UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital Residents Hold Raffle for Annual Peoples Oakland Fundraiser
Every year, the UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital (WPH) residents hold a Kickball Classic Fundraiser to benefit Peoples Oakland, a recovery and wellness center for people living with serious, persistent mental illness and co-occurring disorders. This year, social action chair Emily Smith, MD (PGY3), reimagined the fundraiser, allowing participants to give back to the community through virtual participation. “Unfortunately, due to the pandemic we felt like it was too risky to hold an in-person event, but we still wanted to do what we could to support Peoples Oakland,” she said.
Dr. Smith organized a raffle for donated items including restaurant gift cards, and baskets of gourmet food, wine and baked goods. These generous donations allowed enthusiastic raffle participants to raise nearly $1,000 for Peoples Oakland! Thanks to the WPH residents and all who helped support this important community organization even—and especially—during a particularly challenging time.