The Stewart’s Caring Place Butterfly Gala shines the light on a crucial community resource
By Laura Briedis
A butterfly symbolizes transformation, hope and life, making it the perfect theme for the Stewart’s Caring Place annual gala.
Last month, more than 300 people gathered as a way to show their support for those affected by cancer at what has become one of Northeast Ohio’s premier fundraising events.
“The money we raise enables us to provide programs and services throughout the year at no cost to those touched by cancer,” says Sarah Vojtek, chief development officer of Stewart’s Caring Place. “We are planning on continuing this positive momentum into the new year.”
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 18 counties throughout the state and offers more than 150 programs at no cost to those affected by cancer.
“Stewart’s is your landing place when you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer and you are not sure where to start,” says CEO Jeannine Marks, who has been with the organization since its inception. “We consider ourselves a resource of wraparound non-medical services that not only benefit those with cancer, but also their families and caregivers. We take care people of any age, and at any stage or phase of cancer.”
A second home to many families affected by cancer, the 12,000-square-foot center hosts support groups, group fitness classes, holistic care and beauty workshops, as well as arranges financial and legal consultations with professionals who donate their services.
Plus 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. “Oftentimes, the wig room is the gateway to our organization as patients come in for wigs and then see all we have to offer,” says Jeannine.
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.
“All of our programs and services are available hybrid-style, either in person or virtually,” notes Sarah. “We are looking forward to continuing our programs and adding new ones in 2022.”
A Big Thank You
During the Butterfly Gala, Stewart’s Caring Place honored its 2021 Spirit Award Winners: The Allio Family and the Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation. Both of these families support not only programs and services at Stewart’s Caring Place, but other organizations and projects throughout the region helping those affected by cancer.
Stewart’s also recognized all of its generous sponsors of the Butterfly Gala.
“Because of you, our donors, we will be able to continue our wonderful programs and services at Stewart’s Caring Place,” says CEO Jeannine Marks. “A sincere thank you to these donors along with the hundreds of others. Every donation is truly appreciated.”
Signature ($10,000+)
Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation
Dr. David Jury
Andy & Kathy Moock
Remen Family Foundation
Champion ($7,500+)
Vince, Amanda & William Marchetta
Joan & Lou Perry
Speelman Electric
Advocate ($5,000+)
Virginia Addicott
Myrna Berzon & Family
Buckingham
Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Lisa DiLauro
David & Karen Grau
The Kaulig Foundation
The Lehner Foundation
The Maynard Family Foundation
S.A. Comunale
State & Federal Communications
Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation
Mimi Surloff & Family
Thomarios
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.