Halfway Charity Gala raises money for Make-A-Wish Foundation of WNY

Pharmacy students presenting donation check at 2023 Halfway Gala.

Left to right are Harris Milanovic, PharmD’24, SPSA president, Raelea Derylak, PharmD’25, Class of 2025 president, Kaitlyn Healy, PharmD’25, Class of 2025 vice president, Nicole Siwarski, PharmD’25, Class of 2025 curriculum coordinator, Jodie Antoniadis, Manager, Development, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro and Western New York, Gustavo Gonzalez, PharmD’25, Class of 2025 treasurer.

By Samantha Rzeszut

Published February 16, 2023

The UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Halfway Charity Gala was held on Saturday, Feb. 11, at The Admiral Room in downtown Buffalo.

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“As future healthcare professionals, we wanted to help support a cause that can help give hope during hard times. We have seen firsthand the toll that critical illnesses can take on patients and their families, and we wanted to have the opportunity to spread some joy within our Buffalo community. ”
Kaitlyn Healy, PharmD’25, Class of 2025 president
University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

This annual event raises money for a charity chosen by the second year PharmD class. This year, the Class of 2025 chose the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western New York (WNY) to receive the $1,500 raised.

“All the proceeds raised from the Halfway Gala will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of WNY,” says Kaitlyn Healy, PharmD’25, Class of 2025 president. “Make-A-Wish works to create once in a lifetime memories for children with critical illnesses. All funds donated to Make-A-Wish WNY stay within the Western New York area and will go directly towards wishes for children in our community.”

Over 150 people attended the event, including Jodie Antoniadis, Manager, Development, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro and Western New York. The theme of the gala was a masquerade and guests enjoyed a basket raffle, DJ and photobooth.

“Supporting Make-A-Wish means a lot to us,” adds Healy. “As future healthcare professionals, we wanted to help support a cause that can help give hope during hard times. We have seen firsthand the toll that critical illnesses can take on patients and their families, and we wanted to have the opportunity to spread some joy within our Buffalo community.” 

For over 135 years, the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has continually been a leader in the education of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, renowned for innovation in clinical practice and research. The school is accredited by the American Council of Pharmaceutical Education and is the No. 1 ranked school of pharmacy in New York State and No. 14 in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.