LINKS CHARITY ANNOUNCES RECORD DONATION TO WCA
Jamestown, New York (Wednesday, April 16, 2008)—LINKS Charity Pro-Am Golf Tournament Committee officials announced Friday that the Charity is donating $71,871 to the WCA Hospital Cancer Care Program. The gift, which is the largest in the Charity’s 16-year history, will be used to advance the medical care and treatment of individuals diagnosed with cancer. The charity has donated over $500,000 to cancer support during its fund-raising history. “We are truly overwhelmed by the generosity of LINKS Charity and deeply grateful for this incredible donation,” said Betsy T. Wright, WCA Hospital President/CEO. “Thanks to their charitable contributions, we have been able to enhance the medical care for those diagnosed with cancer and invest in new and expanded programs and services that improve the health and well-being of those we are privileged to serve.”
Funds donated over the past 16 years by the charity have been applied toward the advancement of cancer care at WCA and include: state-of-the-art cancer care medical equipment; prevention and early detection programs; educational materials; low cost mammograms, pap tests, and community wellness screenings; new Computed Tomography (CT) Scan; new MRI, brachytherapy, microwave for the treatment of prostate cancer; Endoscopy equipment; 3D cancer treatment planning sentinel node biopsy; Stereotactic breast biopsy; operating room cysto/urology suite; fixed MRI, laboratory equipment, palliative care renovations; and dollars for recruiting highly-skilled physicians and health care professionals.
“We are very fortunate to have a healthcare facility like WCA in our hometown,” said Mr. Brian Kupchella, Truck-Lite, Inc., President and COO, and principal sponsor of the 2007 charity. “Our volunteers and all of our families, friends, and neighbors rely on WCA Hospital for top-notch care and that is why I am especially pleased to announce this donation which will directly impact the people who live in our community.”
“We are excited for the opportunity to help those diagnosed with cancer to have access to quality care locally,” adds Bradley Van Riper, Truck-Lite, Inc., Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer and LINKS volunteer. “People often feel more comfortable and secure being cared for at home so they will not be separated from family, friends, and familiar surroundings. Our donation helps patients achieve this desire.”
LINKS Charity, established in 1991, was co-founded by Mrs. Mary Blair and Mrs. Sondra Anderson. Their commitment and passion along with benevolent volunteers has realized hundreds of thousands of net proceeds that have benefited the WCA Hospital Cancer Care Program.
“Our 16th annual event was a huge success,” declared Mr. Allen Short, Executive Director of LINKS, who has been a volunteer leader for the charity since its founding. “Building on the tremendous accomplishments of our first LINKS event, we continue to support hundreds of people and their families who are affected by this disease. We are extremely thankful to all of our supporters and sponsors who make this event such a sensational success.”
Pro Sue Ginter joined Sally Scalise, Pam Shay, Grace Byun and Sara Weinstein in winning the Women’s Division in the 2007 LINKS Charity Pro-Am Golf Tournament. The Mixed Division was taken by pro, Donna Wilkins, David Melquist, Bill Evans, Greg Bender and Paul Cessana with a net 57.
The WCA Cancer Care Program of WCA Hospital is dedicated to offering compassionate, state-of-the-art cancer care. The cancer care program is the only comprehensive program in Chautauqua County to hold a prestigious three-year approval with commendation for its Cancer Care Program from the Commission on Cancer (COC) of the American College of Surgeons. The three-year approval with commendation is the result of the hospital’s commitment to integrating clinical excellence, programs and community outreach. WCA is one of only 1,350 programs across the country that has earned approval from the Commission on Cancer. In New York State, only one in four share this prestigious honor.
“LINKS compassion and commitment help us fulfill our mission today and plan for the bright future that tomorrow holds,” said Betsy Wright.
This year’s event will mark the Charity’s 17th anniversary with total proceeds topping $500,000. Major sponsors for the 2008 event includes: Lead Sponsor, Truck-Lite Company, Inc., Major Sponsors, Cummins Inc., United Refining Company.