Olean General Hospital’s new Outpatient Surgery Center, currently under construction, and an architectural rendering of the center.
Even after her death in 2010 the generosity of long-time Olean resident Mildred Milliman lives on through the fund she created at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation. From that fund 35 local and national nonprofit organizations received grants this month that totaled more than $195,000.
The Olean General Hospital, one of Ms. Milliman’s passions in life, is the lead beneficiary of the Mildred Milliman Fund. The CRCF board of directors approved a grant for $157,794.00 from the fund to the hospital for 2012.
According to Karen Fohl, OGH Vice President for Institutional Advancement, this year’s grant will contribute to the hospital’s latest campaign – the creation of a new Outpatient Surgery Center.
The Olean General Hospital Outpatient Surgery Center is a $10.3 million project consisting of a 15,174 square foot addition and a complete renovation of 6,384 square feet of existing space at 500 Main Street, located across from the hospital’s main campus. A grand opening event is slated for May 2012.
“We are profoundly grateful to ‘Millie,’ as we affectionately called her, for her transformational philanthropy,” Ms. Fohl said. “This state-of-the-art Outpatient Surgery Center will positively impact the care we are able to offer for generations to come. She would be so pleased to know that her investment also helped attract many critically needed surgeons and specialists to our community. She was all about helping others. I only wish she could be here to see what she helped to accomplish.”
Since its establishment in 2001, the Mildred Milliman Fund, which previously was named Anonymous Fund to protect her privacy, has distributed more than $2 million in gifts to the local and national charities named by Ms. Milliman, said CRCF Executive Director Karen Niemic Buchheit.
“Millie was one of our community’s most exceptional philanthropists, ever since she anonymously established a fund with the Community Foundation in 2001,” said Carol Stitt, Community Foundation board president. “Shortly before her death she gave us permission to recognize her generous donation publicly. She truly created a legacy with her fund and the Community Foundation is proud to continue her philanthropic vision.”
The CRCF board last year recognized Ms. Milliman’s lifetime generosity and exceptional philanthropic vision with its Friend of the Foundation award in 2011.
Ms. Milliman’s decision to set up an endowed fund with the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation with a $6 million donation continues to make a permanent difference for more than 30 local and national charitable organizations, according to Ms. Buchheit.
The Mildred Milliman Fund’s annual beneficiaries who also received grants recently include the SPCA in Cattaraugus County, Town of Olean Fire Department, Allegany County SPCA, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the Foundation’s Beautification Fund, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, American Foundation for the Blind, American Heart Association, American Kidney Fund, American Lung Association, American SPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, Blinded Veterans Association, Camp Good Days & Special Times, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Easter Seals, Eastern Paralyzed Veterans, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, HOPE Foundation, Humane Society of U.S., International Fund for Animal Welfare, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Anti-Vivisection Society, National Epilepsy Foundation, National MS Society, National Wildlife Federation, Paralyzed Veterans of America, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and World Wildlife Foundation.
Established in 1995, The Community Foundation is growing good by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in our region. Grants from the foundation support many areas including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service and youth development. To learn more, call, email or visit us online at www.cattfoundation.org
For more information, contact the Community Foundation at (716) 372-4433, email foundation@cattfoundation.org or visit www.cattfoundation.org. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cattfoundation.
By Christopher Michel
Courtesy of Olean Times Herald
For many organizations that benefit the community, sometimes government funding and donations just don’t provide enough support to maintain an adequate level of service.
This is where the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation can come into play.
Formed in 1995, the foundation has helped local philanthropists link up with organizations in need as well as provide the area’s top students with money for college.
“We primarily serve Cattaraugus County, but we do have some funds in Allegany County as well,” said Karen Niemic Buchheit, the foundation’s executive director. “We serve the public in two ways. We give grants to other public non-profits to help them better the community that we live in and we also help donors that want to set up their own funds, like for scholarships or for the arts.”
Currently, the foundation oversees more than 70 different funds, each designated for a specific purpose or cause. Eighteen of the funds are for scholarships. Last year, the foundation awarded $80,000 in new scholarships.
The financial boost the foundation can give other area non-profits comes at a critical time when outside funding is becoming increasingly difficult to come by.
“There are a lot of cuts to state funding. It’s just a fact of life,” Ms. Niemic Buchheit said, pointing to the $3.4 million budget shortfall of the Olean City School District and the recent reductions to the Home Energy Assistance Program and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“There are just more constraints on government budgets now,” added Carol Stitt. Mrs. Stitt is a former executive director of the foundation. She is currently in her seventh year as the president of organization’s board of directors.
“It seems like everybody is getting cuts, and the non-profits are being asked to step up,” Ms. Niemic Buchheit continued. “Most of the non-profits get their money through donation or grants. And the thing that a community foundation can do is step up and help these non-profits bridge that gap.”
She noted that in the last year many area non-profits have requested financial assistance from the community foundation to maintain their level of services.
But the need for support by area charitable organizations, beyond what donations of time and money can provide, date back further than the past few years.
“Long ago, I knew there was a real need for this kind of group here,” Mrs. Stitt said. “We’d hear things from people in the community looking to set up a scholarship or a fund. People do have philanthropic needs, whether it’s setting up a scholarship or creating a fund for a legacy of giving for the future.”
When the foundation formed 16 years ago, its first benefactor was the Allegheny River Trail, Mrs. Stitt said. Since then, the foundation’s base of philanthropists, number of funds and giving programs have steadily increased. Mrs. Stitt attributed the foundation’s growth to awareness of the organization. In addition, she noted that foundation officials also became more aware of the apparent needs in the community.
“I’m not sure that the needs in the community have changed so much as that we’ve become more aware of them,” she said. “As we got into this, we just started hearing more and more.”
Looking ahead to the next year, Ms. Niemic Buchheit and Mrs. Stitt said they and fellow foundation officials plan to bring the organization to “the next level.”
“We’re here not only to give out money, but to also partner with other non-profits in the community and help them with board development, volunteer management and fund raising,” Ms.
Niemic Buchheit said.
“We have a lot of good non-profits in the area, but sometimes they can use a lift,” she said. “And if our community foundation can be a hub for advice and support, I think that will really help.”
“If we can help other not-for-profits in the area become stronger, then we’re helping our community become stronger,” Mrs. Stitt added. “That’s what we’re here to do.”
In the last year, Ms. Niemic Buchheit said the foundation hosted a networking event aimed at helping area non-profits link up with one another.
“We were hoping for 30 or 40 people,” she said. “But we ended up having more than 90.”
Ms. Niemic Buchheit said the community foundation is planning another networking day this year.
In addition, Ms. Niemic Buchheit said the foundation also plans to work on bolstering its asset base so it can continue to fund projects and scholarships.
“It’s somewhat more of the same, but if there are new initiatives that come up we want to be able to provide support for them,” she said.
Sister, transfusion recipient issues call
Article courtesy of the Olean Times Herald
The American Red Cross will hold a special blood drive in memory of Olean resident Rose Pappas from noon to 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Olean Elks Lodge at 209 W. State St. in Olean.
The blood drive is being sponsored by the Rose Pappas Foundation Fund, which was founded by Betty Pappas in memory of her sister.
“My sister, Rosie, was very talented, but never wanted to draw attention to it,” Mrs. Pappas said. “I set up this foundation to serve the purpose that she would have wanted it to — to help people in need.” Rosie passed away 11 years ago from Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow. During her illness, she required regular platelet transfusions.
Mrs. Pappas is also a blood transfusion recipient. About a year and a half ago, she had major surgery that required her to also receive blood transfusions. When asked why she chose to sponsor an American Red Cross Blood Drive, she responded, “Prior to my surgery, I had thought about sponsoring a blood drive. I remember thinking, I wanted to do it before and I never went through with it. I am finally doing what I set out to do.”
Donating blood is a simple act that helps save lives. Blood is an essential component for patient care in area hospitals, and the only source of blood is a healthy, volunteer blood donor Due to hectic holiday schedules, busy travel plans and inclement weather in the Northeast, blood donations can decline during this time of year.
It is the perfect time of year to show your support and give back to the Olean community, as American Red Cross now serves as primary supplier of blood products and services to Olean General Hospital. The Red Cross and Olean General hospital entered into a three year partnership in January, according to officials with the Red Cross. Community Blood Bank was the previous supplier of blood for Olean General Hospital.
During the month of February, all presenting donors are eligible for a chance to keep cozy in an American Red Cross Fleece Jacket. One fleece jacket will be raffled off every day for the entire month. In addition, all donors at this drive will be entered in a drawing for one of three Valentine’s Day prize packages including a $50 Chamber of Commerce gift certificate toward a Valentine’s Day dinner and a dozen roses delivered to the person of their choice.
Members of the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation and Cattaraugus County Arts Council recently met to discuss the Southern Tier Biennial funded by the F. Donald Kenney Endowment at CRCF. Participants included, from left, Karen Fohl, CRCF board member; Courtney Blackmon, CCAC program and grants manager; Karen Niemic Buchheit, CRCF Executive Director; Jeff McMullen, CCAC Vice President; Anne Conroy-Baiter, CCAC Executive Director; Barbara Chew, CRCF board member; and Heather Carroll, CCAC outreach coordinator.
The board of directors of the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation recently awarded $19,483 from the F. Donald Kenney Endowment at the Foundation to support the Cattaraugus County Arts Council’s Southern Tier Biennial solo art show.
According to Executive Director Karen Niemic Buchheit the fund established by the F. Donald Kenney Foundation supports artists in the Southern Tier through the Cattaraugus County Arts Council.
“The Cattaraugus County Arts Council is very grateful to receive funds from the F. Donald Kenney Endowment that will enable us, in collaboration with the Olean Public Library Gallery, to produce a solo show for the 2011 STB Best of Show winner, David Higgins,” said Anne Conroy-Baiter, CCAC Executive Director.
“Along with an honorarium for winning the best of show, David will also receive funds to help cover the costs of producing the show, funds for professional development to further develop his craft, and a catalog of the exhibition,” she noted, adding “David’s solo show, which will open October 6, promises to be vibrant, beautiful, and thought provoking. We’re very excited for the community to experience his body of work.”
The board also approved several grants to other organizations as part of its first quarter grants cycle.
From the Olean City School District Foundation Fund, the board approved $2,050 for transportation for elementary band/orchestra students to attend ensemble practices and $3,896.20 for the Summer STAR program, a summer performing arts program for students in grades 6-12 in conjunction with the Olean Youth Bureau.
Allegany Nordic received a grant of $886.36 from the Allegany Nordic Fund to pay for repairs to Allegany State Park trail grooming equipment.
A grant of $400 from the Rose Pappas Fund was given to the American Red Cross for a blood drive incentive program.
“The Foundation is pleased to provide this round of grants to a varied group of organizations,” Ms. Buchheit said.
Established in 1995, The Community Foundation is growing good by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in our region. Grants from the foundation support many areas including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service and youth development. To learn more, call, email or visit us online at www.cattfoundation.org.
For more information, contact the Community Foundation at (716) 372-4433, email foundation@cattfoundation.org or visit www.cattfoundation.org. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cattfoundation.
Applications for the 2012 scholarships administered by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation are now available. This year’s deadline is April 1.
There are three new scholarships at the Community Foundation this year, according to Karen Niemic Buchheit, CRCF Executive Director. They are:
Ben and Rose Schwabenbauer
• Ben & Rose Schwabenbauer Educational Scholarship – This scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from either Olean High School or Otto-Eldred High School who will be attending a 4-year college. Preference will be given to a student who has a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and/or is in top 25 percent of the graduating class, demonstrates financial need and has a record of community volunteerism. This scholarship was established by Ben and Rose Schwabenbauer, former long-time teachers in the Olean City School District.
Ralph A. Anastasia
• Ralph A. Anastasia Music Scholarship – A special scholarship for this year, this award will benefit an Olean High School graduate of the class of 2012 who intends to pursue a degree in music. It was established in memory of long-time musician and life-long Olean resident Ralph A. Anastasia by his children and grandchildren.
Kaleigh E. Wilday
• Kaleigh E. Wilday Memorial Scholarship – A one-time scholarship for this year, this award will be given to a Cuba-Rushford High School graduate of the class of 2012 in memory of Kaleigh E. Wilday, who would have been a graduate of this class. Established by her parents through the Kaleigh Wilday Endowment Fund.
Last year the board of directors of the Community Foundation awarded 23 students $85,500 in scholarships from 12 different funds along with more than $41,000 for 24 continuing scholarship students, according to Ms. Buchheit.
The Community Foundation is able to offer area students financial assistance to further their education thanks to the tremendous generosity of donors who have established named scholarship funds, said Ms. Buchheit.
She noted that some scholarships target students graduating from specific high schools, some for specific areas of study and others for financial need. Each scholarship is tailored to the donor’s wishes.
Applications are available online at the Community Foundation’s website at www.cattfoundation.org/scholarships, at the Community Foundation’s office and through area high school guidance offices.
The list of available scholarship for 2012 also includes:
• Burt Scholarship – A scholarship awarded to one student each from Olean High, Allegany-Limestone Central, Hinsdale Central and Portville Central schools and based solely on a student’s financial need. Established by the Burt Committee of the First Presbyterian Church of Olean in memory of Dr. Rudy Burt.
• Hinsdale Alumni Association Memorial Scholarship – A $1,000 scholarship for a graduating senior at Hinsdale Central School. Applicants should have an average of 80 percent or higher, demonstrate qualities of good citizenship and good character, and have definite educational goals. Established by the Hinsdale Alumni Association.
• Mohammad & Sakeena Iqbal Health Care Award – A $500 scholarship for a senior graduating from Allegany-Limestone High School, ranked in the top 25 percent of the class, and intending to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the healthcare field. Established by Drs. Ahmad and Naheed Hilal in memory of Dr. Naheed Hilal’s parents.
• Kothari Family Fund Healthcare Scholarship – A $500 scholarship for an Allegany-Limestone senior pursuing a healthcare-related degree. Established by Drs. Ashok and Yogini Kothari as part of the Kothari Family Endowed Fund.
• Pat McGee Nursing Scholarship –Two awards are given each year to students, traditional or nontraditional, in the 57th State Senate district who are pursuing nursing degrees. Students must maintain at least a C average. Students previously receiving the award also can reapply. Established through the Pat McGee Endowment, this fund is named in memory of the former late New York State Senator representing the 57th district.
• John J. Murphy Family Scholarship – A $10,000 scholarship awarded over four years at $2,500 per year. First preference is given to graduating students from Olean, NY, area high schools which include Olean, Allegany-Limestone, Hinsdale and Portville schools and Archbishop Walsh Academy. Second preference is given to high schools in the following communities – Cattaraugus County: Salamanca, Franklinville, Ellicottville, Cattaraugus-Little Valley, West Valley, Randolph and Gowanda; Allegany County: Alfred-Almond, Belfast, Bolivar-Richburg, Cuba-Rushford, Friendship, Richburg, Scio and Wellsville; McKean County (PA): Otto-Eldred, Bradford, Port Allegany and Smethport; and Potter County (PA): Coudersport, Austin and Galeton. Preference also will be given to a student whose family members are employed by or have retired from Dresser-Rand in Olean, NY. Preference will be given for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing, engineering or business. Selection criteria shall include scholastic achievement, school and community participation, demonstrated leadership potential and financial need. Named in honor of John J. “Jack” Murphy, Olean native and former CEO and Chairman of Dresser Industries, this scholarship was established initially through a grant from the Communities Foundation of Texas.
• Olean Business Institute/Daniel McCarthy Scholarship –Awarded to any student from New York or Pennsylvania who currently attends or plans to attend OBI and pursue a degree in business. Students previously receiving the award also may reapply. Given through the generosity of the Catherine M. Cridler Trust and named in honor of one of the founders of OBI.
• Otto/Otto-Eldred Alumni Scholarship – A $500 scholarship for a senior graduating from Otto-Eldred High School who has a GPA of at least 2.75 and be accepted to an accredited 2-year or 4-year school. Preference is given to a student attending a 2-year college, but is also open to those attending a 4-year program. Established by the Otto/Otto-Eldred Alumni Association.
• Mark J. Prockton Memorial Scholarship – A $500 scholarship for graduating a senior from Hamburg High School who has lettered in track and has the highest GPA. Established in memory of Mark J. Prockton, a former New York City School teacher, Hamburg High School alumnus and runner, by his brothers, Gregg and Mike Prockton.
• Norman “Pete” Schussele Scholarship – A $500 scholarship awarded to an Olean High School senior who has maintained an 85 percent or higher grade point average through high school and demonstrates financial need and good character. Established by the family of Norman “Pete” Schussele in his memory.
• Jonathan Teuscher Scholarship – Awarded to a graduate who has faced challenges while maintaining a positive attitude. For each year of continued education, $625 is given for a total of up to $2,500 over 4 years. One scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from each of the following high schools: Allegany-Limestone, Hinsdale Central, Olean High, Portville Central and Archbishop Walsh Academy. Established by Steven and Donna Teuscher in memory of their son, Jonathan.
• JoAnn Wehmeyer English Scholarship – Awarded to an Olean High School senior who intends to pursue a four-year degree, has excellent writing skills and has the potential to make a difference. Include recommendation from English faculty. Established by former students in memory of Mrs.Wehmeyer, who taught English at Olean High School for 42 years.
For more information on the Community Foundation and its funds, visit www.cattfoundation.org, email foundation@cattfoundation.org or call (716) 372-4433. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cattfoundation.
Olean General Hospital’s new Outpatient Surgery Center, currently under construction, and an architectural rendering of the center.
