Since inception in 1986, Starflight has made over 8,000 transports for the most critically ill and critically injured patients of the greater Chautauqua County area. This year marks Starflight’s 30 Starflight, Starry Night anniversary. Looking back at how far the program has come, when is a better time to celebrate!

To kick off a summer of celebration, Starflight, Starry Night – a fundraiser and awareness event, will be held at the Chautauqua Suites, located at 215 West Lake Road, in Mayville. The event will take place on Saturday, June 4 at 6 p.m.

Guests will be treated to a social hour starting at 6 p.m., which will include musical entertainment by Jamestown Harmony Express, delicious hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The evening will proceed with opening remarks from Betsy Wright, WCA Hospital president/CEO and Starflight president. A proclamation by state Sen. Catharine Young will follow regarding the importance of the Starflight medevac program to the surrounding rural communities. A gourmet plated dinner provided by the Chautauqua Suites will be served, along with live music from the Southwestern High School Student Chamber Orchestra. Other highlights of the evening include a silent auction, several guest speakers and a helicopter appearance weather permitting. Mo’ Porter, a 4 piece live band and the ultimate party experience will end the evening with the best dance hits.

All event proceeds benefit Starflight, Inc. Flights are being made to help critical patients from the communities of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Warren, Allegany and McKean counties. Without this program, area hospitals would need to find less effective and slower means of transport for these patients in desperate need of urgent care. Technology is constantly changing and the two MD-900 Explorer helicopters are always being upgraded with the latest technological advances to ensure the safest transport for both the patient and crews. To ensure the program is viable for the future, community members are encouraged to contribute to these efforts by purchasing a reservation to the event.

Reservations are a $65 donation for a single guest and $125 donation for a couple. Reservations are required by May 18. For reservations or more information, call Kelly Fiorella at 484-4130 or email Kelly.Fiorella@Starflight.org. Checks can be payable to Starflight, Inc.

Donations for the silent auction will be graciously accepted up until the event and can be dropped off at 28 Maple St., Jamestown.

This event is proudly sponsored by Shults Auto Group, C & R Construction, DFT Communications, Southern Tier Health Care System, Inc., Brookdale of Lakewood, Casella Waste Management, Dunkirk Avionics, LLC., and Dunkirk Aviation Sales & Service, Inc.

For those who are unable to attend but would like to help support the mission of Starflight, Inc., a tax-deductible donation can be made online at www.Starflight.org or by sending a check to P.O. Box 382, Jamestown, N.Y. 14702. Donations can also be made through the WCA Foundation, Betty Sheldon Starflight Fund at 207 Foote Ave. Jamestown, N.Y. 14701. Starflight, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit charitable organization.