Submitted Photo Ashley Johnson (third from left), winner of Chautauqua Leadership Network’s Season of Sharing fundraiser, Dave Thomas (far left), past president of CLN, and Justin Hanft (far right), president of CLN, along with Jake Yartz of Wegmans, presents $500 in Wegmans gift cards to Jeffrey Smith of St. Susan’s Center (second from left) to provide items for its food pantry.

This year’s winner of Chautauqua Leadership Network’s Season of Sharing fundraiser is Ashley Johnson of Jamestown Community College.

Johnson picked St. Susan’s Center in Jamestown to receive $500 in Wegmans grocery gift certificates.

“St. Susan’s is a staple of this community. It’s been around since 1984 and I hope to see it stay around for a very long time. Donations are what help keep it alive. As an employee of Jamestown Community College, I’ve been watching Keith Martin, director of Athletics, host the Annual Community Holiday Haul for four years now. I’m so excited that I’ve been given this opportunity to join in on the efforts and donate this Wegmans gift card to St. Susan’s. I know it will help bring a smile to many people’s faces this holiday season,” shared Johnson.

Jeffrey Smith, executive director of St. Susan’s Center, stated, “I have never met Ashley Johnson before, but her kindness and generosity toward the St. Susan Center is a shining example to all of us about the true meaning of Christmas. On behalf of everyone at St. Susan Center, I want to thank Ashley for her gracious and generous donation.”

Last month, radio personality Dennis Webster drew Johnson’s name on the air during Jim Roselle’s WJTN Talk Radio Show.

As the winning ticket holder, Johnson received $500 in Wegmans gift cards for herself plus $500 in gift cards to be donated to a community food pantry of her choice.

Now in its eighth year, the CLN fundraiser helps to raise much-needed funds so CLN can continue its mission of training effective community leaders.

CLN members sell the tickets in the weeks leading up to the drawing. Community-minded Wegmans generously donates a $250 gift card toward the award.

“Chautauqua Leadership Network’s mission is to identify and nurture regional leaders and to provide a framework within which can emerge a network of skilled civic trustees who will help our communities meet the challenges of today and be prepared for the opportunities of tomorrow. What better way to exercise that mission than to have all CLN alumni promote the Annual Season of Sharing fundraiser! This annual fundraiser not only helps to support CLN, but also one of our local community food pantries carry out their great work around the holidays,” stated Justin Hanft, CLN Board president.

Believing the improvement of Chautauqua County is directly linked to the quality of its leadership, Chautauqua Leadership Network helps members develop effective leadership skills for both their place of employment as well as the community. More information is available at www.chautauqualeadership.org.