Wayne Harris has been a driving force behind Gilda’s Club for over 18 years. “This is an organization that people support. They won’t let it go away,” he shares.
You might know Wayne through his company, 6AM Marketing, or from his leadership on nonprofit boards across Madison, including Ronald McDonald House and the American Red Cross. Maybe you’ve run into him at the Red Doors Golf Outing or Gilda’s Backyard BBQ.
But what you may not know is that Wayne played a key role in opening our iconic red doors.
Wayne’s journey with Gilda’s Club began when Cindy Alvarez approached him about joining the Board of Directors during the early days of the capital campaign to open the clubhouse. As Wayne puts it, “Cindy isn’t someone you say ‘no’ to.” But it wasn’t just her influence. The mission of Gilda’s Club resonated deeply with him, leading to an 18+ year relationship with the organization.
“You have to roll your sleeves up”
“If you’re going to be on a board, you really have to participate,” Wayne explains. “You have to roll your sleeves up.” And that’s exactly what he did. After the clubhouse opened, Wayne became Chair of the Board of Directors, where he recognized the need for a long-term financial strategy to sustain the organization. Together with the Board and Executive Director/CEO Lannia Stenz, Wayne helped lay the foundation that continues to sustain Gilda’s Club today.
A Relationship That Doesn’t End
When his term on the Board came to an end, Wayne knew his involvement with Gilda’s Club wasn’t over. “If a charity really means something to you, you never go away,” he says. From Red Doors Golf to Gilda’s Run/Walk to our Backyard BBQ, Wayne remains a familiar and steadfast supporter, showing up with time, energy, and heart.
Wayne’s company, 6AM Marketing, has also supported Gilda’s Club, notably with fundraising events like Red Doors Golf. This year, 6AM is partnering with us to develop a comprehensive marketing plan that will help extend the reach of our programs, ensuring more people touched by cancer find the support they need.
“It’s a piece of humanity that we can be a part of”
Wayne’s commitment to the Gilda’s Club mission is personal. “We all have experiences with cancer,” he shares. “My mother died of cancer. My best friend died of cancer. My story’s no different than 90% of people. What Gilda’s does is help fill the void when you’re going through it.” He understands first-hand the emotional and practical toll cancer takes on individuals and families.
Wayne also understands how critical it is that Gilda’s programs are offered free of charge, and he’s passionate about fundraising to keep it that way.
“It’s a piece of humanity that we can be a part of. And it’s a way of honoring your friends or family that have passed from cancer. It’s a way of saying, ‘I’m doing this for you, Mom.’”