SEATTLE, May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In the celebrated words of Gilda Radner, "It's always something." In this case, it's something positive and hopeful which isn't always easy when you are talking about cancer. But this is the everyday mission of the Seattle chapter of Gilda's Club.
Gilda's Club is named for the beloved comedienne whose husband Gene Wilder, star of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, founded a free cancer support organization in her name after she died of ovarian cancer. During her cancer treatment, Gilda became part of a cancer support community and she wished that everyone dealing with cancer would be able to receive the kind of support she found there. Gilda's Club Seattle officially opened its red doors on March 7, 2001 and now helps more than 2,500 members.
This summer, Seattle Chocolate Company is donating 4,000 dark chocolate bars to raise awareness and support for Gilda's Club Seattle. Jean Thompson, CEO and owner of Seattle Chocolates, said it was an easy decision for her company to support Gilda's Club Seattle, which she recently joined as a board member. "Gilda's Club is magical. Their energy, their commitment is contagious. This is a fun way for us to draw attention to this amazing free resource and spread the word."
"We know that there isn't anything fun about cancer. Gilda helps bring out the best even for people who are facing this difficult disease," said Anna Gottlieb, CEO and founder of Gilda's Club Seattle. "Add chocolate to the mix, and it makes everyone feel better. Everybody loves chocolate. When you're sick, you want your chocolate."
The chocolate bars - named "Gilda's Bars" - feature a joyous drawing of Gilda Radner's famous smile. They provide a way to keep her memory alive and give a nod to the movie made famous by her husband. Everyone who purchases a $5 Gilda's bar will get the satisfaction of helping those with cancer and their families. To launch the bars, five will contain "golden tickets" just like in the Willy Wonka movie. Seattle Chocolates - for the first time ever - is opening the doors to its factory to the winners of these ticket holders.
Thompson says, "Gilda's Club is all about helping people through a rocky time. Chocolate brightens moods and lifts spirits on even the darkest days. The new Gilda's Bar is a way to thank donors and support family members when encouragement is much needed."
Gilda's Club Seattle will sell the bars to raise money for its operating budget. Both companies will sell the bars through their respective websites at http://www.gildasclubseattle.org and http://www.seattlechocolates.com. The club will also sell and distribute bars at its upcoming fundraising events including:
About Gilda's Club Seattle:
Since March 2, 2002, Gilda's Club Seattle has offered a broad, community-based program of social, emotional, and educational support for cancer survivors, their loved ones and friends on-site in the Seattle Clubhouse and off-site with collaborating partners. This non-profit organization's services are offered free of charge to participants. The Club offers a Five Core Component program that includes a variety of support services, educational opportunities, classes and workshops, social events, resources, and referrals. The program serves everyone touched by cancer across the cancer continuum - from diagnosis through treatment and post-treatment, survivorship, and bereavement, including children, teens, and whole families. Visit Gilda's Club Seattle online at http://www.gildasclubseattle.org.
About Seattle Chocolate Company:
Founded in 1992, Seattle Chocolates is a woman-owned company headed by Jean Thompson based in Seattle, Washington. Seattle Chocolate Company manufactures premium 100-percent, all-natural truffles, truffle bars, dessert shells, and chocolates under the Seattle Chocolates, Chick Chocolates and J.Truffles brands, along with a wide range of private-label brands. Survivor Chick was Jean's first cause-related product introduction in 2005 after Jean's own brush with a cancer scare and offers 100% of profits to fight breast cancer. The company has donated its products to various organizations based in the Pacific Northwest and nationally that advocate on behalf of women, children and cancer research. Visit Seattle Chocolates online at http://www.seattlechocolates.com.
Contact: Nancy Juetten, [email protected], 425-641-5214
SOURCE Gilda's Club Seattle
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Gilda's Club is named for the beloved comedienne whose husband Gene Wilder, star of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, founded a free cancer support organization in her name after she died of ovarian cancer. During her cancer treatment, Gilda became part of a cancer support community and she wished that everyone dealing with cancer would be able to receive the kind of support she found there. Gilda's Club Seattle officially opened its red doors on March 7, 2001 and now helps more than 2,500 members.
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This summer, Seattle Chocolate Company is donating 4,000 dark chocolate bars to raise awareness and support for Gilda's Club Seattle. Jean Thompson, CEO and owner of Seattle Chocolates, said it was an easy decision for her company to support Gilda's Club Seattle, which she recently joined as a board member. "Gilda's Club is magical. Their energy, their commitment is contagious. This is a fun way for us to draw attention to this amazing free resource and spread the word."
"We know that there isn't anything fun about cancer. Gilda helps bring out the best even for people who are facing this difficult disease," said Anna Gottlieb, CEO and founder of Gilda's Club Seattle. "Add chocolate to the mix, and it makes everyone feel better. Everybody loves chocolate. When you're sick, you want your chocolate."
The chocolate bars - named "Gilda's Bars" - feature a joyous drawing of Gilda Radner's famous smile. They provide a way to keep her memory alive and give a nod to the movie made famous by her husband. Everyone who purchases a $5 Gilda's bar will get the satisfaction of helping those with cancer and their families. To launch the bars, five will contain "golden tickets" just like in the Willy Wonka movie. Seattle Chocolates - for the first time ever - is opening the doors to its factory to the winners of these ticket holders.
Thompson says, "Gilda's Club is all about helping people through a rocky time. Chocolate brightens moods and lifts spirits on even the darkest days. The new Gilda's Bar is a way to thank donors and support family members when encouragement is much needed."
Gilda's Club Seattle will sell the bars to raise money for its operating budget. Both companies will sell the bars through their respective websites at http://www.gildasclubseattle.org and http://www.seattlechocolates.com. The club will also sell and distribute bars at its upcoming fundraising events including:
- June 3 - Surviving with Style Fashion Show
- June 13 - Bryce Fisher Celebrity Golf Tournament
- November 15 - Tacoma Surviving with Style Fashion Show
About Gilda's Club Seattle:
Since March 2, 2002, Gilda's Club Seattle has offered a broad, community-based program of social, emotional, and educational support for cancer survivors, their loved ones and friends on-site in the Seattle Clubhouse and off-site with collaborating partners. This non-profit organization's services are offered free of charge to participants. The Club offers a Five Core Component program that includes a variety of support services, educational opportunities, classes and workshops, social events, resources, and referrals. The program serves everyone touched by cancer across the cancer continuum - from diagnosis through treatment and post-treatment, survivorship, and bereavement, including children, teens, and whole families. Visit Gilda's Club Seattle online at http://www.gildasclubseattle.org.
About Seattle Chocolate Company:
Founded in 1992, Seattle Chocolates is a woman-owned company headed by Jean Thompson based in Seattle, Washington. Seattle Chocolate Company manufactures premium 100-percent, all-natural truffles, truffle bars, dessert shells, and chocolates under the Seattle Chocolates, Chick Chocolates and J.Truffles brands, along with a wide range of private-label brands. Survivor Chick was Jean's first cause-related product introduction in 2005 after Jean's own brush with a cancer scare and offers 100% of profits to fight breast cancer. The company has donated its products to various organizations based in the Pacific Northwest and nationally that advocate on behalf of women, children and cancer research. Visit Seattle Chocolates online at http://www.seattlechocolates.com.
Contact: Nancy Juetten, [email protected], 425-641-5214
SOURCE Gilda's Club Seattle
