ECMC 'Springfest' celebrates caregivers

WNY’s largest not-for-profit gala raises over $1.2 million for lifesaving care; honors ECMC health care professionals

Erie County Medical Center Press Release & Photos

Erie County Medical Center Corp. and ECMC Foundation, on Saturday, May 10, presented “Springfest Gala 2025,” the largest not-for-profit gala in Western New York, which drew 1,800 attendees from the business, medical and ECMC communities for an evening of entertainment, fine dining and celebration. “Springfest” raised $1.2 million to benefit lifesaving medical services at ECMC.

During “Springfest,” presented by the Buffalo Bills, Jennifer L. Pugh, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.E.P., was recognized as the distinguished physician honoree. Pugh is chief of emergency medicine at ECMC Corp., immediate past president of the ECMC medical staff, and an assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Jacobs School of Medicine. Thameena Z. Hunter, M.S., R.N., C.C.I.S.M., director system health and safety for ECMC Corp., was recognized as the distinguished nursing honoree. Susan M. Gonzalez, immediate past executive director for the ECMC Foundation, was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award.

ECMC “Springfest” distinguished honorees include, from left: Jennifer L. Pugh, Susan M. Gonzalez and Thameena Z. Hunter. (Submitted photo)

••••••••

Thomas J. Quatroche Jr., Ph.D., president and CEO of ECMC Corp., said, “The support our community provides to ECMC through events such as ‘Springfest’ and other opportunities is humbling and very gratifying. Every day our caregivers do everything they can to provide high-quality health care services to the residents of our region – from the most vulnerable to the most influential. This annual special event, a fun and entertaining evening for the 1,800 attendees – including 500 members of our ECMC family – is yet another way to highlight the dedication, kindness and compassion of our caregivers. We thank our generous sponsors and supporters from throughout Western New York who, together, raised $1.2 million to advance our mission.”

Jonathan A. Dandes, chair of ECMC “Springfest,” said, “What a wonderful celebration for our honorees and the ECMC family. All three of our honorees have helped improve patient care in our region and continue to be leaders in the community. The steadfast support from our sponsors and guests makes a direct impact to services offered at ECMC.

“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 institutions.”

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.