The Jerome Foundation

Press release:

The Jerome Foundation and United Memorial Medical Center Foundation are seeking nominations for the Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County.

This will be the 31st year the award has been presented. The first award was presented to Dr. Sydney McLouth in 1982. Award winners for the past four decades have included health care workers, builders, teachers, and many community volunteers.

The award recognizes outstanding men and women whose volunteer efforts have improved the physical, emotional or spiritual well-being of the greater Genesee County area.

“We are fortunate to have many caring and committed volunteers devoted to the sick or to those in need, and helping build a stronger, healthier community for all of us,” says a written statement from Justin Calarco-Smith, president of The Jerome Foundation, and Susie Boyce, president of UMMC Foundation.

They noted Robert Boyce, the 2014 Health and Humanitarian Award recipient, who has devoted considerable time and talent to improving the quality of volunteer ambulance service in LeRoy, in addition to volunteer service on many community boards and organizations.

Nomination forms are available from UMMC Foundation Office at 127 North St., calling 585-344-5300, or online at www.ummc.org.

Organizations or individuals may nominate candidates. Consideration will be given to actual accomplishments achieved through volunteer service and subsequent improvements to quality of life. Nominations should be submitted on or before Sept. 30.

The 2015 award winner will be honored at a luncheon on Friday, Dec. 4, at Terry Hills Restaurant.

Press release:

The Jerome Foundation and United Memorial Medical Center Foundation are seeking nominations for the 30^th annual Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County.

The award recognizes outstanding men and women whose volunteer efforts have improved the physical, emotional or spiritual well-being of the greater Genesee County area.

“We are fortunate to have many caring and committed volunteers devoted to the sick or to those in need, and helping build a stronger, healthier community for all of us,” said Justin Calarco-Smith, president of The Jerome Foundation.

He noted the significant accomplishments of Judith Ridley, the 2013 Health and Humanitarian Award recipient, who volunteers countless hours with the Le Roy Pantry and Help Fund, the Le Roy Volunteer Ambulance, and the Friendship Club at the Greens in Le Roy.

Nomination forms are available from UMMC Foundation office at 127 North St., calling 585-344-5300, or online at www.ummc.org. Organizations or individuals may nominate candidates.

Consideration will be given to actual accomplishments achieved through volunteer service and subsequent improvements to quality of life. Nominations should be submitted on or before Sept. 26.

The 2014 award winner will be honored at a luncheon on Friday, Dec. 5 at Terry Hills Restaurant.

Press release:

The 29th annual Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County will be presented to Judith Ridley of Le Roy on Friday, Dec. 6 at an awards luncheon at Terry Hills Restaurant.  The award presented by The Jerome Foundation and United Memorial Medical Center Foundation recognizes volunteer men and women of Genesee County who have helped promote emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of the area’s residents. Nominations should reflect “ordinary people who reach far beyond themselves to the lives of those in need, bringing hope, care, and friendship, and helping build a stronger, healthier community.”

In naming Judith Ridley for this year’s award, the foundations will recognize her volunteer efforts with the Le Roy Pantry and Help Fund, the Le Roy Volunteer Ambulance, Red Cross, and Friendship Club at the Greens in Le Roy.

Ms. Ridley has been an active volunteer for the Le Roy Pantry and Help fund for 14 years, and Board president for the past five years. She coordinates volunteers, writes grants, and solicits local supermarkets and food banks for donations. In 2012 under Judith’s leadership nearly 19,000 meals were served to 357 households in the Le Roy area. Thanksgiving and Christmas were particularly busy for the Le Roy Pantry, when 100 needy families were provided meals for the holidays. In her nominating letter Dorian Ely, coordinator of Genesee County’s RSVP volunteer program, said, “Although Judy has a strong team of volunteers, the Le Roy Pantry and Help Fund works because of Judy’s exceptional organizational skills, model work ethic, collaborative style and compassion for the neediest in our community.”

Ms. Ridley has also been active in the Le Roy Volunteer Ambulance Fund for 10 years.  She keeps records for the organization, completes forms required by New York State, and other necessary duties to maintain the essential ambulance service. On average, Judith volunteers 30 to 35 hours each week.

At the Greens of Le Roy, Judith regularly helps other members of the Le Roy Friendship Club make items for Camp Good Days and Special Times and for newborns at UMMC.  Judith is also active with the American Red Cross and the First Presbyterian Church of Le Roy, where she has served in various leadership positions. In her nomination letter June Dusen, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, said, “Judy is a woman of faith; she does not judge, shows kindness and respect for all. She works quietly behind the scenes, never seeking recognition.”

The Health and Humanitarian Award luncheon is open to the public. Reservations can be made by contacting United Memorial Medical Center Foundation at 344-5300. Seating will be limited so early reservations are encouraged.

Edward and Beverly Corcoran were honored today by the UMMC Foundation and the Jerome Foundation with the 28th annual Health and Humanitarian Award.

The Corcorans founded and run Stephen’s Table, a soup kitchen that provides lunches six times a week, on average to 30 people a day.

The Corcorans prepare the meal each day. A typical lunch is homemade soup, sandwich, fruit, dessert and beverage. Volunteers help serve the meal. Ed and Beverly spend hours each week visiting local businesses that donate food to Stephen’s Table. Mrs. Corcoran also completes reports and correspondence.

The lunch was held at Terry Hills.

Press release:

The 28^th annual Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County will be presented to Edward and Beverly Corcoran on Friday, Dec. 7, at an awards luncheon at Terry Hills Restaurant.

The award presented by The Jerome Foundation and United Memorial Medical Center Foundation recognizes men and women of Genesee County who have helped promote emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of the area’s residents.

Nominations should reflect “ordinary people who reach far beyond themselves to the lives of those in need, bringing hope, care, and friendship, and helping build a stronger, healthier community.”

In naming the Corcorans for this year’s award, the foundations will recognize their volunteer efforts at organizing and running Stephen’s Table, a soup kitchen that provides lunches six times a week, on average to 30 people a day. Donald Lewis, a volunteer at Stephen’s Table, nominated the Corcorans for the award, citing their dedication to serving the hungry.

“More than 20 years ago Ed and Beverly Corcoran recognized a need in the Batavia area to provide a meal to residents who had inadequate nutritious food. The Batavia Assembly of God Church provided the kitchen and dining room, and Ed and Beverly provided care and concern for those who might be hungry or in need of fellowship. Thus, Stephen’s Table was born.”

The Corcorans prepare the meal each day. A typical lunch is homemade soup, sandwich, fruit, dessert and beverage. Volunteers help serve the meal. However, that is only part of the job. Ed and Beverly spend hours each week visiting local businesses that donate food to Stephen’s Table. Mrs. Corcoran also has the job of completing reports and correspondence to individuals, organizations and church groups who donate food and personnel to help with the food kitchen. 

Mr. Lewis’ nomination included several articles about the growing problem of hunger in this area, and the challenge of feeding those in need. Foodlink, a regional food bank that provides 13 million pounds of food annually to a 10-county service area including Genesee County, has undergone state and federal cutbacks. The Corcorans depend on food from Foodlink, but with less food and more people to serve, the challenge can be daunting. 

Last year Mr. Corcoran volunteered 1,932 hours to serving the needy at Stephen’s Table. Mr. Lewis noted in his nomination letter, “It must be emphasized that Ed and Beverly receive no compensation; their service is totally voluntary. Besides their time, they also contribute their own funds for gas to obtain donations. Their love and concern for the less fortunate in the region has been the driving force behind Stephen’s Table for these past 20 years.”

The Health and Humanitarian Award luncheon is open to the public. Reservations can be made by contacting United Memorial Medical Center Foundation at 344-5300. Seating will be limited so early reservations are encouraged.

Ron Burroughs, one of Genesee County's most tireless volunteers, especially when it comes to his work with Habitat for Humanity, was honored Friday for his efforts.

Burroughs was given the 2010 Health and Humanitarian Award by the Jerome Foundation.

"I can't put it into words," Burroughs chuckled during his acceptance speech. "It's just...I have a hard time comprehending it, really. It seems like there's so many other people out there who deserve it, but they named me...it just floored me."

Ron is a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Batavia, and is directing the construction of a new addition there as well.

(WBTA contributed to this report)

Here's a news release from The Jerome Foundation and the United Memorial Medical Center Foundation.

The 27th annual Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County will be presented to Ronald Burroughs on Friday, Dec. 3 at an awards luncheon at Terry Hills Restaurant.

The award is presented by The Jerome Foundation and United Memorial Medical Center Foundation and recognizes volunteer men and women of Genesee County who have helped promote emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of the area’s residents.

In naming Ronald Burroughs for this year’s award, the foundations recognize his volunteer efforts and leadership with Genesee County Habitat for Humanity. He has served as a board member of the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate, and has been a tireless volunteer -- building and rehabilitating houses so local families can live in clean, decent and stable housing.

Michael Seyfried and Nancy Platt, members of the local Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors, nominated Burroughs for the award, citing his zeal and skill in all phases of the building projects.

“Ron has provided leadership, equipment, professional contacts and 'sweat equity time' for a number of houses in our community, and his vision for such projects has enabled families to acquire affordable housing on their own," Seyfried noted in his nomination.

Platt credited Burroughs with inspiration and leadership in establishing Habitat’s ReStore resale outlet that sells reusable and surplus building materials to the public. Proceeds help the local affiliate fund construction of Habitat homes within Genesee County.

The Health and Humanitarian Award luncheon is open to the public. Reservations can be made by contacting United Memorial Medical Center Foundation at 344-5300. Seating will be limited so early reservations are encouraged.

Ricky Palermo has spent nearly 30 years working tirelessly to help find a cure for spinal-cord injuries.

On Dec. 4, UMMC and the Jerome Foundation will recognize his efforts when he is given the 25th Annual Health and Humanitarian Award at a luncheon at Terry Hills Restaurant in Batavia.

Both foundations are honoring Palermo for three decades as a national research participant, and for his regional advocacy and local fundraising on behalf of curing spinal-cord injuries.

Wes Audsley, CEO of Genesee/Wyoming counties' YMCAs, cited Palermo's tireless efforts to find a cure for spinal-cord injuries when choosing him as a nominee. Palermo was injured 28 years ago in an accident which left him paralyzed from mid-chest down.

"This humble man has contacts and influence in all corners of our community, based solely on the content of his character and the sincerity of his work. Everyone takes Ricky's call, everyone contributes to Ricky's cause, and everyone feels better for the experience of knowing and working with Ricky," said Audsley in a press release.

The Miami Project is the world's most comprehensive spinal-cord injury research center and is based at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. It was the inspiration for Palermo's drive to raise funds and awareness for those with spinal-cord injuries.

In 1997, Palermo and his family started the Ricky Palermo Foundation. Since then, it has raised $500,000 in support of the Miami Project, United Memorial Medical Center and the Genesee/Wyoming counties' YMCAs.

Palermo is a member of the Board of Directors of the Genesee County YMCA, where he has developed an exercise program for those with spinal-cord injuries. His foundation offers free rehabilitative exercise opportunities for people suffering from paralysis, regardless of the level of injury. It also offers counseling and hope, says Audsley. The program is funded by contributions to Palermo's foundation.

The Health and Humanitarian Luncheon is open to the public. Reservations can be made by contacting the United Memorial Medical Center Foundation at 344-5301. Seating will be limited so early reservations are recommended.