The Seneca Nation and The Seneca Gaming Corporation’s Role in Transforming Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center
By Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center
The Seneca Nation and the Seneca Gaming Corporation (SGC) understand that investing in the health of a community ensures a brighter future and a stronger, more resilient community. Their contributions continue to ripple through every corner of Western New York, like a force multiplier, amplifying their positive influence on our region and its residents.
The Seneca Nation and Seneca Gaming Corporation have been a cornerstone of support for Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) for the past 20 years. Their unwavering commitment to our mission has been transformative, enabling us to provide the highest quality healthcare to the people of Niagara County and beyond. The 99H Seneca Gaming Compact, in which Memorial participates as a funding recipient, has enabled Memorial to make meaningful infrastructure investments in our Tenth Street campus, including two new inpatient behavioral health centers, a new dialysis center, the Golisano Oncology Center in partnership with Roswell Park, an inpatient cardiac/stroke center, and cutting-edge imaging upgrades, including the recent installation of a state-of-the-art 3T MRI and cardiac diagnosis equipment.
Niagara Falls has faced its share of challenges over the years, but one thing has never wavered: the strength of its community. From tight-knit neighborhoods to staunch supporters who show up every time there is a need, this city embodies resilience. Partnerships like the one we share with SGC have been instrumental in helping us overcome so many of these challenges and build a brighter future together.
This year marks two decades of partnership with the Seneca Nation and SGC, highlighted by their generous sponsorship of our Premier Gala—an event that has become one of the most anticipated celebrations in Western New York. The 2025 Gala was truly exceptional, a testament to the unparalleled excellence of the SGC team.
From valet parking and seamless hotel check-in to an exquisite dinner service and world-class entertainment, every detail reflected their dedication to creating an unforgettable experience. Under the expert leadership of SGC President & CEO Kevin Nephew and Operations Manager Chris “Coop” Cooper, who has collaborated with us for 17 years, the entertainment and staging rivaled a Vegas performance, leaving over 750 guests in awe.
The funds raised through the Gala, made possible in part by SGC’s support, will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of countless individuals and families. As the only full-service hospital in Niagara County, we serve not only as a vital safety net for the underserved but also as a provider of cutting-edge medical technology and exceptional care for all of Niagara County. It is partners like the Seneca Nation and Seneca Gaming Corporation who make this possible, and we are deeply grateful for their unwavering support.
On behalf of NFMMC, our staff, and the thousands of patients we serve each year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Seneca Nation and SGC. Thank you for being our partners in building a brighter future for Niagara Falls and Western New York.
As the new Gaming Pact is framed and finalized, it is vital that NFMMC continue to be included as a funding recipient. We remain confident that the Seneca Nation and New York State will agree.
Signed:
Joseph A. Ruffolo,
President & CEO, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center
