From the Desk of Gina L. Stano – Executive Director
07 July 25
Reflecting on the first half of 2025, it’s already been quite the year of transformation and change for CSC-GLV. We’ve made some exciting changes, starting with hiring a Director of Development & Marketing. This was an investment in ourselves — to increase our brand awareness, who we are and what we do, as well as to help us develop and strengthen our fundraising and stewardship programs. You might have noticed our fresh (new) look — updated logos, marketing materials, and a brand-new website. If you follow CSC-GLV on social media, you may also have noticed that we have increased our presence in the community, sharing how our programs and services are available to anyone in the community impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
Boutique at the Rink, our largest partner fundraiser, became Boutique for Hope with its location change to the St. Luke’s SportsPlex in Allentown. The fear of the unknown kept many of us up late at night, but the Boutique Leadership Committee and over 400 volunteers made this year’s sale a success, raising over $230,000!
CSC-GLV realized that our Signature Event, Wings of Hope: A Butterfly Release, had outgrown our home at Cedar Crest College, if we wanted to develop and increase the fundraising capacity of this unique event. After searching the Lehigh Valley for a venue that would be appropriate for a solemn, yet festive and beautiful release, Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie was selected. We’re thrilled to have a new community partner, but even more excited to share this year’s event with you.
As we head into our fall third-party fundraising events, be on the lookout for new community partners, fun marketing initiatives, donor appreciation, and the re-launching of the Society of Hope.
But it doesn’t end there! With a strategic goal to increase membership and to ensure that everyone impacted by cancer receives the support they want and need throughout their experience, our staff and board of directors will be asking for feedback on what programs and services best fit the needs of our community. A cancer diagnosis doesn’t look the same as it did when we opened our doors 21 years ago, and we want to ensure that our programs and services are relevant to meeting the needs of our members, current and future.
Change is scary and often difficult, but it brings many often-unknown rewards! Whether you’re new to CSC-GLV or a long-time community member (past or present), community partner, or donor, I invite you to be part of the change. Volunteer for one of our community or fundraising events, release a butterfly on September 7th, share your feedback if given a survey link, or simply follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on what’s next!