Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) recently held its ninth-annual, campuswide talent show to raise money for Make-A-Wish® Philadelphia, Northern Delaware & Susquehanna Valley. Since 2007, the event has raised more than $45,000 in support of local children’s wishes, and has impacted the lives of nine area children and their families.
Part talent show, part auction, students and faculty showcased their unique talents—from singing to dancing to cooking—and attendees “bid” on each talent, to raise money for this worthy cause. Money was also raised through ticket sales and raffles.
The event that garnered the highest bid this year was a skit performed by Michael McGuinness, PhD, professor, anatomy, and his daughter, which raised nearly $550. All told, the event raised nearly $5000.
“We enjoy holding this event each year,” said Marci Fults (DO ’18), president of the Robert Berger Pediatrics Society, the student organization that sponsored and organized the event. “It brings the entire campus together to raise money for a wonderful cause, and helps children in need achieve their wishes.”
Other acts included performances by The Pulmonics, PCOM’s a cappella group, and the student rock band Funky Flames of Knowledge; a duet with Lauren Noto-Bell, DO, assistant professor, OMM, and Evan Nicholas, DO, associate professor, OMM; a “jib-jab” created by Denah Appelt, PhD, professor, neuroscience, physiology and pharmacology; and a cooking segment with Kerin Claeson, PhD, assistant professor, anatomy.
Prior to the performances, Ashley Broaddus, a beneficiary of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, shared how donations like the one PCOM makes helped her realize her dream of becoming a fashion designer. Lorrie-Beth Kryzanowski, events manager for Make-A-Wish, then presented a plaque to the Pediatrics Society for their continued support of the foundation.
“We are so fortunate to have the wonderful students at PCOM continue to coordinate, plan and execute this unique fundraiser,” said Ms. Kryzanowski. “The dedication, time, support and talent of the PCOM students and professors are absolutely amazing. They are the reason that wishes like Ashley’s continue to be granted. The students and faculty at PCOM are true heroes.”
See a video of the event here.
Established in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
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