Our free cancer support program is made possible by our generous community of supporters including our all-star Associate Board. The Associate Board is a group of dedicated young New Yorkers who are committed to promoting awareness of and raising critical funds for our free cancer support program.
In 2020 the Associate Board raised over $45,000 in support of our cancer support community. Annually this group organizes a number of member events as well as fundraising events, early last year they hosted the annual Day of Beauty for members and launched a new fundraiser with the Barry’s Bootcamp for Red Door Community event. Once restrictions due to the pandemic required cancellation of The GILDIE’S, the annual fundraiser event organized by the Associate Board, they pivoted to a virtual fundraiser and held the first ever Red Door Virtual 5k Run/Walk that raised $12,647.
For the last four years our Associate Board has been led by Chair, Neil Heckman. Neil has been an active member for more than 6 years and been the Associate Board Chair for four. He has run with Team Gilda in the TCS New York City Marathon and has volunteered and supported numerous Red Door Community events. This year Neil is passing the baton to Sarah Shields, our new Associate Board Chair, but he remains an active member of the board. We are so thankful for Neil and Sarah’s leadership and commitment to our mission.
“Cancer is one of the only common denominators for people around the world – Red Door Community fills such a unique niche in one’s cancer journey, and as soon as I learned of the mission I felt compelled to contribute in any way possible,” Neil said. “I’ve been so honored to have led the group for the past 4 years. I’m humbled by the things we’ve accomplished, and look forward to everything that’s on the horizon.”
For more information on our Associate Board, including a complete roster of active members and how to join, visit: https://gildasclubnyc.org/portfolio/associate-board/
