The 19th Annual Butterfly Gala is a crucial part of the Stewart’s Caring Place mission to provide free services to anyone affected by cancer
By Laura Briedis
Transformation. Hope. Joy.
This is what a butterfly symbolizes and the reason it is a perpetual theme at Stewart’s Caring Place, from the colorful artwork in its lobby to the name of its annual gala.
“Because they also are undergoing a transformation, the butterfly is so symbolic to all those who walk through our doors,” says Sarah Vojtek, director of development for Stewart’s Caring Place. “Often they don’t know what is on the other side after their diagnosis, so after seeing all we offer, when they leave they emerge a new person for which anything is possible again.”
When Mimi Surloff founded Stewart’s Caring Place in 2004 as a way to honor her late husband and help other families going through their own cancer journey, she had no idea the far-reaching impact it would have. Today the cancer wellness center serves thousands of families in 18 counties throughout the state and offers more than 150 programs at no cost to those affected by cancer.
The nonprofit helps people navigate the journeys after a cancer diagnosis for not only those with cancer, but also their families and caregivers.
Holistic Care
After moving into its new facility in 2020, Stewart’s Caring Place had to put some of the more personal services on hold while many programs were offered virtually during the pandemic. Now, everything is back open.
“We are offering hand and arm massages and Reiki at no charge for those affected by cancer,” says Sarah.
Stewart’s Caring Place has three healing arts suites for integrative care services, where you also can practice mindfulness, meditate and partake in crystal singing bowl sound healing. The center also offers yoga and other exercise classes.
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.
Kids’ Activities
Stewart’s Caring Place welcomes any child affected by cancer, not just cancer patients, as it has programs to help ease the burden of a child with a parent or sibling with cancer.
This summer, it is hosting three Summer Camps, with the last one scheduled from Monday, August 8 to Friday, August 12. Open to children ages 4-12, the half-day camp provides a place for children to connect with each other while enjoying arts and crafts.
As part of the 12,000-square-foot center, there is an art room and music room for children and adults where they can express their emotions, and a resource library where they can read wellness-focused books.
Thanks to a girl scout initiative, the library is currently being renovated to give tweens and teens a place to hang out. When completed this fall, it will feature a live-edge table and tree bookshelf for more of a bookstore lounge feel. Stewart’s is working with the girl scouts and the Carson Higgins Memorial Foundation to transform the library into a nature-inspired room.
All in the Family
Stewart’s Caring Place also has a food pantry for those who are in need of temporary food assistance, as well as a cooking demonstration kitchen where families learn how to cook nutritional meals.
“Our Stephen A. Comunale Jr. Family Cancer Foundation Food Pantry has recently partnered with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, so we are able to buy food at a much lower cost to ensure our pantry remains stocked at all times,” says Sarah.
The center is also creating an outdoor living and entertainment area, complete with pavilions, a fire pit and a fountain. “This will provide another place where families can gather and relax,” says Sarah.
In addition to welcoming families affected by cancer, Stewart’s Caring Place hosts various community organizations in its multi-purpose room. Most recently it hosted 60 sixth-graders from Akron Public School for a career exploration day, a marketing for nonprofits seminar by 1Direction Strategy, and a planning meeting for the Fairlawn Chamber of Commerce.
“We are here to support our entire community and offer our space for free to community groups,” says Sarah. “Come check out all we have to offer.”
The 19th Annual Butterfly Gala
The 19th Annual Butterfly Gala will be held on Saturday, September 10, at 5:30 p.m. Dine and dance under the stars—all for a worthy cause.
“The Butterfly Gala is a fun way for the community to come together and show their support for all of those touched by cancer,” says Sarah Vojtek, director of development for Stewart’s Caring Place. “The money we raise enables us to provide programs and services throughout the year.”
Held under a gorgeously decorated tent in the backyard of a Stewart’s supporter every year, this elegantly styled event, which includes a valet, dinner, live entertainment and an auction, is attended by hundreds of people each year—making it one of the biggest fundraisers in town.
At this year’s gala, Roger and Sally Read will be honored as the 2022 Spirit Award Recipients. As advocates for philanthropic giving, Roger and Sally support numerous organizations that impact the well-being of the community, including Stewart’s Caring Place. They helped the nonprofit reach its financial goal to open the new building and meet the needs of the growing number of patients and families impacted by cancer.
In addition to dining and dancing, the gala also will feature an auction with fabulous prizes.
The Butterfly Gala always sells out, so get your tickets early.
The Butterfly Gala is at the home of Dr. Michael Gangel Jr. and Brandi Gangel in Wadsworth. Cost is $195 per person. Purchase tickets online at StewartsCaringPlace.org/events or contact Sarah Vojtek at svojtek@stewartscaringplace.org for more details.
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.