Dr. Misiti to be honored at gala to benefit Orleans Community Health

Dr. Joseph Misiti (left), Orleans Community Health medical director and General Surgeon, will be the inaugural recipient of the Bowen Award named for George Bowen (right), who was influential in establishing Medina Memorial Hospital.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health Foundation is extremely excited about its second annual gala, which this year will celebrate multiple events.

Megan Johnson, director of the foundation, has announced this year’s gala, Eclipse, will not only take place on the weekend of the rare eclipse, but will honor Dr. Joseph Misiti, a longtime surgeon in the Medina community.

The gala is scheduled at 6 p.m. April 6 at Bent’s Opera House.

“The night promises to be a captivating experience for attendees, featuring a live performance by Something Else Rock Band from Rochester,” according to Johnson. “Their energetic beats are sure to get everyone on their feet.”

The opulent affair will be complemented by appetizers, an open bar and an exclusive silent auction.

A highlight of the event will be the inaugural presentation of the Bowen Award, named for George Bowen who worked tirelessly for 15 years to raise funds and led the effort to bring a fully functioning modern hospital to Medina.

Spearheaded by Bowen, dozens of clubs and organizations held fundraisers to finance the hospital, which was built from 1924 to 1925. Bowen served as president of the board of directors of the hospital until his death in 1945, and was such a familiar figure visiting patients, doctors and even the operating room, so much so that he was fondly referred to as “doctor.”

This new award is a prestigious recognition established to honor outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to Orleans Community Health, Johnson said.

This year, the Bowen Award will be bestowed upon Dr. Joseph Misiti, a home-grown Medina native, who has dedicated his entire career to serving his community as a general surgeon at Orleans Community Health since 1982.

Dr. Misiti received his doctorate at the University of Buffalo and completed his residency at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo. He is also serving as medical director at Orleans Community Health. His exceptional commitment to the hospital and his generous donation of his surgical practice in January 2021 exemplify the spirit of the Bowen Award, Johnson said.

“We are thrilled to host the second annual Orleans Community Health Gala – Eclipse, bringing together our community for an unforgettable evening of celebration and appreciation,” Johnson said. “This year’s event holds particular significance as we introduce the prestigious Bowen Award and proudly present it to Dr. Joseph Misiti, a pillar of our healthcare community.”

Tickets for the gala are now available for purchase and all proceeds will support the continued growth and enhancement of Orleans Community Health services.

For ticket information, sponsorship opportunities and event details, click here.

Orleans Community Health Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support the quality healthcare services provided by Orleans Community Health to the communities it serves. They strive to engage the community in a unified commitment to Orleans Community Health and facilitate financial support to ensure friends and family have quality healthcare close to home, now and long into the future.