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Wesco: A POWER-ful Ally for PCS
Flashback to June…It was mere days before Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma (PCS) - a local, 100% volunteer-led, nonprofit organization - was set to host its annual 5K Run/Walk in North Park on June 22, 2024. This run/walk is the largest fundraising event of the year for PCS. Months of planning, preparation, and organization hung in the balance when unforeseen circumstances shut down power to North Park Boathouse, site of the event. Food preparation, a DJ, sound system, restrooms, kids’ activities, and more all needed electricity. This could have been reason to panic, but when good people doing good things for all the right reasons cross paths with other good people, great things happen.
Shortly after learning of this power issue, Dr. Mark Goodman, President of Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma, Dar Wisniewski, PCS Board Secretary, and Mike Rusnak, Wesco Distribution Center Manager, did indeed cross paths at the Wesco CARES Employee Luncheon event which welcomes nonprofit organizations to interact with Wesco employees.
While engaged in conversation with Mike about the mission and efforts of PCS, Mark and Dar shared the developing issues stemming from the lack of power at the run/walk venue. After intently listening to the plight, Mike simply asked, “You do know what we do, right?” And a solution to the power dilemma was born.
Within hours of meeting Mark and Dar, Mike secured a generator. Care was taken to change out the battery and replace the fuel to ensure power was available at 5:00 AM on race day. Mike even went to North Park Boathouse to check that everything was working properly and to lend a hand if needed.
With the incredibly timely support of Wesco, Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma held its most successful 5K Run/Walk fundraiser since its inception. Scorching temperatures and high humidity did not deter volunteers or participants. Over $385,000 was raised! These much needed funds directly support grants awarded to dedicated and exceptional physician researchers in the Pittsburgh region and beyond to continue the vital investigations needed to develop targeted therapies with fewer negative side effects, improve the quality of life and prognoses of those diagnosed with sarcoma, and raise awareness of sarcoma and the need for continued studies to one day find a cure.
Mike Rusnak has been with Wesco for 26 years. He began his career as a temporary employee. Since then, he has held the position of foreman, supervisor, and operations manager - all of which led him to his current role. When asked what he attributes his success to, he says, “There’s a lot of opportunity to learn and do different things here. I’ve had some great mentors, and they’ve given me opportunities to grow and develop throughout my career.” Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma thanks Mike and Wesco for their POWER-ful charitable commitment and community-minded spirit.
For more information about Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma, to become involved as a volunteer or committee member, or to donate in support of its mission, please visit the PCS website at https://www.pittsburghcuresarcoma.org
Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma is a Pennsylvania not-for-profit corporation granted federal tax exempt status under IRC 501(c)(3) effective October 4, 2019. Our EIN is 84-3322815. Our goal is to raise both awareness and resources for sarcoma research. You are receiving this email because you donated or participated in a past or current Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma 5K Run/Walk or Beer Tasting Event. If you do NOT wish to receive these updates, please reply to this email. If you unsubscribe below, you will no longer receive any PCS emails, including participant race day updates or information about future events. Thank you.
