The Community Impact Award, funded by the Lockton family, recognizes Associates who exceed expectations in improving their communities through volunteerism and philanthropy. This recognition enables each award recipient to direct a $25,000 donation to a charity of their choice. Julia Klaas earned recognition for her work with Gilda's Club, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emotional and social support to patients battling cancer.

Julia's journey with Gilda's Club began three years ago when a fellow Lockton Associate asked Julia if she would be interested in joining the board. However, the work of Gilda's Club has long been close to her heart.

Gene Wilder founded Gilda's Club to honor his late wife, Gilda Radner, who passed away after battling ovarian cancer. Since then, the organization has evolved into a national network that serves people of all ages by providing social and emotional support, regardless of the type of cancer. Julia found the organization when her sister was battling cancer, sending her resources from the Gilda's Club website up until her passing in 2023.

Julia is on the board of Gilda's Club Kansas City (GCKC), which serves patients in both Kansas and Missouri. However, it is a smaller chapter, leading to challenges with fundraising. This is why Julia chose Gilda's Club to be the beneficiary of Lockton's Community Impact Award. "Lockton's donation provided an important boost. I was honored to be able to do that for the organization," Julia said.

In 2024, Gilda's Club served 2,817 unique patients at its facility in Kansas City, MO, with a total of 6,406 visits. With funds from the Community Impact Award, their goal for 2025 is to serve 3,000 patients.

"One thing about Lockton is that we are encouraged to go out and get involved," Julia said. Last year, she chaired a fundraising auction for the organization and said the support from her Lockton colleagues was unmatched. "I had so many of my colleagues and peers come. I had someone from London who was in town, and even he wanted to come. That is just the spirit of Lockton," she said.

For Julia, her commitment to giving back to her community is an integral part of her identity, and when she joined Lockton, she discovered how closely the company's goals aligned with her core beliefs. "We are encouraged to take extra time to give back to our communities, and I think that is a very unique and special thing," Julia said. She shared that Gilda's Club is even making a difference in the Lockton community. When one of her colleagues called her and asked for information about Gilda's Club, she felt how valuable the organization truly is.

The motto of Gilda's Club is "No one should face cancer alone," and through Julia's work and Lockton's support, she has made a lasting impact, helping the organization uphold that goal.

Julia's work with Gilda's Club has already made a meaningful difference in our community, and she will continue advocating for the organization's goals far into the future. "Even when I'm off the board, I will continue to be engaged and involved in Gilda's Club," Julia said.

A Statement from Gilda's Club Kansas City

"We are so appreciative of Julia and Lockton for this wonderful gift. Funding will enable us to reach more people with a cancer impact in our community through educational workshops, support groups, short-term counseling, healthy lifestyle classes, and mental health resources and referrals, all offered free to participants." Thank you, Julia, for your dedication to making a positive impact in your community and at Lockton.