easton, Chairman Mark J. Alles Laura Bartlett FUNDER’S UPDATE Rob Bochicchio And the Winners are ... Robert C. Faulkner Frank Gibbons This quarter wrapped up our 6th Amanda Goddard, PhD CANCER SUPPORT Fundraising Day in New York, Annual “It’s Always Something” Carl S. Goldfischer, MD Teen Essay Contest. Fifty-four total Jennifer Hill COMMUNITY KID SUPPORT sponsored by the Association of Sofija Jovic, PhD Fundraising Professionals (AFP). essays were submitted from teens Mike Lee throughout the boroughs of New Ellen A. Lubman York City and Nassau and Suffolk Matthew R. Patterson GCNYC Grant Writer, Christine Counties on Long Island, who have Michael J. Posillico Andrea F. Rabney Braunstein pre-submitted a been impacted by cancer in any way. Jami Rubin proposal, along with 100 other Francis J. Russo All teen entrants and their families Alexander Scott applicants, for the chance at William S. Slattery and friends were invited to the winning one of three prizes at Clubhouse for a special Reception. Associate Board Gilda’s Club is proud to be the the workshop, AFP Real Time Campers and a waxy Taylor Swift The top three winners bravely Ericson Hernandez, Aliyha Gill & Caroline Schneider Krista Gundersen, Chair recipient of a Cancer Support Grantmaking. at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum read their essays aloud to those in Dara Adams Community Kid Support Program attendance and the readings were First Place: Andrew Altschuler “Sweet Caroline” Julia Bartlett award for the coming 2015/2016 Her winning submission, Cancer met with both laughter and tears. Tracey Doolin Camp Sparkle by Caroline Schneider Maria Franceschelli academic school year. The program Transitions: Moving Beyond Special thanks goes to our judges Blaike A. Hannay will be held in collaboration with Treatment, was chosen for the Springs into Fun Second Place: Neil Heckman Tonya Hurley, Holly Black, Ally Christina Kim the McBurney YMCA. grant after being critiqued before Condie, Adele Griffin, Jenny Han, “A Touch of Cancer” Megan Knurr a live audience along with the two Rainbow Rowell, Jay Russell and by Ericson Hernandez Andrew Levison With the help of six Junior Justine Ciovacco, and also to Nancy Ashley Loesch With Kid Support, children have other top proposals. Third Place: Andrew Maksymowicz Associate Board teen volunteers, Cambino for providing concert Zach R. Mattler been able to reduce the stress of fifteen children participated in ticket prizes for the winners and as “Red Lipstick” Alex Modell cancer in the family by learning Cancer Transitions, part of our April’s “Spring Break” session of a raffle to the participants. by Aliyha Gill Ellie Newman Camp Sparkle which included arts Bridgette Payne communication and relaxation Gilda Comes to You program Tiffany Robin skills, increasing communication based out of the Queens Cancer & crafts, games, workshops, and a Ari Schnitzer fun-filled field trip. The Gilda’s Club Community Jessica Serre around cancer with their family Center, is a year-long evidence- Whitnee Shulman members and gaining age- based program of education and Yogi Beans returned to provide an Celebrates 20 Years with a Birthday Party! Steven Smolyn John Switzer appropriate knowledge of basic support for cancer survivors, and interactive yoga workshop which Stefani Zien cancer concepts. We are grateful is designed to answer many of included body movement, exercise, to the Cancer Support Community the questions patients have about music and imagination. Improv for Staff Kids provided a high-energy acting Lily Safani, CEO and to our community partner cancer survivorship post-cancer Migdalia Torres and improvisation class through Deborah K. Wilson McBurney YMCA for helping us treatment. creative comedy arts. Campers Nadine Bartholomew implement this program. also welcomed Kaya Chwals, who Christine Braunstein led the group in creating personal Joshua Fesi We want to thank Sue Shattuck, Michele Halusic AFP FUNDRAISING DAY IN Chair and JuWon Choi, Co- Watercolor Portraits. Campers Nivia Herron also took a field trip to Madame Carolina Hoires NEW YORK Chair of Fundraising Day 2015; Tussaud’s Wax Museum in Times Members, staff, board members and member of our community. Eileen Jackson as well as the program’s generous Square for a full tour and 4D show. family and friends came together Ramona Maysonet th Jordan Patinkin supporters and judges, including on June 19 at the Clubhouse to A party favorite, The Workshop Michelle Ramlochan The New York Community Trust, The exciting week wrapped up celebrate Gilda’s Club NYC’s 20th Acapella, performed a short set Pontip Rasavong in traditional camp fashion with Birthday with a fun Roaring 20’s while a very talented jazz duo from Emily Riordan Booth Ferris Foundation, The New Jessilyn Torres a pizza and ice cream party along themed party, which was decorated Mas Music played througout the York Women’s Foundation, The with a screening of fan favorite, Toy by a wonderful team of volunteers evening. Clark Foundation and Columbia GildaGram Story. from ID Media. Publication of the Development Office University Business School’s Special thanks to Magnolia Bakery Deborah K. Wilson, Director of Development On June 12th, Gilda’s Club New executive education program. The next Camp session is scheduled Mayo (pictured above) spoke about for providing us with the amazing Pontip Rasavong, Development and Marketing Com- York City was awarded a grant in for the summer from July 13-17. his experience at Gilda’s Club, 3-tier birthday cake and Starbright munications Associate sharing that he was one of the first Floral Design for the beautiful Gilda’s Club New York City, Inc. the amount of $5,000 at the 2015 Congratulations, Christine! members to join when we opened in flowers. 195 West Houston Street • New York, NY 10014 (212) 647-9700 • [email protected] 2 1995. To this day, he is still an active 3 www.gildasclubnyc.org • @gildasclubnyc Lily Safani continued from page 1 County Hospital for Cancer Latino population. We now help us reach our goal to expand ensure our free cancer support Leadership Campaign is needed to Care in Brooklyn; Montefiore- have weekly and monthly our Gilda Comes To You program program is accessible to more help us realize our goals for the next Sometimes taking the first step to Einstein Center for Cancer programs to support this group. to make it more accessible to more men, women, teens and children 20 years. reach out to us is the hardest one. Care in the Bronx; The Mount New Yorkers throughout the city. who are diagnosed with cancer But once they do, they realize they Sinai Hospital Ruttenberg • Launching our Teen Essay and their loved ones – not just at We have always greatly appreciated have made the right choice. Treatment Center on the Upper Contest in 2010. This led to the Gilda’s Club opened its Red Door on our Clubhouse in the West Village, our donors because without them, East Side; and Queens Cancer publication of our first E-book June 9, 1995. We had a big birthday not just at the hospitals where they we would not still be here. Our 2015 marks the 20th Anniversary of Center in Jamaica, Queens. which is a compilation of essays party celebration at the Clubhouse receive treatment, but where they members would not be able to get GC. What would you say are some from the contest. To date, in June and we will be closing the live, work, or go to school - Gilda the support they both need and of the more memorable milestones? • Expanding our youth program we have had more than 330 year with a big celebration at our Will Come To You. want – the support many of them to include support groups for submissions. 20th Anniversary Benefit Gala in would say is a “lifeline.” • Implementing and expanding children and teens, as well as November. The need for our services is our offsite program, Gilda launching Camp Sparkle for What are some things that GC is growing, not diminishing. The 95% of our funding comes from Comes to You, so we can reach kids 5-12 years old. doing this year to celebrate? What goals do you have for GC in Institute of Medicine has projected individuals, private foundations, more New Yorkers living with the near future and how important a 45% increase in cancer incidence and corporations who believe in the cancer around NYC, especially • Growing our bilingual This year is our milestone year and is the Leadership Campaign to by the year 2030. Cancer is part of work we do and we are so grateful Lily inSafani underserved continued neighborhoods. from page 1 Spanish/English program our 20th Anniversary Leadership achieving those goals? our reality today and tomorrow. for their support. We are currently at: Kings to provide support for the Campaign has been launched to As we move forward, we want to That is why, more than ever, our 20 Years of Gilda’s Club New York City

Actress Emma Stone joins Gilda’s Gilda’s Club NYC Club NYC as an Opens its Red Door Ambassador at 195 West Houston Gilda Radner Way Gilda’s Marathon Team is formed & Camp Sparkle is added to Street is unveiled participates in the NYC Marathon First annual Gildafest the Noogieland program 1997 2004 2008 2011 honors Amy Poehler

1995 2005 2009 2011 2012 Gilda’s Club NYC 2010 2014 2015 1,000+ 20th Birthday Party! members Gilda Comes to You is launched in Brooklyn E-book 100,000th published member visit to the Clubhouse Gilda’s Bike Team is formed The first Teen Essay Con- & participates in the TD test is held Five Boro Bike Tour

4 5 The 8th Annual Benefit Luncheon raises over $310,000

Thanks to the generosity of our Special thanks to: Amy Robach, Luncheon sponsors, donors and more News Anchor, ABC’s “Good Morning Special Thanks than 200 guests, our 8th Annual Benefit America”, for returning as host; 20th Anniversary Leadership Circle Luncheon raised over $310,000 for our Sebastian Clarke, Appraiser, “Antiques program. Roadshow” for expertly helping us with our auction; GCNYC member We were pleased to honor Judith Dunn, Carmen Vazquez for sharing her Diamond Benefactor PhD, VP, Global Head of Clinical touching and inspiring story about her Development, Roche Innovation Center cancer experience; and GCNYC Board New York, with the Red Door Award Member and Luncheon Chair, Jami and Susan Molineaux, PhD, President Rubin. and CEO, Calithera Biosciences, with Jami Rubin the Gilda Award, in recognition of Goldman Sachs their commitment and work within the Platinum Benefactor Slattery Family The Pierre Hotel, New York cancer community. Foundation Joan & Bob Easton Honoring Jean-Pierre Bizzari, MD Silver Benefactor Big Laughs at the First Annual The Gildie Awards Honors Executive Vice President, Clinical Research-Oncology Slattery Family Foundation Gildafest’15 Mondays at Racine Celgene Corporation Red Door Anniversary Patron The Gilda’s Club NYC Co-Chair, Ashley Sampson, Honorary Co-Chairs Associate Board (AB) hosted received the Gildie Leadership Joanna Bull • Mandy Patinkin • Karen & Gene Wilder their fourth annual Gildie Award for her outstanding Awards in April, and raised work on the Board. $17,500. Sponsorships Now Available! Guests danced the night Contact Eileen Jackson at (212) 647-9700 or This year the Associate Board away to DJ Vida Ventura and [email protected] To find out more about the Leadership Circle, contact Deborah honored Cynthia Sansone a high energy performance Wilson at (212) 647-9700 or [email protected] and Rachel DeMolfetto, by Temporary Grace. Food Founders of Mondays at and drinks were generously Racine. Mondays at Racine provided by: Relish Catering, is an in-salon wellness and Veniero’s Pasticceria & Caffe, beauty program that has Three Wishes Bakery and MARK YOUR CALENDAR L-R: Co-Host Ana Gasteyer, Honoree Amy Poehler and Co-Host Rachel Dratch been taking care of women a sponsored open bar by living with cancer for over Diageo. Special thanks also The sold-out and tightly few personal stories about twelve years by providing to Starbright Floral Design, For more information about any of the listed events, please visit our website at packed show at Carolines his friendship with her. complimentary spa and T.A.P and Juice Generation. on Broadway was a huge salon services to individuals www.gildasclubnyc.org under Special Events or e-mail [email protected] hit with performances from Many thanks to all of our with cancer. Keep a look out this summer some of the best comedians performers: Vanessa Bayer, for the AB’s next social! July August September around, and raised more Aidy Bryant, Hannibal AB member and Events than $80,000 for Gilda’s Buress, Michael Che, Billy Club. Eichner, Ilana Glazer, Abbi Check our Website, Facebook and Twitter througout the summer for any upcoming events! Jacobson, Colin Jost, Julie Actress Andrea Martin Klausner, Bobby Moynihan, presented Amy Poehler with Kenan Thompson, Upright the Gilda Radner Award Citizens Brigade Theater, for Innovation in Comedy, and Michelle Wolf and of which she accepted with course, Andrea Martin, great wit and hilarity, yet Alan Zweibel, Ana Gasteyer, reverently as she spoke of Rachel Dratch and Amy how Gilda inspired her. Poehler. Former SNL writer, Alan Be sure to keep an eye out Zweibel also spoke fondly of for Gildafest’16 early next Gilda Radner as he shared a year! Associate Board member Ashley Sampson and friends take a moment to pose 6 7 LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

So you’ve finally decid- ed to run a marathon. Congrats!

Join our team today to receive entry into the 2015 TCS NYC Mara- thon on 11/1/15.

Email: gildaontherun@ gildasclubnyc.org

Gilda’s Club New York City Mission: To Support, Educate, and Empower Cancer Patients and Their Families Our free comprehensive cancer program includes support groups, educational lectures and workshops for everyone impacted by cancer – men, women, teens, and children.

Gilda’s Club New York City 195 West Houston Street New York, NY 10014 (212) 647-9700 www.gildasclubnyc.org

@gildasclubnyc #gildasclubnyc