Heart of Gold: Interview with Rick Galvin
Every season for 6 years now, the Carol Galvin Foundation has put on a NYFW fundraising gala (buy tickets) to help support families affected by cancer. We spoke with founder Rick Galvin about how his very special event came about.
Q: Tell us why you started the Carol Galvin Foundation?
When I was 11 years old I lost my mother to cancer.
On the night of her passing I was to be by her bedside but selfishly decided to stay home. I remember like it was yesterday the feeling of self hate as my brother told me the news. I had let her down on her last day and never got to tell her I loved her.
For years I couldn’t deal with it and needed to find a way to make it up to her, which eventually led me to start this foundation in her name, with the hopes of gaining her forgiveness and having her name known to people who never would get the chance to meet her.
Q: What is the purpose of the foundation?
We do not focus so much on research but on the person who is affected and their family. I believe that raising the spirits of those who are in a fight for their lives is just as important as finding a cure.
raising the spirits of those who are in a fight for their lives is just as important as finding a cure
We run numerous style of events with one being our big NYFW fundraising gala where we raise money that we donate directly to women battling cancer so that they can pay their bills.
We also have them a part of the event, whether it be speaking on stage/performing or just taking in the show. It is done in such a way to make sure they get the rock star treatment and give them a night they will not forget. We hope it energizes them for a long battle.
Q: If you could tell your mom something, what would it be?
That I am sorry for leaving her at her darkest hour, and I hope that she can forgive me. Also, I hope that she is proud of what the foundation has become and what it means to others.
Q: What type of woman was Carol Galvin?
Unfortunately I only got to know her for 11 years, and 3 of them she was sick.
I remember her being a woman who was sweet/kind/caring and strong with very good character. So many bits and pieces; I remember her favorite song being “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young.
her favorite song was “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young
She would have my brother Joe play and sing the song to her while my father would rub her head on the couch. She never showed us her pain and was always there for us when we needed her.
Q: How long have you been doing NYFW events through the foundation?
It has been around 6 years since we have started doing this.
It has brought so much joy and heartache at the same time. I love helping those in need but sometimes running these types of events are very stressful because you want it to not only be helpful to those in need but you also want people who come to enjoy the show and to also understand what our main reason is to doing an event like this.
We want people to support the women and hopefully honor those they lost or remember to tell the people still with them that they love them.
Life is too short to let it go unsaid, even if you do it in your own way.
Q: What is next for the foundation?
We will be holding our NYFW gala on September 6th at The Playboy Club (buy tickets) from 6 pm to 10pm.
We will have many guest celebrity performances and some of today’s up and coming designers showcase their newest lines.
I’m excited to see Auneya who’s designs are described as “Elegant silhouettes mixing vintage & intricately embroidered designs to create a timeless look.” Her designs can be seen at auneya.com.
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With love,
FWO
