For their years of giving back to the Greater Olean region, the Cutco Foundation was honored Wednesday at the National Philanthropy Day celebration at Buffalo’s RiverWorks.

The Cutco Foundation was one of nine recipients of philanthropy awards handed out by the WNY Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Accepting the Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation award was Jim Stitt Sr. as representative of his family’s, and Cutco’s, longtime commitment to the region. Other family members on hand at the luncheon were Carol, John, Jim Jr. and Susanna Stitt.

“The Cutco Foundation’s leadership in philanthropy exemplifies what it means to build a stronger, more compassionate community. Their steadfast support of healthcare, education, the arts, and economic development has left an indelible mark on our region,” said Dr. Jeff Gingerich, university president.

“At St. Bonaventure, we are especially grateful for their role in launching transformative academic programs and fostering innovation that will serve generations to come. They don’t just invest in institutions — they invest in people and in the future we’re building together.”

The Cutco Foundation has donated millions to a variety of causes over the years, including arts and culture, children and youth, community development, education and entrepreneurship, healthcare, and human services.

Among the notable recipients of the foundation’s generosity are St. Bonaventure, Jamestown Community College, Olean General Hospital and the YMCA of Olean and Bradford (Pa.).

“Cutco’s support goes far beyond a dollar amount — it’s the way they show up, invest, and believe in the future of this community,” said Steve Jackson, president of the Olean General Hospital Foundation. “Their philanthropy has made a lasting impact on the lives of our patients, the strength of our educational institutions, and the long-term vitality of our region.”

St. Bonaventure, JCC and Olean General nominated the Cutco Foundation for the award. Several representatives from each institution attended the awards luncheon.

“The Foundation believes strongly in building a thriving, well-rounded community — one where both healthcare and education serve as essential pillars,” said Daniel DeMarte, president of JCC.

“Their longstanding support of JCC and SBU is a testament to this belief, reinforcing the importance of academic excellence and opportunity here in our region. The Foundation has been a vital partner in strengthening JCC’s Cattaraugus County campus. Thanks to their support, the campus is now better equipped with modern facilities and more capable of providing financial assistance to local students in need.”

The Western New York Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals advocates for the role philanthropy plays in shaping and supporting our community and offers professional and volunteer fundraisers the opportunity to connect with colleagues, engage in creative thinking, and share best practices.

The roughly 200 members of the chapter represent cultural, educational, health and medical, human service and other not-for-profit institutions.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure is a community committed to transforming the lives of its students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong civic engagement. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #8 for value and #19 overall by U.S. News and World Report (2025).