Angels with wings: During this year’s Butterfly Gala, crucial funds were raised to continue to help those impacted by cancer

By Laura Briedis

It’s been said that butterflies are nature’s angels. And at last month’s Butterfly Gala, everyone in attendance was there helping others. Whether supporting someone going through a cancer journey or in memory of a family member, 400 strong were there to raise funds for Stewart’s Caring Place.

In its 19th year, the Butterfly Gala is one of Northeast Ohio’s premier fundraising events. Every year, the event is hosted in a sponsor’s backyard, giving it a unique and welcoming atmosphere. This year the event was held at the home of Dr. Michael Gangel Jr. and Brandi Gangel in Wadsworth.

“The money we raised enables us to provide programs and services at no cost to all those touched by cancer throughout the year,” says Sarah Vojtek, director of development for Stewart’s Caring Place. “It was so fun to see a tent full of supporters and everyone dancing and celebrating.”

During the evening festivities, Roger and Sally Read were awarded the 2022 Spirit Award. As advocates for philanthropic giving, the couple supports numerous organizations that impact the well-being of the community, including Stewart’s Caring Place. Their generosity helped the nonprofit reach the financial goal needed to build its new stand-alone building that houses the cancer wellness center.

The cancer wellness center, which was founded by Mimi Surloff in 2004 as a way to honor her late husband and help other families going through their own cancer journeys, serves thousands of families in 22 counties throughout the state and offers more than 150 programs at no cost to those affected by cancer.

A second home to many families affected by cancer, the 12,000-square-foot center hosts support groups, group fitness classes, holistic care, beauty workshops, as well as arranges financial and legal consultations with professionals who donate their services.

There is an art room and music room for both children and adults where they can express their emotions, and a resource library where you can read cancer-related and wellness-focused books.

At the cornerstone of the center is a wig and beauty room with 500-plus wigs, hats and scarves available to cancer patients at no cost.

Stewart’s Caring Place also has a food pantry for those who are in need of temporary food assistance and a cooking demonstration kitchen where families learn how to cook nutritional meals.

“This fall we are offering more cooking classes to teach recipes for those with specific dietary restrictions,” says Sarah. “And we are also back to offering reiki and massages in our Healing Arts Suites.”

“In the next couple months we will host a Halloween and Holiday party at our center,” she adds. “And next year we are gearing up for our 20th anniversary with a year-long celebration planned with new programs and events.”

A Heartfelt Thanks
At the Butterfly Gala, Stewart’s Caring Place recognized all of its generous sponsors.

“A sincere thank you to these and the hundreds of others who donated,” says CEO Jeannine Marks.“ Every donation is truly appreciated.”

Signature ($10,000+)
Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation
Dr. David Jury
The Maynard Family Foundation

Advocate ($5,000+)
Amp Strategy
Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP
Cleveland Clinic Akron General
David and Karen Grau
Kaulig Foundation
Mimi Surloff and Family
The Lehner Family Foundation
Vince, Amanda and William Marchetta on behalf of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)
Walton and Patricia Silver

A big thanks also goes out to all Caregiver Sponsors, Healer Sponsors, Couples Sponsors and Individual Sponsors. In total there were 100 donors who all contributed to the success of the event, and, more importantly, raised funds to help those affected by cancer.

Stewart’s Caring Place is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.The center is located at 3501 Ridge Park Drive in Fairlawn. For more information, call 330-836-1772 or visit StewartsCaringPlace.org.