There are many facets to running a nonprofit organization. Of course, you have your program elements that are based on your mission, how you help people and the purpose for your existence. You also have operational responsibilities that every business needs in place so you can function. They aren’t exciting, but they are necessary. The third key component is fundraising, because that is the lifeblood of every organization, and it can make or break even the most impactful work.
On June 4th, Red Door Community will be hosting its inaugural “Lifting Spirits” event, where we are encouraging people to step up in the time of cancer. Yes, it is a fundraising event that will help us continue our mission to ensure that no one has to face cancer alone. But it is also an opportunity for us to bring Red Door Community’s work to life and illustrate how cancer can throw so many aspects of life into turmoil.
When cancer strikes, it affects more than physical health. It can wreak havoc on finances, emotions, and relationships…the intangible parts of life that nobody sees. We might see that a family member has lost their hair during a chemo treatment, but we would never know that they are unsure of how to tell their children what’s happening. We might have heard that a co-worker was recently diagnosed, but we aren’t sure how to ask them how they are feeling. And we all know someone who has lost a loved one to cancer, but we don’t see the private struggles they are enduring.
At Red Door Community, we help with all these concerns, and through Lifting Spirits, we are bringing attention to the less visible effects of cancer. Lifting Spirits is an event designed to welcome friends, new and old, and reconnect around the meaningful work of Red Door Community, and perhaps recognize that cancer is much more than a disease.
We are fortunate to have esteemed, featured speakers: Dr. Sharon Mates, Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Intra-Cellular Therapies, which was recently acquired by J&J, and former Board member Red Door Community (then known as Gilda’s Club NYC) and Tim Pernetti, Commissioner of The American Athletic Conference.
And we are thrilled to have a panel of RDC members moderated by Mary Elizabeth Williams, New York Times-featured journalist, who writes frequently on cancer and treatment. Panel members include Bob DeBitetto, the Vice Chair of RDC’s Board of Directors, Valentina Cacciatore and Sheila Haas.
We are so happy to be able to share insights directly from the people who know us best. Yes, awareness and perspective is important, but Lifting Spirits is a fundraiser, and we can use your support: Lifting Spirits | Red Door Community
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We’d love for you to be a part of this. Send us your questions, your stories, and your ideas. Help us shape the conversations that matter most to you. Let’s stay connected. Let’s grow this community—together.
