Carney passes the paintbrush to Pilli
LINWOOD — More than 20 years ago, the family of Larry Alper donated a mural at Gilda’s Club in his memory after he lost his battle with colon cancer.
Wife Ronnie Alper and their daughters Lisa and Stacey were present March 29 when the wall was rededicated by Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda’s Club.
Alper was a successful developer in southeastern New Jersey and at one time was one of the owners of Steel Pier in Atlantic City.
The mural depicts the Steel Pier and the boardwalk, providing multiple spaces and ways people can support the organization’s mission to assist anyone affected by cancer completely free of charge.
The wall was designed by Somers Point artist Charlotte Carney to allow for personalization of signs, shop windows and even individual boardwalk planks. For a larger donation, there are the gold plaque, lifeguard boat and dragon boat, rolling chair and other items that can be added to the mural.
“I must say that was one of the most wonderful things I ever did — working with those people — it was really great,” Carney said. “Gilda’s Club is such a worthy philanthropic enterprise and has done so much for cancer victims that it humbles me and I am so grateful that I was able to contribute to that.”
Carney, who has been updating the mural since its inception, passed the brush to an artist with younger eyes, Linwood resident Francesca Pilli, 20, the same evening.
“I would come back with my little table and paint new stuff,” Carney said. “I have given my permission and blessing to someone else to take over the painting of the wall as they want to expand and I think younger eyes, on many levels, will do much better.”
The organization hosted an open house so guests could stop in, meet the artists and check out the artwork, have a sandwich and some snacks and chat with friends.
Jessica Melville, development director, said interest in the mural had waned over the years and they wanted to refresh it after the clubhouse was renovated last fall.
“This wall was created when our clubhouse was in Atlantic City. It has moved several times with us, so whoever installed it had the foresight to not actually paint it on the wall and we were able to take it with us,” Melville said. “We would love it for every week, every month to add new items on there.”
She said donations start at $100 “and the sky’s the limit.” Literally, since for a larger donation a customized hot air balloon or shooting star can be added.
Ronnie Alper said it was “very touching” to have the wall dedicated to her husband rededicated.
“I’m not surprised at how many people came, I’m just thrilled. Hopefully they will continue to support Gilda’s Club,” she said.
“I love it, I think it’s really nice. It’s a fun, creative way for people to honor who they love, something different than just a plaque,” Stacey Alper said.
Eileen Dillon, executive director, said the evening was a success.
“This is a fantastic turnout. We are so excited to be able to show off the community room as well as the entire clubhouse,” she said, noting the organization received a $100,000 grant from Lowe’s last fall and was able to upgrade “all of the parts of the clubhouse that needed help.”
Dillon said CSCNJ provides in-person and virtual programming for cancer patients, their families and loved ones.
“The core of what we do is psychological support groups but we have social events such as seminars, workshops, healthy life events,” she said, noting New Jersey has one of the highest cancer rates in the country. “Until there’s a cure, we are here.”
Other fundraisers by CSCNJ include the Season of Golf at the Jersey Shore raffle coming up next month.
The winner will receive a prize package valued at more than $2,000 that includes six foursomes to local golf courses along with some coveted golf merchandise. Foursomes have been donated by Linwood Country Club, Blue Heron Pines Golf Club, Harbor Pines Golf Club, Greate Bay Country Club and Avalon Golf Club.
Raffle tickets cost $25 each, or five for $100. Tickets can be purchased online at cscnj.org or by calling (609) 926-2699.
The winning ticket is scheduled to be drawn May 17 at Vagabond in Atlantic City. The winner need not be present to receive the prize.
CSCNJ has provided cancer support services to the southern New Jersey community for more than 20 years and has recently expanded its reach to include the entire state.
Support groups are offered in the clubhouse located on New Road in Linwood, AtlantiCare Cancer Center in Egg Harbor Township, Inspira Health in Vineland and Mullica Hill, as well as virtually online.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff