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.”
About Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
For the past 125 years, 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.