The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation celebrated philanthropy, student achievement and community impact during its 17th annual Friends of the Foundation Luncheon, recognizing Sandy and Connie Wolfinger as the 2026 Friends of the Foundation and honoring this year’s scholarship recipients.
Held at St. Bonaventure University, the annual luncheon brought together donors, community leaders, scholarship fund representatives and students to celebrate the Foundation’s mission of connecting generosity with opportunity throughout the region.
The Friends of the Foundation Award is CRCF’s most prestigious honor, recognizing individuals whose commitment to philanthropy and community service has made a lasting impact across Cattaraugus County. The award recognizes a person or persons who have established one or multiple funds at CRCF; have given generously and consistently over the years; and/or have contributed to the Foundation’s mission of “Growing Good” in the region by giving and volunteering – qualities that have embodied the Wolfinger’s lifetimes of philanthropy.
CRCF Board President Wendy Brand welcomed attendees by thanking the Foundation’s donors and fund advisors for entrusting CRCF to steward their charitable giving and respond to community needs. She also recognized the Foundation’s volunteer board and committee members whose leadership helps guide the organization’s work.
“On behalf of the CRCF board of directors, I am pleased to honor Sandy and Connie Wolfinger,” stated Brand. “It is a joy to have them here today and to have this opportunity to honor them.”
Since establishing the Wolfinger Family Donor Advised Fund and the Connie and Sandy Wolfinger Fund in 2019, the couple has contributed more than $800,000 to the Foundation. Their generosity has already resulted in more than $200,000 in grants supporting organizations and initiatives throughout the region while creating permanent endowments that will continue their philanthropic legacy for generations to come.
Through their funds, the Wolfingers have supported organizations including HomeCare & Hospice, Olean General Hospital, veterans and active military initiatives, beautification efforts in the Village of Cuba and numerous educational opportunities.
For Sandy, giving back has been shaped by his own educational journey. After becoming the first member of his family to graduate from college, he built a successful career in the forestry industry while never losing sight of the opportunities that education created in his own life.
Connie, a Humphrey native and Ellicottville Central School graduate, enjoyed a successful career in real estate, where she developed a specialty in land sales.
“In her real estate career, Connie found a particular niche in the land market – a pretty nice match for a man in the lumber business,” Brand quipped.
Presenting the award, Brand praised the Wolfingers for their lifelong commitment to giving back.
“They have shown us the kind of difference that lifelong service and quiet leadership can make, and we are proud to honor them as our 2026 Friends of the Foundation.”
In his remarks, Sandy acknowledged that while he and Connie are honored, the recognition is humbling.
“Our successes have given the opportunity to donate to communities, schools, churches and a multitude of non-profit community organizations. We know that none of our accomplishments would have been possible without loving, caring parents, family friends and mentors.”
Following the Friends of the Foundation presentation, CRCF Scholarship Committee Chair Shabana Chauhdry recognized this year’s recipients and reflected on the life-changing impact of education.
“This year, our scholarship committee approved 215 new awards for 140 students,” Chauhdry said. “Along with continuing scholarships, the Foundation will distribute more than $386,000 in scholarship support this year.”
She encouraged students to continue serving their communities as they pursue their educational goals, reminding them that many are already making a difference through volunteerism, leadership and service.
As part of the program, Ande Northrup, a graduate of Ellicottville Central School and recipient of the Kristen Hintz Memorial Scholarship, addressed attendees on behalf of the Class of 2026 scholarship recipients before students were individually recognized.
“As I look around the room, I can see all the hard work, resilience and dedication you all embody to be sitting here today,” stated Northrup. “We all have worked tremendously hard for all that we have earned and today is a testament to that. We all should be proud of who we have become and should realize how much we are truly capable of.”
Altogether, 140 students received new scholarship awards this year through donor-established funds managed by CRCF. The scholarships support students pursuing higher education at colleges, universities and technical schools while carrying forward the legacies and values of the donors who created them.
In his closing remarks, CRCF Executive Director Kirk Windus reflected on the relationships that have been built through the Foundation’s work and on the spirit that the Wolfingers have brought to the community.
“When I think about Sandy and Connie, I think about people who simply love sharing what they have with others,” Windus said. “That generosity extends far beyond philanthropy. They have an incredible way of making people feel welcome, investing in their community and creating opportunities for others. They truly embody our mission of Growing Good, and we feel honored to call them Friends of the Foundation.
He also encouraged scholarship recipients to stay connected to their home community and remember that their education is ultimately an investment in the people they will become and the impact they will have on the world around them.
As the luncheon concluded, scholarship recipients stood together for one final recognition – a reminder that the generosity of local donors continues to create opportunities for future generations.
The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation is the area’s supportive, responsive and trusted community foundation. Established in 1994, CRCF is growing good by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in the region. Grants from the foundation support many areas, including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service, and youth development. To learn more, call (716) 301-CRCF (2723), email [email protected], or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org. CRCF is also on Facebook (facebook.com/cattfoundation) and Twitter (@CattFoundation).
