Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey
Hackensack, New Jersey
www.gildasclubnnj.org

The challenges were significant.

A small group of volunteers sought to open a Gilda’s Club chapter in Northern New Jersey, which has one of the highest rates of cancer in the country. There was no location identified for the Clubhouse – the center of the Gilda's Club universe. There was no previous fund raising history or donor base. Most importantly, the Club couldn’t open until funds equivalent to the first year’s operating budget were raised.

The stakes were high.

Named for Saturday Night Live comedian Gilda Radner, who had died of cancer, the national organization of Gilda’s Club was founded by her husband, Gene Wilder, and her friend and cancer psychotherapist, Johanna Bull. A high profile entity, the first Gilda’s Club opened its doors in New York in 1995.

GSI was asked to help raise the money that would enable Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey to become a thriving, productive community organization. A two-phase $10 million campaign was inaugurated, with the first phase to raise the $3 million operating budget and the second phase to raise a $7 million endowment.

A $1 million challenge grant from the late philanthropist, Russ Berrie, resulted from the early efforts. It was matched with gifts and grants from individuals, foundations, local businesses and national corporations, enabling the organization to secure a mortgage for a location that was identified in Hackensack. In addition to cash, gifts of carpeting, appliances, painting and decorating rendered the building ready to open. With first phase gifts exceeding $3.3 million, Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey became one of a network of 16 clubhouses in the United States, Canada and Great Britain.

In addition to providing counsel for the campaign, GSI created a long-term development plan for GCNNJ, encompassing annual, capital, endowment and planned giving, because, in addition to developing its endowment, the organization must continue to raise its operating budget each year. GSI also provided creative assistance in the marketing and planning of the months-long series of events that culminated in the Club’s grand opening.

Challenges overcome, the signature red door opened and Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey became the warm, friendly, caring place it was planned to be…a place to learn about living with cancer through nutrition, therapies, reflection and laughter…a place to receive the support and understanding from others in similar circumstances…a place to “come as you are.”

GSI takes great pride in the “Gilda Magic Award,” an honor bestowed on us at a joint benefit for Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey and Gilda’s Club Worldwide.