The WBCC is pleased to announce this year’s Volunteer of the Year: Kelly Gramblicka!
Kelly has been an active part of our organization for eight years and has consistently participated in the Rare Chair Affair. She names her personal growth and connections to other survivors as the key motivators for her annual participation. To Kelly, the people she meets, the new friendships, and the spectacular event each year are her favorite parts of volunteering for the RCA. She remembers how nervous she was her first year participating – how concerned she was that her lack of artistic experience meant no one would purchase the chair she created. But that chair ended up pulling in a lot of money for the WBCC, and her fears were wiped away.
Kelly has been cancer-free for nine years now and has been living her life to the fullest. She has used her time to give back to the community, participating in volunteer work with the American Cancer Society, with the WBCC, with a horse rescue near her, with Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and with those struggling from drug addiction and homelessness. Kelly is truly a person who understands the value of giving part of yourself for the betterment of the world around you. She says that survivorship has taught her to live each moment to its fullest and to never take anything for granted. She knows firsthand the reasons people may be hesitant to volunteer for events such as the RCA: that there may be pervasive fear over judgement or painting skills. Kelly wants you all to be BRAVE. Join the RCA and tell your story. Kelly and others are here to support you.
One last thing Kelly wanted to express was her advice for those struggling with breast cancer: You are stronger than you think you are, so make sure to give yourself enough credit. You can fight this. Never give up. Ask for help because you have resources all around you if you need it. Just ask, because everyone is here to support you in every way you need.
Come see Kelly’s chair this year at the RCA on August 27th. She and nearly a dozen other artists will be coming together as a community to raise money to fight breast cancer. Each chair is a unique work of art that will be up for auction. Join the fight today!
Click here to get your ticket!
