ECMC 'Springfest Gala' celebrates caregivers

WNY’s largest not-for-profit gala raises over $1 million for lifesaving care; honors ECMC health care professionals

Erie County Medical Center Press Release

Erie County Medical Center Corp. and ECMC Foundation, on Saturday, June 1, presented “Springfest Gala 2024,” the largest not-for-profit gala in Western New York, which drew over 1,800 guests from the business, medical and ECMC communities for an evening of entertainment, fine dining, and celebration. “Springfest 2024” raised $1.2 million this year to benefit lifesaving medical services at ECMC.

During “Springfest Gala 2024,” presented by the Buffalo Bills, Michael R. Cummings, M.D., was recognized as the Distinguished Physician Honoree. Cummings is associate medical director for ECMC Corp.; assistant professor and vice chair, department of psychiatry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; medical director, APIC Program; and medical director, NYSTART Regions 1, 2, and 4 (Brooklyn/Staten Island).

Jillian M. Sauer, B.S.N., R.N., C.M.S.R.N., medical-surgical unit manager for ECMC, was recognized as the Distinguished Nursing Honoree.

Thomas J. Quatroche Jr., Ph.D., president and CEO, ECMC Corp., said, “We are always humbled by the outpouring of support for our ECMC caregivers and the lifesaving care they deliver every day. It is always a fun night, but also a special evening as we honor caregivers and hear patient stories of hope and healing. We thank our generous sponsors and the almost 2,000 attendees who together raised $1.2 million to advance our mission.”

Ronald A. Raccuia, chair, ECMC Foundation, said, “We were pleased to come together this year to celebrate ECMC’s remarkable caregivers. We honored two individuals for their tremendous contributions; we are fortunate to have such skilled, talented clinicians caring for the residents of our community. For over 100 years, ECMC has stood as a beacon of hope and healing in Western New York, and ECMC Foundation is pleased to play a supporting role in the continuing success of one of our region’s greatest health care assets.”

The evening also featured an inspiring, moving ECMC patient presentation from Ben Richard of Grand Island who was seriously injured in a car accident in 2020. Joined on stage by his parents, Jeff and Deena, Ben recounted the high-quality, compassionate care he received at ECMC throughout his recovery from the emergency department, trauma intensive care unit, medical-surgical services and rehabilitation.

All proceeds from the evening benefit the lifesaving medical services of ECMC that have been accredited and honored by a wide variety of national third-party organizations including the Joint Commission, which provided ECMC its Gold Seal of Approval for quality services and patient safety.

“Springfest Gala 2024” was proudly presented by the Buffalo Bills. Other major sponsors included: Platinum sponsors: Pepsi, Apogee Physicians, UBMD Emergency Medicine, Reeds-Jenss; entertainment sponsor: Russell’s Steaks Chops & More; hotel sponsor: Hyatt; Floral sponsor: Tops Friendly Markets; gold sponsors: Rich’s, M&T Bank, Tom and Jodi Quatroche, Kaleida Health, CORE BTS, and Seneca Diabetes Foundation.