Are Your Donated Dollars Achieving Your Goals
From the Desk of James J. Pepe – Director of Development and Marketing 22 September 26 One of the things we pride ourselves on at Cancer Support Community – Greater Lehigh Valley is the connection we have with our local community. We enjoy serving people in our counties of coverage (Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe and Northampton in PA and Warren County, NJ). We can say that when we receive a gift from a donor, it is going to programs and services for the people in our community. We take care to publish the number of community members we serve, are working to get the success stories recorded, and are always willing to share our goals for the future of our organization. Recently, a minor uproar occurred in our community when someone wrote an opinion piece in the paper recommending donors ask how their dollars are being used and what the local impact is. Essentially, are your dollars staying local and are they actually helping the community as the non-profit claims? Too often, we see non-profits that will weave a story to make people think they are making a difference in their community, when the reality is the dollars being donated are sent around the country for services. I have also seen some claim to raise funds for specific programs or services, even highlighting the local aspects, yet those local dollars are sent to fund other things altogether. We live in interesting times when so many non-profits are competing for the same dollars. From my perspective as a Director of Development and a donor to non-profits myself, it is the duty of the donor to ask these questions. You are putting your hard-earned money into what should be of great use, and it is wise to make sure the organizations that benefit from your generosity and passion to help are doing what they say. As a donor, you are the checks and balances. To help ensure dollars are going to the places you want them to, consider: It is important to remember that non-profits, no matter what some staff members say, are a business. The goal is to bring in enough to cover costs, and if there is left over, it goes towards implementing new ideas. It is also crucial to understand that there is overhead, be it salaries for staff or facilitators, heating and electricity, internet, and even costs to run websites like the one you are reading this on. This is why making a general donation is so important. Dollars that can be spread around to programs and to ensure the business operates day-to-day are crucial. After all, if everything is restricted, the organization can’t function. If the non-profit you are donating to can show results in the community, plans for growth and their vision for the future matches yours, your support will be benefitting many while achieving your philanthropic goals.
The Mission Continues
From the Desk of Chris Gillis — President, CSCGLV Board of Directors 24 August 26 Dear Friends, At Cancer Support Community Greater Lehigh Valley, we believe that no one should face cancer alone. Every day, individuals and families throughout our community turn to us for support, education, hope, and connection during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. As Board President, I am continually inspired by the courage of those affected by cancer and by the dedication of our staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners who make our mission possible. Together, we create a welcoming environment where participants can find emotional support, educational resources, healthy lifestyle programs, and meaningful relationships that help them navigate their cancer journey. The impact of our organization extends far beyond our walls. Every support group attended, educational program offered, and wellness activity provided represents a commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals and families facing cancer. These services are offered at no cost to participants because of the generosity and compassion of supporters like you. As we look ahead, our commitment remains steadfast: to ensure that every person impacted by cancer in the Greater Lehigh Valley has access to the support and resources they need. We will continue to expand awareness, strengthen partnerships, and enhance our programs so that more individuals can benefit from the care and community that Cancer Support Community provides. On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support, advocacy, and belief in our mission. Your involvement helps transform lives, foster hope, and remind those facing cancer that they are never alone. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more compassionate community. With gratitude, Christopher GillisBoard PresidentCancer Support Community Greater Lehigh Valley
2026: Moving the Mission Forward
From the Desk of Chris Gillis — President, CSCGLV Board of Directors 06 January 26 I can’t tell the Lehigh Valley how excited I am to be the incoming President of the Board of Directors for Cancer Support Community — Greater Lehigh Valley. I have big shoes to fill to continue all the great work the CSCGLV family has done over the years. As I look back on 2025, with the work of our executive team, board, volunteers and sponsors, we accomplished so much for cancer families in the Greater Lehigh Valley. I’m so proud to have been a small part of what we accomplished with so many events that benefit our mission: “That uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities and breaking down barriers to care”. 2026 isn’t a time for us to reflect on accomplishments, but to forge ahead with our mission and to be even more impactful to the Greater Lehigh Valley cancer family. We have so many great events scheduled for the new year and we are not done. Be on the lookout for our Signature Event in 2026: Wings of Hope a beautiful butterfly release event at Bear Creek in September. In addition, CSCGLV featured events Holidays of Hope and an improved Health Summit for Survivors and the general community are being planned. 2026 will also see the return of several Associate Events: The Charlie & Don Patt Golf Tournament, Boutique of Hope, Golf4Cancer (which featured 2 full flights in 2025), Little Pink Dress Party and Beards for Breasts. I want to thank everyone who has committed their valuable time so that we can continue helping amazing people impacted by cancer- survivors, caregivers, friends and family – find peace in their everyday lives. I hope that 2026 is a year of love, peace and health for all.
A Look Back and a Look Ahead
From the Desk of James J. Pepe – Director of Development & Marketing 22 December 25 As the calendar drifts quickly to 2026, there is always value in looking at the year that is finished. For Cancer Support Community – Greater Lehigh Valley, it has been a year of tremendous growth, transition and paving the way for a brighter future. Thanks to the work of staff, event committees, and volunteers, we enjoyed one of our most successful event years to date. While there were so many wins (The Charlie & Don Patt Golf Tournament exceeded expectations, Boutique of Hope settled well at a new location, Survivor Summit grew in attendance and sponsor support, Golf4Cancer increased attendance to 2 full flights, Little Pink Dress Party and Beards for Breasts held fantastic events and we launched a Holiday event), the one that stands out most to me is Wings of Hope. After joining CSCGLV in December 2024, one of the main goals was to take Wings of Hope and make it the Signature Event it deserves to be. By changing the location to Bear Creek, adding more time and activities, and bringing in special guests, all while keeping the importance of the butterfly release intact, we pushed this event to the level it deserves. It really sets things up nicely for 2026. We were fortunate to take our marketing efforts to new levels, launching a new website in June after years of discussion, bringing consistency to social media, emails to members and donors, and to being out in the community to ensure people know who we are and what we do. We don’t plan on resting on our laurels in this area. 2025 has also seen important improvements to our Board of Directors. Several new members joined our Board, bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas to our organization as we plot the next few years of growth, both on the development side and the program side. While it is great to look at the year that was, it’s just as important to look forward to what is ahead. CSCGLV is striving to increase growth, not only through the various fundraising activities, but also through our programs. We have set goals to serve more people than ever in a single year with programs that provide great support in the areas our members need most. We look forward to these new challenges, while also preparing to see you in the community in greater numbers than ever before. As always, we are here to help you, your family, friends and colleagues when impacted by a cancer diagnosis. Personally, I’d like to wish you all a Happy and Healthy Holidays Season and a Joyous New Year. Regards, James
Transition, Change & Transformation
From the Desk of Gina L. Stano – Executive Director 05 December 25 The 2024-25 fiscal year was one of transition, change, and transformation for the Cancer Support Community – Greater Lehigh Valley, including staff, refreshing our “look,” being more present in the community, finding a new venue, Bear Creek Mountain Resort, for our signature fundraiser, Wings of Hope, and our largest partner fundraiser went from Boutique at the Rink to Boutique for Hope hosted at the St. Luke’s SportsPlex. We know that change is hard, messy in the middle, but most often has a beautiful ending. Change is ongoing, but our mission and goal to provide no-cost social-emotional programs & services to all individuals impacted by a cancer diagnosis remained the same. We will continue to ensure that everyone impacted by a diagnosis receives the support they want & need throughout their experience. I would be remiss not to acknowledge that not all change has a beautiful ending. Change is often accompanied by loss and grief. Our community had its share of losses and heartbreaks, but together we faced each day. Sometimes with tears, but more often with smiles and laughs. I am also proud to share that to help the community navigate grief, CSCGLV partnered with Justin Keiper and Cantelmi Long Funeral Home to launch the Heart and Healing Grief Support Group. The relationships we have built help us show that Community is Stronger than Cancer. Thank you for being part of our community, supporting the work of our staff, and helping us provide our programs and services. Most of all, thank you for being the constant amid change. I am excited to see where this fiscal year takes CSCGLV. You will see some of our tried-and-true programs and fundraising events on the calendar, but we have some new stewardship and outreach activities planned, a new partner fundraiser on the horizon, and additions to the program calendar in the works. Stay tuned for more information! If you do not already subscribe, please join our Notes of Hope email list at CancerSupportglv.org or find us on social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram) to stay up to date on all things CSCGLV. Warm Regards, Gina L. Stano