Ellicottville, NY – Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, hosted the 2^nd Annual Pulse of the Community Gala on Friday, September 20 at Holiday Valley Main Lodge.

            The black-tie event was presented by the Bradford Hospital Foundation and Olean General Hospital Foundation to unite both communities to improve cancer care services in the region. The event raised a total of $203,845 for both hospital campuses in support of cancer care services. The money generated from the campaign will be used towards the purchase of a new linear accelerator, the key equipment for radiation medicine, a regional service, located in Olean and access to 3D mammography on the Bradford campus.

            “Our communities are very fortunate to have high-quality, local cancer care services right here close to home. Having medical oncology and radiation oncology not only saves travel time for cancer care patients to receive treatments but, also provides them with a sense of comfort knowing that their care is provided by fellow community members, neighbors, or friends,” said Stacy Williams, executive director, Bradford Hospital Foundation. “Our partnership as a Roswell Park Care Network member has continued to play an important role in the care we provide our patients and gives our physicians and staff access to resources not found in other rural communities. For those who united to support our gala, you have played an integral role in our continued success at our radiation oncology and medical oncology sites at both hospitals.”

            The gala started at 5 p.m. with over 160 community members, physicians, nurses, and board members in attendance. The night promised a strolling agenda that included entertainment, endless hors d’oeuvres, special recognition of Golden Stethoscope and Nightingale awardees, and a video highlighting several patient testimonials who received cancer care locally.

            “We saw great success in two key areas. First, community members gathered together, fostering connections and strengthening relationships that align with our mission. Second, from an operational standpoint, the event not only ran smoothly because of key staff, but also met our financial goals, ensuring continued philanthropic support for advancing our mission,” added Steve Jackson, president, Olean General Hospital Foundation. “I’m not surprised to see the support of our donors on both sides of the border. BRMC and OGH are blessed to have the support of their communities and them uniting for a cause that affects so many.”

            Closing the night was a $10,000 diamond pendant giveaway that was donated by ADJ ASK Design Jewelers. All ticket purchases included an entry in the diamond giveaway. Blaire Christjohn was this year’s lucky diamond giveaway winner.

            “The pulse of the community gala is just the beginning of an expansive campaign that will entirely transform what cancer care looks like in our communities on both sides of the border,” continued Jackson.

             The 3^rd Annual Pulse of the Community Gala is scheduled for Friday, September 19, 2025 at Holiday Valley. More information will be available at www.brmc-ogh.org in the coming months.

            “Thank you to our sponsors, community, board members, hospital leadership, physician, nurses, and staff for your continued support. By uniting together, we can continue to make a positive impact on health care in our communities,” added Williams.