Philanthropy with a Purpose

Greek philosopher and polymath, Aristotle, rightly noted, “We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; in actions, not in figures on a dial. We should count time by heart throbs as he most lives who thinks most, feels the noblest, and acts the best.”

That salient sentiment seemed to envelop those gathered at the 26th Annual Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Student Scholarship Fund Auction held at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, Pennsylvania on November 9, 2019. The purpose of the mission-driven event is to raise funds that will lift the weight of economic burden from the shoulders of hardworking LECOM scholars. In addition, the fabulous occasion affords LECOM the opportunity to showcase itself to the community and to bring to the greater region an important awareness of the purpose and potential of this magnificent institution. burden has long been a central focus of the LECOM Auction.

Erie community leaders, donors, and patrons indulged in the fine offerings of the silent and live auction that ranged from household goods, artwork, and sports memorabilia to vacations, sporting event tickets, and coveted getaways. The night was a resounding success as the 2019 affair boasted 1,200 guests in attendance who bid on 635 items in total.

More than 30 high-value items graced the live auction block, including a 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SP. The sleek pearl white Eclipse Cross was donated by Interstate Mitsubishi.

Each year, the LECOM Auction attracts community notables, LECOM alumni, and business leaders who recognize LECOM as a significant community asset. teammate, Darryl Talley. The pair graciously participated in a photo booth session and they signed autographs for delighted fans. Buffalo Sabres alumni, René Robert and Andrew Peter also participated in the meet and greet prior to the dinner. Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Louis Lipps was also in attendance.

All proceeds from the Auction benefited the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund and all items available for bidding were donated by individuals and businesses.

With the final contributions almost fully tabulated, the Auction proceeds are projected to garner a record sum of $2 million.

The event this year recorded the largest participation in the history of the LECOM Erie Auction, a fact which demonstrates the profound degree of influence that LECOM has upon the community. The overwhelming response aids LECOM greatly in providing meaningful student scholarships to its deserving scholars.

The 2019 Auction serves as the pinnacle event capping all of the scholarship fundraising efforts that LECOM holds throughout the year across its three campus locations in Erie and Greensburg, Pennsylvania and in Bradenton, Florida.

There is great worth in service and with a genuine keenness and preparedness to serve others one can make equally great victories within any group or community. LECOM has demonstrated that the very eagerness to serve others, as evidenced by the altruistic bidding of the enthusiastic attendees at its 2019 LECOM Erie Auction, will endow so many young men and women with the power and skill necessary for their required service in the calling of medicine.

Suncoast philanthropists, community leaders, and benefactors of all ages attended an extraordinary evening of indulgence on October 19, 2019 as the LECOM Bradenton Student Scholarship Fund Auction hosted its annual event. The affair boasted the largest gathering and the most successful gala to date.

Chaired by LECOM Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Mark Kauffman, DO, and by Communications and Marketing Specialist, Joel Welin, the evening welcomed LECOM notables, including President and CEO, John M. Ferretti, DO, and Provost, Vice President, and Dean of Academic Affairs, Silvia M. Ferretti, DO, who hosted the fundraising festivity at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota Grand Ballroom. enthusiastically anticipated event that provides monies raised to assist the financial needs of matriculating medical students. The overall theme of the night was that of immense pride in the students. Emanating from every supporter and benefactor, sponsor and bidder, whether winning or not, was the palpable sense that the evening entailed philanthropy with a purpose. Each year, LECOM conducts fundraisers for the sole purpose of providing scholarships to its students.

Through these efforts and with the active endorsement of those who attend the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund Auction, students were awarded more than $4 million in scholarship aid during the current academic year. Since the beginning of the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund, deserving students have received more than $37 million.

The LECOM Bradenton Auction boasted the attendance of many distinguished individuals, political leaders, and organization sponsors whose outstanding contributions to the medical community and to the community as a whole make the yearly event possible.

As the largest medical school in the country with campuses in Erie and Greensburg, Pennsylvania, the LECOM facility located in Lakewood Ranch, Florida extends to generations of medical practitioners a dedicated commitment to exceptionalism and to educational distinction.

The cost of a medical school education for future health care practitioners can exceed $250,000. The strain upon students to financially meet this burden while managing the rigors of a demanding and exacting medical program is onerous. The Auction provides critical support and succor to the scholarship recipients; and the delight that they find in being part of the program is ever evident.

LECOM donors recognize that the scholarship fund connotes far more than financial support; it is a gift of the possible for many students, allowing them to realize a dream that otherwise may have remained unfulfilled.

Forty-seven sponsored tables accommodated almost 500 guests who dined and bid. Some of the more interesting items on the auction block included an autographed Lion King animation cell; a special reserve collection of fine wines; limited edition boxing gloves signed by the greats; and a range of stunning jewelry – which included a fabulous, one-of a-kind custom-designed 14-karat yellow-gold copper and diamond pendant; a citrine and fire opal vintage ring; and an 18-karat gold necklace with an ornate cross. Get-away trips and a variety of appealing theme baskets were available to tempt just about everyone.

Eclipsing the gems, the exquisite dinner provided by the Hyatt, and the alluring vacation destinations was the obvious purpose of the night: the future of medicine and the quality of the physicians, pharmacists, and dentists being nurtured by those in attendance. The commitment to excellence that LECOM champions remains unmistakable – and even if, at the close of the evening, those in attendance departed with lighter pocketbook or a thinner billfold, it is without doubt that they left behind more than dollars as they supported and sustained a cause that truly will transform lives.