As we reflect on the highlights of this past year, our heartfelt message to our members is: “We love seeing you because you make our Clubhouse a community!” and to our donors “We love seeing you because you show up to change lives ”
Because of your support, investment, and generosity, Gilda’s Club has continued to grow, thrive, and provide innovative and novel cancer support programs to meet the increasing needs of Middle Tennesseans impacted by cancer
Thanks to the talented creative Program Team and volunteers, this year ’ s new offerings included Neurographic Art, Watercolor Painting, Friendship Bracelets, Comic Book Art, Acrylic Pouring, Homemade Cards and Cookies, Flower Bouquets, Wreath Making, and Book Club. And that’s just a sample.
Workshops like Exploring Purposeful Living and Dying, Poetry Night, Nature Journaling, Stress Reduction Strategies, Safe and Sound, and Moment of Meditation provided unique opportunities for reflection, mind-body connections, and stress management.
Well-established favorites such as Coffee Talk, Card Club, Quilting, Open Art Studio, Cooking Classes, Gentle Yoga, Tai Chi, What Feeds You, and Guided Imagery and Relaxation nurtured longtime friendships and sparked new ones.
FromOur President & CEO and Board Chair
Support groups including Men’s Group, LGBTQ+ Support Group, and Spanish-Language Cancer Support Group for Women were added to Family Support Groups, Cancer Support Groups, Cancer Specific Groups, Life After Loss Groups, Young Adults with Cancer, and so many more
You showed up at record-breaking events, like our 25th Anniversary Red Door Bash and Golf Classic You showed up at our brand-new Fall Fest Open House, 4th Annual Gilda’s Gang 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, and Songwriter’s Night Your attendance, participation, and financial support ensured we met our revenue goals Inside this annual report, check out the numbers of NEW donors who joined you at our events!
If you ' re a lifelong funder or new donor, have provided a corporate sponsorship, designated an estate or planned gift, volunteered on the board, on an event committee, or as a class or workshop leader: We thank and appreciate you.
If you ' ve benefited from a class or workshop or referred a friend to seek support: We celebrate you.
Thank you for making Gilda’s Club possible. Thank you for showing up to change lives, day after day, year after year.
Harriet Schiftan, MSW, MAJCS President & CEO
Allen Huggins
Allen Huggins Board Chair
New Volunteer Applications
116
Expressive Arts Workshops
First-Time Donors
449
Total Workshops, Socials, and Educational Programs
“My Gilda’s caregiver group is unshockable. Cancer caregiving brings so many feelings that are embarrassing, even shameful. Not infrequently I have wondered whether I should share some thought or action with my group. Would I not be roundly censured by group members who take the high road? Instead, there is at a minimum thoroughgoing compassion and consolation, and there are always others who have thought or said or done things just as outrageous as I perceive my own to be. Moreover, group members have concrete suggestions that give me hope for more equanimity and constructive behavior.”
Gilda’s Club Member
Our Impact By the Numbers
8,537
Total Attendance
Includes support groups, workshops, socials, Customized Support Plans, and resource/referral contacts
134 New Member Customized Support Plans
298 Number of Support Groups
2,095
4,270 Responses to Resource Requests
Program Attendance at workshops, social, and educational programs
We love seeing you!
In 2023-2024, we made it our mission to connect with you as much as possible. Whether it’s through beloved traditions like Bingo Night and Community Meals, or through new and exciting experiences like our Fall Festival, our focus has been on fostering a strong and vibrant community We have dedicated our time and energy to creating opportunities for meaningful interactions and shared experiences Each day, we reaffirmed our commitment to bringing people together, and we have cherished every moment spent with you Your participation and enthusiasm have made this year truly special for us
Inaugural Fall Festival
On November 11, 2023, we hosted our inaugural Fall Festival. This open house event was filled with fun activities, live music, and delicious treats.
This day was made even more special by our partnership with ACM Lifting Lives and Ashley HomeStore. Ashley HomeStore generously donated new office furniture and spearheaded the complete refurnishing and decorating of one of our support group rooms.
Our Fall Festival is a day dedicated to raising awareness about Gilda’s Club while simultaneously inviting anyone to stop by and enjoy what Gilda’s Club is known for: community.
We are thrilled to be making this Fall Festival an annual tradition.
Creating Community with Every Meal
Community Meals
Since their inception in early 2023, Community Meals have become a staple at Gilda’s Club
Our staff and amazing volunteers come together to offer a weekly home-cooked meal at the Clubhouse We understand the effort required to prepare daily meals for oneself or a family, so we aim to ease that burden a bit for our members
45 Meals Served Plates Made
375+
Gathering for Fun
Our social activities have become a fan favorite at the Clubhouse. In 2023-2024, we kicked back and watched Love, Gilda, decorated cupcakes, sipped coffee, dealt cards, and so much more.
And, of course, a fantastic meal and goodies are always served, because at Gilda’s Club, we want to make sure we are filling your metaphorical cup and your belly.
37 Attendees Socials
386
Works of HeART
Our Expressive Arts programming reached new heights in 2023-2024 With over 116 art workshops and 1,027 program visits, our art room has been packed to the brim
A Few of Our Favorites
Watercolor Song Lyrics
Paint and Pass
Sip and Paint
Acrylic Paint Pouring
Neurographic Art
Nature Journaling
Tote Bag Painting and Design
Fruits and Floral Arranging
Charcoal Realism And More!
Tough Friends Art Club
Now in its third year, Tough Friends Art Club (TFAC) has achieved remarkable new milestones.
This interactive online workshop allows participants to learn about an artist and their creative process, create their own art, and meet other Young Adults facing cancer.
TFAC partners with cancer artist Ohyouresotough and Gilda's Club Madison to bring this cancer support virtual art program to Young Adults across North America. Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee is proud to leverage our resources to serve young adults in communities where there is no Gilda's Club or Cancer Support Community.
“You have no idea how much I look forward to these art workshops. The sense of community and creativity keep me coming back. After attending the sessions I always continue using the materials expressively in processing emotions around my cancer. Seriously, these events changed my life.”
TFAC Attendee
Program Visits Unique Attendees
35
States Represented
FUNdraising Together
450+
Red Door Bash Attendees
Songwriter’s Night Attendees
275+
Gilda’s Gang Attendees 140+
Our signature fundraising events account for 45% of our budgeted annual revenue and each year, they introduce new supporters to the Gilda’s Club family. This year, we hosted nearly 1,000 event attendees and welcomed 212 new donors. 212 First-Time Event Donors
120+ Golf Classic Attendees
“I found a community where despite all of our differences in our individual cancer journeys, we all strive to raise each other up and help each other thrive through this process. ”
Generous community donors make individual contributions through donor-advised funds, donations of stock, bequests, memorials and tributes, annual or year-end gifts, employer-matching funds, and unrestricted donations throughout the year.
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Gilda’s Club’s four signature events each year provide the opportunity to raise awareness, build community, and fulfill our mission Our events not only raise needed funds through participation fees, sponsorships, and donations, but they also bring us new members, community partners, donors, and supporters
Volunteers Serving with Passion
Our dedicated volunteers are among our greatest assets. They play an important role in expanding the number of people who receive support by offering workshops and classes, being a warm and welcoming voice on the phone, serving on event committees, preparing delicious meals, and fulfilling a multitude of needs around the Clubhouse We are so grateful for the amazing and selfless humans who show up for our community on a daily basis
19,637 Volunteer
2,794
Total Volunteer Hours
42
Gilda's Club in the Community
The Gilda's Club team is dedicated to actively engaging with the local cancer community and Middle Tennessee. Each year, we ' re honored to take part in numerous events, educating and raising awareness as thought leaders and experts in psychosocial cancer support.
Amazon Web Services Security Team
Ascension and Kroger Health | Food is Medicine
Ascension Network Cancer Committee
Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses | Music City
Belmont University
Benjamin Holmes Counseling
Breast Cancer Recovery in Action (BRA)
Cancer Support Community Development Conference
Center for Nonprofit Management CEO Advisory Committee
Colon Cancer Foundation - Early-Age Onset Colorectal Cancer Summit
Fifty Forward
Hands On Nashville/Center for Nonprofit Management | Volunteer Coordinator Training
HCA Healthcare Executive Development Program
Hope Kids
Meharry Medical College’s Cancer Survivorship Summit
Nashville Psychotherapy Institute
Nashville Sunset Rotary Club
Nashville Wine Auction Harvest Party & Pairings
National Council of Jewish Women Nashville Section
National Family Caregiver Month Appreciation and Resource Fair | TN Valley Healthcare
Sister’s Network Inc, Nashville Chapter
Spread the Love
Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition
Tennessee Oncology at Stonecrest Hospital | Cancer Survivorship Event
The Curb Center and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
The Refuge Center for Counseling
Twist Out Cancer
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Community Advisory Board
Works Counseling Center
Leadership
Our Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and Associate Board are composed of committed volunteer community leaders. They contribute their expertise, utilize their personal and professional networks, and provide strategic guidance. Their efforts ensure that Gilda’s Club is efficiently run and financially stable, while elevating the visibility and accessibility of our cancer support program.
Board of Directors Advisory Board
Allen Huggins, Chair
Helen Lane, Immediate Past Chair
Stuart Hall, Treasurer
Rae Hirsch, Secretary
Ken Bryant
Rick Froio
Andy Gill
Felice Apolinsky
Joe Barker
Jim Brown
Walter Campbell
Mark Carver
Jim Corum
Dr. Steven Hecklin, DMD
Erica Jacobs
Howard Kirshner
Janet Kurtz
David Lewis
Drew Mallory
Jennifer McGugin
Fletcher Foster
Ron Galbraith
Cathy Jackson
Harriet Karro
Brian Marger
Michael Radner
Associate Board
GCMTN'S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BOARD
Will Brown
Jessie Eppelheimer
Keelin Gerard
Chris Kirk
Lauren Lyons
Nicole Malofsky
Kara McKormick
Mary Mirabelli
Suzanne Reed
Samantha Saturn
Kathi Whalen
Alicia Wilson
Kathy Winn
Pat Rogers
Tom Snyder
Sandy Towers
Fleming Wilt
Pam Wylly
Madison Moquin
Buck Patton
Robyn Singer
Red Door Society
The Gilda's Club Red Door Society honors donors who make an investment in our mission with contributions of $1,000 or more to the annual campaign.
A gift of $2,500 - $5,000 provides one year of a weekly support group for people with cancer. A gift of $5,000 - $9,999 provides for orientation sessions to welcome and onboard new members.
A gift of $10,000 provides for expanded programs, workshops, and social programming.
We invite you to make a meaningful gift that is right for you to ensure cancer support for anyone in Middle Tennessee.
Will Power Society
The Will Power Society honors those whose deep commitment to Gilda’s Club has inspired them to include Gilda’s in their estate planning Whether you want to put your donation to work today or benefit Gilda’s after your lifetime, we can help you find a charitable plan that aligns with your philanthropic priorities
Leaving a planned gift offers you these benefits:
Creates a permanent legacy
Provides tax savings
Supports your passion in an enduring way
To learn more about planned gifts and bequests, contact Harriet Schiftan, harriet@GildasClubMiddleTN.org.
Get Involved
Gilda's Club is able to fulfill our mission with the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and funders
