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Jamie Billquist, left, is pictured Sunday with Matt Ehrman in what has become their traditional Thanksgiving garb. More than 500 meals have been donated to local families at the holidays.
Submitted photo
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Pictured are some of the items that were donated last Sunday.
Submitted photo
Jamie Billquist, left, is pictured Sunday with Matt Ehrman in what has become their traditional Thanksgiving garb. More than 500 meals have been donated to local families at the holidays.
Submitted photo
For several years now, Jamie Billquist and a bevy of supporters have made sure local families in need have food on the table on Thanksgiving. The annual holiday giveaway is part of Billquist’s overall mission to honor his late wife and to give back to the community.
“These last six years have been helpful to me to be able to help so many families in need in memory of Rosemary,” Billquist told The Post-Journal this week. “I’ve met so many good-hearted people willing to help out.”
Rosemary “Rosie” Billquist died six years ago today outside her home in Sherman while walking her dogs. At the time of her death, she was a volunteer with Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care and worked at UPMC Chautauqua.
Since that evening on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017, the Rosemary Billquist Memorial Fund has been established through the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. The fund’s mission is to “support organizations and causes that were closest to her heart,” the foundation said.
Each year, money collected between fundraisers and other activities are split between the Chautauqua County Humane Society, Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care and Southern Tier Kidney Association.
Pictured are some of the items that were donated last Sunday.
Submitted photo
“So many people have come to our two events every year,” Billquist said of the fundraisers – Rosie’s Run in Sherman and a popular golf tournament. “If it wasn’t for them, we couldn’t do what we do. I hope to carry on as long as I can to keep her memory alive as long as people keep coming to the events.”
On Sunday, Billquist and friend Matt Ehrman again handed out 100 turkeys and other Thanksgiving staples. As in previous years, Dave and Addie Waller with Save-A-Lot provided much of the food.
To date, hundreds of families in need have been supported by the giveaway and through the Rosemary Billquist Memorial Fund.
“I know she would be proud of everything I’ve done and also all the volunteers who have always been there to help with everything,” Billquist said. “She was an amazing person who touched a lot of people’s lives in the short time she was here. She gave me 27 awesome years together – I’ll never forget.”
He added, “I would just like to thank everyone who has been there, not only for me, but who have helped me keep her memory alive.”
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