Our Mission
To assist individuals and families with the out-of-pocket costs associated with blood disorders and cancer.
The GK Care Foundation is a component fund of the Community Foundation of Western PA & Eastern OH, a 501(c)3 organization
Thank You!
Thank you to all our donors, volunteers, corporate sponsors and those who help make The GK Care Foundation a success. With your generosity, we are able to distribute funds to individuals and families in need.
The GK Care Foundation operates on a 2% administration fee and is completely volunteer driven so most of the money goes directly to the need.
Event Details
TBD
The Need
For the thousands of people diagnosed every year with life-threatening blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, a cure exists. Every three minutes someone in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukemia.
Some of the out-of-pocket expenses for blood disorders and cancer can be deductibles, co-pays, lost wages for a patient and a spouse, uncovered treatments or medicine, travel for treatment, family lodging, childcare, household help, meals, tolls, fast food and transportation.
Even though effective treatment options are increasing, and in many cases have a cure, the financial impact on an individual or family remains. The bills still need to be paid during an illness.
Submit a NeedAbout GK
Gaylord Kauffman (GK) was born in New Castle, PA in 1942 to Merle and Opal Kauffman. He was a graduate of Wilmington Area High School in Pennsylvania.
His business career included First National Bank (1961-1963), and then moved to the accounting department at Penn Power through 1971. In 1972, he founded Grand Book and Bible retail stores, which he sold in 1995. During that time, Gaylord also held various sales and management positions with a Fortune 500 Insurance company until 2006. In 2006, Gaylord opened an insurance agency with his three children, which is now called BOST Benefits. Gaylord retired in 2016 with over 32 years in the insurance industry.
In February of 2014, Gaylord was diagnosed with a blood disorder that resulted in Leukemia. On August 27th, 2015, Gaylord underwent a stem cell transplant that was 100% successful in eradicating the Leukemia, but his body eventually broke down from the sustained treatment and complications. He was 74 years of age.
Fortunately, Gaylord planned ahead of time for financial loss during such an illness. However, he was keenly aware many individuals and families could not sustain the financial impact of blood disorders and cancer.
Gaylord spent most of his insurance career educating individuals about the importance of having a safety net by purchasing policies that generate cash at the same time of an illness or accident. Through his illness, he personally collected on the policies himself that provided cash when it was needed most.
Before GK's passing there were many sleepless nights where he stayed up and outlined every detail of what is now officially The GK Care Foundation. He created the mission, the vision, a list of potential board members and those he wanted to help. He set a date and location for the first fundraising banquet, who will speak, how to fundraise and a host of other details.
He not only finished well but went the exra mile once again in making a way for individuals and families to be helped through some of the toughest times of their lives.
Why? Because GK Cares. He cared about his faith, he cared about his family and he cared about others.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Event Logistics
- Event Fundraising and Donations
- Foundation Fundraising
- Administration
- Volunteer Coordinator and Communication
- Identifying Community Needs
General Giving Information
By Mail: Checks can be made payable to The GK Care Foundation and mailed to:
The GK Care Foundation C/O BOST Benefits 3009 Wilmington Road, Suite 100 New Castle, PA 16105
Donate OnlineType "GK Care" in the search bar. There are two options you can choose.
- Events - GK Care Foundation (if purchasing tickets to our event)
- GK Care Foundation (for all other giving)
Note - If purchasing tickets to an event, enter the correct ticket price and the number of tickets you are purchasing, and place that amount in the "one-time donation" field. Place the name of the event in the notes section for reference. All online event sales will be held at the door under the name of the purchaser.