BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Josh Allen visited Oishei Children's Hospital Monday to announce a $2,000,017 donation from West Herr Auto Group to the Patricia Allen Fund.
The donation makes history as it is the largest single donation to the fund since it was launched in late 2020.
"But the gift, it's not a small one I'll tell you that," Allen said at Oishei Children's Hospital during the announcement of the donation."
“The gift, is not a small one.”
— Sydni Eure (@SydniEure) October 17, 2022
-Josh Allen
West Herr has gifted $2,000,017 to The Patricia Allen Fund! @WKBW pic.twitter.com/6ltsremFQl
In November 2020, Oishei announced its plan to honor Patricia Allen, Josh Allen's grandmother, after her death in November.
"It was just kind of an act of compassion of fans you know," said Allen. "Trying to make a bad situation better for me and my family."
A plaque honoring West Herr and their donation was also revealed at the announcement.
Drum roll please! @JoshAllenQB and OCH Champion Trevor unveil the new plaque together. @WKBW pic.twitter.com/hB2OFPummG
— Sydni Eure (@SydniEure) October 17, 2022
$750,000 of the donation money has already gone to great use. Scott Bieler, President and CEO of West Herr said a specialized microscope was purchased. He said it will give neurosurgeons at the hospital cutting edge technology. How the remainder of the funds is up to the the hospital.
"They had a good tool, now they got the best in America," said Bieler. "How do you not feel good about that. If your child or your grandchild was having surgery here next week, next month, knowing that she's working with the best equipment that can be bought. That's a bug start for me."
Allegra Jaros, President of Oishei Children's Hospital, said certain departments do not receive funding. She said having the support of Allen and West Herr helps spread the word about how important it is for philanthropic dollars to make their way back into hospitals.
"To help us pay for equipment, to pay for tools and pay for resources that we need in order to take really good care of our communities kids," said Jaros. "It really makes a huge difference for us."
Jaros said she's hoping Allen's involvement will inspire everyone, especially young children, to remember how much it means to give back.
"Most kids, hopefully, don't have to visit this hospital but they know that Josh Allen, their hero thinks it's important so hopefully they understand it is important.
