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Auxiliary to the Health Science Center at Syracuse Wins Anna Williams Oberlander Memorial Achievement Cup

The Auxiliary to the SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse has been awarded the 1999 Anna Williams Oberlander Memorial Achievement Cup by the Syracuse Federation of Women's Clubs (SFWC). Auxiliary co-presidents Debbie Meech of DeWitt and Heidi Smith of Manlius accepted the award on behalf of the Auxiliary at the annual meeting of the SFWC.

"The Oberlander Award recognizes the Auxiliary for its success with the We Have a Little Emergency (WHALE) car seat and sport helmet identification program. Through this program, their efforts most exemplify our own in promoting an active interest in education, civic affairs, and public welfare," said Shirley Ward, chair of the 1999 Oberlander Cup Awards program.

Health Science Center Auxiliary leaders introduced its WHALE program in April 1998. Since then, the Auxiliary has distributed hundreds of WHALE materials to individuals and community organizations. The materials alert firefighters and other emergency personnel to the identity and medical needs of individuals who are unable to communicate due to an accident or other causes. The Auxiliary's WHALE program was recognized in 1998 with a JC Penney Golden Rule Award for outstanding service to the community.

WHALE began as a car seat identification program by the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs. The Auxiliary expanded its program to include a helmet identification component and then worked collaboratively with local fire stations, the Onondaga County Traffic Safety Bureau, WIXT News Channel Nine, as well as several other community agencies to distribute the materials.

The Oberlander Cup, named for Anna Williams Oberlander, has been awarded annually by the SWFC since 1948.

For information about the WHALE program or Auxiliary call (315) 464-5606.

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