The WCA Foundation announced the addition of two new board members Timothy Edborg and Nelson Garifi.

Timothy Edborg is a financial wealth advisor with UBS. Edborg has 25 plus years in the financial services industry. He is the past president of the Rotary Club of Jamestown and the James Prendergast library. He has served on the investment committee of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation for over 20 years, as well as being involved with many other non-profit organizations. He is a graduate of SUNY Jamestown Community College and SUNY Buffalo. Edborg resides in Lakewood, New York with his wife, Lianne, and they have two grown children. Edborg stated, “I am pleased, honored, and humbled to be a part of the WCA Foundation’s board of directors. I look forward to collectively making an impact to patient care at UPMC Chautauqua. Having excellent healthcare, close to home has meant the world to my family.”

Nelson Garifi, a retired administrator at SUNY Jamestown Community College was elected. Garifi has been part of JCC’s administrative team since 1981, and most recently retired as the executive director of academic innovation. He is actively involved with many non-profit organizations where he served as a communications strategist.  He is presently a volunteer with Chautauqua Striders and at the National Comedy Center. He is a graduate of SUNY Jamestown Community College and Saint Bonaventure University.  He is a Jamestown resident, and father to a grown son. Garifi said. “The hospital has played an important role in my life and the lives of family members. I perceive, my board membership will allow me to acknowledge how I have benefited from the hospital’s presence in our community.” Edborg and Garifi will serve a three-year term.

Also elected to the WCA Foundation board officers serving a one-year term, James Pullan, Jr. Chair; Tim Black, vice-chair; James Domagola, treasurer and finance committee chair; Kelly Johnson, Esq., secretary.

Outgoing board members, Wendy Kane, Laura Otander, and Dr. Robert Ungerer were thanked for their nine years of service. “They have each played a pivotal role in the foundation’s operations during their  tenure. We are grateful for their leadership during the foundation’s period of growth,” said board chair, James Pullan, Jr.

The WCA Foundation celebrates 41 years of supporting patient care, providing $10M in grant funds to WCA Hospital, and now UPMC Chautauqua. FMI: To donate or learn more, visit wcafoundationjamestown.org or contact their office located at Jones Health, 51 Glasgow Avenue, Jamestown, New York, 14702-0840, at 716-664-8665.

The WCA Foundation celebrated the 2023 graduates of UPMC Chautauqua’s School of Radiology at their recent commencement ceremonies. Kristin Melville, executive director at the WCA Foundation presented the Murray S. Marsh Outstanding Student Scholarship Award to Courtney Graham. Melville said, “Courtney is a shining example of building collective energy. You can change the workplace, your community, and the world around you when you strive for success for all individuals.”

In addition to the Marsh award, the foundation honored the legacies of Vincent and Kathleen Messina. Vincent Messina was a distinguished graduate from the first graduating class of radiology in 1969. He retired as senior technician after spending 25 years in a profession where he took enormous pride in caring for patients, guiding students and colleagues. After his death, Messina’s wife Kathy, hospital co-workers, and friends from the golf community raised funds to create The Vincent and Katheen Messina Memorial Scholarship Fund at the WCA Foundation. Each year, two students are selected to receive an award of $2,000. The scholarship advances the careers for students who have fulfilled their first year of study and will complete the requirements for graduation in 2024.

Kylee Botticello and Nora Edwards were honored with this year’s Messina scholarship award. Melville said, “The Messina’s believed in their community and in a new generation of health care professionals who will ensure our families will continue to have excellent health care close to home.”

The WCA Foundation celebrates 41 years of supporting patient care, providing $10M in grant funds to WCA Hospital, and now UPMC Chautauqua. FMI: To donate or learn more, visit wcafoundationjamestown.org or contact their office located at Jones Health, 51 Glasgow Avenue, Jamestown, New York, 14702-0840, at 716-664-8665.

Photo Caption Messina Award: Left of Image

l-r Kylee Botticello and Nora Edwards receive the Vincent and Kathleen Memorial Scholarship from Kristin Melville, executive director at the WCA Foundation at the 2023 UPMC Chautauqua School of Radiology Technology Graduation commencement. The scholarship award honors outstanding students who are in their first year of the radiology school and will continue their studies and graduate in 2024.

Photo Caption Marsh Awards: Right of Image

l-r Courtney Graham a 2023 graduate of the UPMC Chautauqua School of Radiology Technology received the Murray S. Marsh Scholarship Award for Outstanding Student from Kristin Melville, executive director at the WCA Foundation. The Marsh scholarship was named after the late Murray S. Marsh who served as the chief operating officer at WCA Hospital. The endowment fund honors outstanding students pursuing careers in radiology and laboratory science with a $500 scholarship.

Photo Slide Show 2023 – Thank you for your Support!

The Shades of Pink Golf Tournament was held on Friday, August 4, at South Hills Country Club. The Shades of Pink Tournament has raised $50,000 in the past eight years and has funded patient care through direct services including mammograms, nurse navigators, vital medical equipment, and prevention and education programs that has helped save lives for those receiving care for breast cancer at UPMC Chautauqua.

The Shades Pink is an endowed fund at the WCA Foundation that grew as a legacy to its founder Anne Sischo and patients beginning their cancer journeys. Anne Sischo was diagnosed in 2015 with Stage 2 breast cancer. Today, Anne is eight years into her survivorship. The tournament is held the first Friday in August. Funds raised support cancer care so patients may access the necessary services and resources during and after care. Part of the funds pay for nurse navigators at UPMC Chautauqua who help guide patients through the process and serve patients through complex therapies including medical, radiation, surgical, and lifestyle changes.  

Kristin Melville, Executive Director at the WCA Foundation said, “A diagnosis of cancer can be life-changing, but fear should not control the care your need to survive and thrive. The Shades of Pink Fund at the WCA Foundation helps to meet immediate needs by navigating the cancer journey and removing the barriers that keep patients from getting the care they need when they need it. Like Anne Sischo’s personal journey, it is about finding the beauty and grace during a challenging time and empowering our community to support those impacted by a cancer diagnosis.”

For those who would like to make a donation to the Shades of Pink, whether a tax-deductible sponsorship, personal donation or a prize to be raffled off the day of the event, contact the WCA Foundation C/O Shades of Pink, Jones Health, 51 Glasgow Avenue, PO Box 840, 14702-0840, Jamestown, NY.,  716.664.8665 or contact Anne and Steve Sischo at 716.664.9871 or 716.665.7873. All sponsorship checks are payable to the WCA foundation C/O Shades of Pink.

Jamestown-The WCA Foundation honored outgoing board members at the foundation’s 41st annual meeting. Kristin Melville, WCA Foundation Executive Director and James Pullan, Jr., Foundation acknowledged Laura Otander, Wendy Kane, and Robert Ungerer, M.D. for nine-years of service to the foundation and the UPMC Chautauqua.

The WCA Foundation celebrates 41 years of supporting patient care, providing $10M in grant funds to WCA Hospital, and now UPMC Chautauqua. FMI: To donate or learn more, visit wcafoundationjamestown.org or contact their office located at Jones Health, 51 Glasgow Avenue, Jamestown, New York, 14702-0840, at 716-664-8665.

Pictured: (L-R) Laura Otander; Kristin Melville, WCA Foundation, Executive Director; Jim Pullan, Jr.; WCA Foundation Board President; Robert Ungerer, MD; and Wendy Kane.

UPMC Chautauqua’s Medical Laboratory School received five new microscopes from the Eaglesome Family Endowment Fund for autoimmune diseases at the WCA Foundation. The funds were distributed through the foundation’s annual grant allocation to UPMC Chautauqua awarded in January.

Kristin Melville, executive director, WCA Foundation, said, “The WCA Foundation is grateful for the endowed funds from the Eaglesome family and to UPMC Chautauqua for identifying important needs that will enrich the learning experience for students and enhance patient-centered care today and into the future.”

The WCA Foundation celebrates 41 years of supporting patient care, providing $10M in grant funds to WCA Hospital, and now UPMC Chautauqua. FMI: To donate or learn more, visit wcafoundationjamestown.org or contact their office located at Jones Health, 51 Glasgow Avenue, Jamestown, New York, 14702-0840, at 716-664-8665. 

###

The WCA Foundation presented a gift of $25,000 for the creation of a 24/7, self-service, Café to UPMC Chautauqua for employees, patients, and visitors.  The new Café is located in the main lobby of UPMC Chautauqua on Foote Avenue.  Guests enjoy a variety of delicious and flavorful food selections that ensure every guest will find a great choice, whether a traditional candy bar, healthy snack or one’s favorite beverage.

Pictured left to right, WCA Foundation board members, Jim Pullan, Jr., board chair; Wendy Kane, secretary; Tim Black, vice chair; Kelly Johnson Esq., board member.  Front left to right receiving the gift, Stephanie Walker-Williams, UPMC Chautauqua manager of patient experience and board member, WCA Foundation; from Kristin Melville, executive director, WCA Foundation.

The WCA Foundation celebrates 41 years of supporting patient care, providing $10M in grant funds to the hospital since the foundation’s inception. FMI: To donate or learn more, visit wcafoundationjamestown.org or contact their office located at Jones Health, 51 Glasgow Avenue, Jamestown, New York, 14702-0840, at 716-664-8665

Buy a Cookie and Create a Smile – May 1-7, 2023  Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign to benefit New Parents and Newborns

What goes best with a cup of Tim Horton’s coffee? A Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie! Each bite of sweetness ensures a fresh beginning for new parents. Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie Campaign raised $5,311 for new parents and newborns at UPMC Chautauqua Women’s and Maternity Care Center during their fall campaign.

Tim Horton’s and the Tarana family have graciously partnered once again with the WCA Foundation to purchase welcome bags for all new parents from May 1-7, 2023.  

Pictured L- R is Kristin Melville, WCA Foundation Executive Director and Blake Tarana, Owner, Tim Horton’s Jamestown, Lakewood and Olean Stores. The WCA Foundation and UPMC Chautauqua is continually grateful for Tim Horton’s support.

The Lakewood Family YMCA presented the WCA Foundation with a check of $1,000 from the proceeds of their Snowflake Pickleball Tournament that was held recently. The funds will benefit UPMC Chautauqua Hillman Cancer Center, in Jamestown.

Pickleball participants and business sponsors who helped raise funds included Hopes Windows Fessenden, Laumer & DeAngelo, PLLC, Kingsview Paving & Excavating, Raymour & Flannigan Furniture, and Weber Knapp.

Presenting the check, (L-R)  Crystal Rodriguez, Intermittent Supervisor Lakewood Family YMCA, Kristin Melville, Executive Director WCA Foundation, and John Barber VP of Operations, Metro Jamestown/Lakewood Family YMCA.

 The WCA Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support patient care at UPMC Chautauqua. To learn how you may support local healthcare: Visit wcafoundationjamestown.org or contact their office located at Jones Health, 51 Glasgow Avenue, Jamestown, New York, 14702-0840, 716-664-8665

Jamestown, NY (Wednesday, April 12, 2023) Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate has been helping families make a home for generations. Stephen Holt, owner, and broker created a $10,000 endowment at the WCA Foundation to benefit new parents and newborns at UPMC Chautauqua Women’s Maternity Care Center.

Celebrating the birth of their daughter and the endowment gift to the hospital, Shawn and Megan Whitmer recently welcomed daughter, Bree, at 6 pounds, 14 ounces. They have waited patiently for this day. Megan said, “It feels surreal. It’s truly a miracle.” Shawn agrees, “We are excited through the roof with happiness.” The Whitmers look forward to bringing Bree home and introducing her to family, and to one special family member, their beloved dog, Abby.

Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate is committed to serving children and families. Stephen Holt said, “Our company and agents are dedicated to giving back to the community where we live and work. We are pleased to support the outstanding care at UPMC Chautauqua Women’s Maternity Care Center whose expert medical care for new families like the Whitmers contributes to healthy communities.”

WCA Foundation, executive director, Kristin Melville, said, “Like the Whitmer family, all new parents and newborns will benefit from this generous endowment; the funds will connect with purpose today, and for future generations. We are incredibly grateful to the Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate team for supporting healthcare in our community and giving new families a strong start.”

The WCA Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support patient care at UPMC Chautauqua. To learn how you may honor a loved through a memorial gift, create an endowment that supports your interests and values, or to become a grateful patient: Visit wcafoundationjamestown.org or contact their office located at Jones Health, 51 Glasgow Avenue, Jamestown, New York, 14702-0840, at 716-664-8665.

Pictured in Photo: L-R, Stephen Holt, owner and broker of Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate; Megan Whitmer, Shawn Whitmer; Melissa Uber, Howard Hanna Holt agent and board member at the WCA Foundation; and center stage, Bree Whitmer.

Cummins Engine employees recently held their Annual Valentine Rose and Candy sale raising $4,900 for the WCA Foundation to distribute to UPMC Chautauqua for cardiac care. Kristin Melville, WCA Foundation Executive Director, said, “We are honored to receive the generous support from Cummins Engine employees for cardiac care during National Heart month. These funds stay local and benefit our families, co-workers, and neighbors. For patients experiencing a cardiac emergency, seconds count and minutes are often too late.”

Pictured L-R, Melissa Rhodes, Logistics Team Member/Materials Safety Rep; Kristin Melville, WCA Foundation Executive Director; and Jennifer Lundmark, Cummins Engine Community Relations Coordinator.