Suzanne Tharpe (pictured) has been chosen as the new Vice President of Development for Gilda’s Club South Florida, an affiliate of the Cancer Support Community (CSC), the world’s largest professionally led cancer support provider. Tharpe will manage the Capital Campaign and general operating funding for the organization, which offers free support programs and services for everyone impacted by cancer. 

“Suzanne brings a depth of knowledge about fundraising and relationship-building to Gilda’s that will bring us to the next level,” says Kim Praitano, CEO of Gilda’s Club South Florida. “With our Capital Campaign now in full swing to facilitate our relocation to our new Gilda’s Clubhouse, Suzanne’s creativity and results-driven experience will be crucial to our success and our mission to provide services to as many as possible.”

Tharpe recently served as Director of Development for WLRN Public Radio and Television and brings vast experience in the nonprofit, corporate and entrepreneurial industries after serving as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, Executive Director of Music Fest Miami and as Director of Business Development for Kaplan University’s School of Graduate Education.

Gilda’s Club was named in honor of comedian Gilda Radner, who died of cancer in 1989. The organization strives to ensure that all people impacted by cancer receive the necessary services and community support needed to help overcome the disease. Gilda’s Capital Campaign aims to raise and provide funding for a new facility that will offer more space for services for cancer patients, survivors, family members, friends and other caregivers.

“Moving to a new 15,000 square-foot clubhouse will give us room to provide all of the services we can to as many people as we can,” Praitano says. “The goal of Gilda’s is that no one should face cancer alone. We help people to improve their health and quality of life — to live longer and to live better. At Gilda’s Club South Florida, we know the community is stronger than cancer. In her new role, Suzanne will help us get that message out.”