EFFORT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CANCER SUPPORT PROGRAM
Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey, located in Hackensack, announced that Mary G. Connolly, Executive Director, of Paramus, and Rachel Gottlieb, Youth Program Manager, of Fort Lee, will be participating in the Newport-Liberty Waterfront Half Marathon on September 23rd in Jersey City to raise money for the Gilda’s Club program.
Gilda’s Club provides a free program of cancer support for the whole family – the whole time and is supported solely by the generosity of individuals and businesses in the communities it serves.
“Just raising the funds that keep the clubhouse open is a daily challenge,” states Connolly. “But we have a vision for the future that will require more, so everyone’s doing their part to help us reach our goals.”
The organization has plans to open another clubhouse in Morristown this year, start special networking groups to address the needs of teens and young adults affected by cancer, and improve technology so that homebound and out-of-area members can still participate in the unique Gilda’s Club Community.
“Every member of the staff and every volunteer is so passionate about what happens here at Gilda’s Club. Mary and I are also passionate about running, so we thought that was a great way to raise awareness and funds for the organization,” explained Gottlieb.
Both Gottlieb and Connolly are veteran marathon runners who have also raised funds for a variety of not-for-profit programs through their efforts in a combined seven marathons. At the Newport-Liberty Half Marathon the duo will combine to cover 26.2 miles. They have set a goal to raise $1,000 per mile or $26,200.
Gilda’s Club is looking for donors to make donations or runners planning to participate in the event on September 23 willing to join their fundraising team. For more information on how to support their efforts, please call Kristin Kehoe at 201-457-1670 x11. For more information about the Newport-Liberty Half Marathon call 732-381-0318 or go to www.oymp.net.
Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey is a cancer support community serving Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Union, Morris, Essex and Somerset Counties for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer – men, women and children, their family and friends – at any stage of the cancer experience. As part of an international network of affiliate clubhouses anchored by Gilda’s Club Worldwide, Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey offers a comprehensive program of free lectures, workshops, social activities, and support and networking groups as an essential part of medical care. For information call (201) 457-1670 or visit www.gildasclubnnj.org.
Public Relations Contact: Rosica Strategic Public Relations