Gilda’s Club Madison Wisconsin is scheduled to break ground fall 2007; the Clubhouse is scheduled to open summer 2008!

Click here to download the August 2007 newsletter in a printer-friendly PDF file.

Marcia Whittington Named CEO

Gilda’s Club Madison Wisconsin, announces the appointment of Marcia M. Whittington as Chief Executive Officer. Marcia’s first day is August 20th.

“Marcia’s extensive leadership and fundraising background will continue to allow Gilda’s Club Madison Wisconsin to procure the resources we need to ensure anyone living with cancer can find a strong support system at the club,” said Cindy Alvarez, Gilda’s Club Madison Wisconsin Board chair. “We are so pleased to have someone on board with such strong local ties. Marcia has this community’s best interest at heart.”

Before joining Gilda’s Club Madison, Whittington served for seven years as vice president of HospiceCare Foundation, a nonprofit organization that offers end-of-life care for patients and their families in the Dane County area. Her experience includes leading the foundation’s $20 million capital campaign effort and organizing all of its planned, annual and major gift initiatives.

“I am honored and excited to accept the role of CEO at Gilda’s Club Madison Wisconsin,” said Whittington. “The mission and vision of this organization is one I strongly believe in and the need for these types of support systems for those living with cancer in our community is evident and growing.”

Whittington spent two years as development director for the Meriter Foundation and more than eight years as the corporate meeting and tradeshow manager for Boston Scientific/Scimed, located in Maple Grove, Minn. Whittington worked in the meeting management department coordinating internal and external public meetings, tradeshows, trainings and events. Prior to Boston Scientific/Scimed she coordinated alumni events for the University of Wisconsin Foundation, as the development coordinator. She is a member of many associations including serving on the Board of the Goodman Atwood Community Center, Associated Fundraising Professionals, The Business Forum, TEMPO and Meeting Professionals International.

Marcia lives in Waunakee with her husband and two daughters.

Red Doors Annual Golf Tournament Scheduled for Monday, September 24

We are pleasantly surprised that the Red Doors Annual Golf Tournament on Sept. 24 has filled. One hundred and forty four golfers will tee off in support of Gilda’s Club Madison Wisconsin.

There are opportunities to become a title sponsor (without golf) an event sponsor (without golf), a hole sponsor and/or attend the reception immediately following the golf tournament. The reception will feature great food, and great auction items.

Thank you to the entire team, headed by Rae Miles, organizing, coordinating and working hard to make this annual fundraising event a success.

For more information on how to become a sponsor or to get tickets for the reception ($50/each), please go to www.gildasclubmadison.org or call us at 608-273-8880.

One-of-a-Kind UW Legends Motorcycle Features Special Autographs; You Can Own it!

This is no ordinary motorcycle, particularly for those of you who love the Badgers.

Sponsored by Ho-Chunk Casino & Hotel and custom built by Jeff Bach of 2Wheel Films, the motorcycle is a true collector’s item with proceeds benefiting Gilda’s Club Madison Wisconsin.

The red, white and chrome motorcycle features autographs by many UW Athletics legends including Barry Alvarez, Bret Bielema and Bo Ryan as well as Badger football stars Ron Dayne, Darrel Bevell, Joe Thomas, Chris Chambers and Al Toon; Basketball stars Michael Finley and Mike Kelley in addition to track and field champion Suzy Favor Hamilton. To view those who have signed the motorcycle, visit www.2wheelfilms.com.

The bike can be seen on the charity auction site www.charitybuzz.com. The auction site will go live starting August 21 and run through October 5. Bid often!

Build Gilda’s Club —A Progress Report
By Cindy Alvarez, Chair-Board of Directors, and member of Building Committee

This month has brought some exciting news to Gilda’s Club Madison Wisconsin.

On July 20th, Gilda’s Club was recognized by USA Today as one of the top 25 charities in the U.S. I hope you heard us on the radio celebrating!

Planning Design Build has been chosen to do the construction of our clubhouse. We thank Jim and Tom Pientka, and all the employees for working with us and donating their services. Next month, we hope to share with you our final clubhouse plans.

Heidi Green, Director of Development and John Karcher, a member of our Building Committee, are in the process of documenting in-kind donations for the construction of the clubhouse. If you or your company have offered services, they will be contacting you in the near future.

And last but not least, Gilda’s Club Madison Wisconsin’s Board of Directors is proud to welcome Marcia Whittington as our new CEO. We are thrilled and excited to have someone of her ability and reputation to join our team. Marcia joins us from Hospice Care Foundation where she was the vice president.

Please think about joining us for the reception at the Red Door Annual Golf Tournament on September 24 from 5 to 7 at Bishops Bay Country Club. Tickets are available on line for $50 at www.gildasclubmadison.org. You won’t believe the auction items

Capital Campaign Update
By Heidi K. Green, Director of Development

Groundbreaking in October means we have a lot to do! Our Capital Campaign has $1 million yet to raise to reach our $3.2 million goal. Our Campaign Cabinet, formed to assist with our fundraising needs, is working hard and meeting with people who passionately believe in the mission of Gilda’s Club. You may know them: Chris Berry, Jan & Bill DeAtley, Shawn Eichorst, Sheila Endres, Mark Frankel, Steve Goldberg, Wayne Harris, Gayle Langer, Alice Tillett, Sally Wolff and Linda Zimdars.

On another note, we are looking for in-kind donations for the construction of Gilda’s Club Madison Wisconsin. An “in-kind” donation can include material or services. As our construction schedule progresses, this will be a very fluid list, but to get you thinking of who you know and how you could help, here is a list to consider: lumber, rough and finished carpentry materials, concrete curb and gutter, asphalt paving, earthwork, site utilities, plumbing, concrete, gas fireplaces, flooring, an elevator, fire protection, electrical, site lighting, asphalt shingles, clad windows, building insulation, carpentry labor, waterproofing, structural steel, siding and so much more!

If you have any questions or ideas, please call or email me. We’re counting on your help to build Gilda’s Club Madison Wisconsin! Thank you!

Hgreen@gildasclubmadison.org

608.273.8880