NIAGARA FALLS, NY – For the 18th time, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) hosts its signature black-tie gala, The Premier, on April 29, 2023, at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. The annual event, which traditionally attracts over 900 guests from Western New York, raises funds for NFMMC and its services. Proceeds from this year’s event will support the construction of a state-of-the-art imaging center to benefit the Niagara region, where cancer rates are among the highest in the state.
Every year, The Premier also honors individuals who have made a lasting impact and continue to make a difference in the Niagara community.
2023 awardees include:
Jeffrey O. Burnett, D.O., F.A.A.F.P., serves as NFMMC’s Program Director for the Family Medicine Residency Program and has been part of NFMMC since 2012.
A graduate of the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Burnett began teaching medical students right after residency and has truly led the way in expanding NFMMC’s residency program. Described as kind and compassionate about teaching, Dr. Burnett truly cares about the future physicians he puts into the world and works to instill knowledge and confidence into them.
Sam & Maralynn Giancola will receive this year’s Nancy Gara Spirit Award. The award honors the memory of Nancy Gara, a banking executive and former NFMMC board member, renowned for her positive attitude and personal commitment to serving the community.
The Giancola/Leone family has built a legacy of bringing joy and smiles to the hallways of NFMCC. Going strong for nearly four decades, Sam & Marylynn and their families continue to serve the community as friends, educators, mentors, and volunteers.
Co-chairing the 2023 event are Dr. Peter and Sheryl Muscarella.
Peter Muscarella II, MD, joined NFMCC as a general surgeon at NFMCC in 2021. Before joining NFMMC, Dr. Muscarella was an Associate Professor of Surgery with Tenure at The Ohio State University and a Professor of Surgery at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Muscarella has co-authored publications and maintains a busy General Surgery practice while remaining active in medical student and PA education.
Sheryl Muscarella is an RN and a valued member of the endoscopy and post-anesthesia care units at NFMCC. With an extensive background in clinical experience in perioperative care, she has worked at several prestigious hospitals, including The Ohio State University Medical Center, Montefiore Medical Center, and Yale University – Greenwich Hospital.
This year’s event will once again be emceed by Maryalice Demler, WGRZ-TV Anchor/Reporter, and will feature headline entertainment Will & The Exclamation.<https://www.samhillbands.com/bands/will_and_the_exclamation> The Atlanta-based 10-piece party band boasts a decade of experience in the events industry, playing some of the most successful fundraisers across the country. Covering popular music that spans various styles and generations, guests should expect a night full of dancing, and dazzling, high-energy performances.
The Premier sells out early every year. For tickets and information on sponsorship and donation opportunities, call 716-278-4604 or email Cynthia.Hyde@nfmmc.org.
