Gilda’s Club Chicago is one of our favorite local charities to support, and this past weekend we had the wonderful opportunity to help out and take photos at their open house on North Wells Street! The open house, known as Saturday LIVE!, was modeled after their weekly Saturday activities prior to 2020. It provided a chance for new and returning members to enjoy a shared meal, take pictures with Sherman the therapy dog, participate in various art projects, and attend T’ai Chi and miracle ball classes – all while enjoying the hospitality provided by Gilda’s staff and volunteers.
Art was present throughout the clubhouse, and attendees could create their own pieces using pastels, brush markers, crayons, or fruit. Visual art is a big focus for Gilda’s this year since it is their 26th anniversary, which traditionally follows the gifting theme of art. On the second floor, Caring Arts gathered people together to create beautiful depictions of the northern lights using pastels, toothbrushes, and paint. Downstairs in “Noogieland,” the vibrant play area for children, families colored with Gilda’s staff members and created fruit kebabs with the Junior League.
Attendees were able to have a small taste of the many opportunities Gilda’s creates for members to create artwork with their community. In the next week alone, Gilda’s is hosting Stitch Craft, Jewelry Making, and the bilingual event Artes y Manualidades. All of these are hosted distinctly for community members affected by cancer, whether they are currently in treatment, recovering, or supporting a loved one with cancer.
Supporting Gilda’s Club Chicago
We proudly support Gilda’s by sponsoring events, volunteering, and fundraising. At Vogelzang, we know how important community-building is, especially when you are adapting to a life touched by cancer. We are always looking for resources for our clients and their families, and Gilda’s is one of the best non-medical resources out there. They have been an essential part of our community since 2016, and we look forward to supporting them for years to come.
