An unexpected — and much-appreciated — $20,000 donation recently was made to the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority by local entrepreneur, Jason Wolfe.

Wolfe, owner of The Wolfe Companies, who lives in McCandless with his wife and family, made the donation as a way to support the nonprofit.

The donation will go a long way, MFPAA Chief Chris Dell said.

“Mr. Wolfe was encouraged to see his donation benefiting the health care of so many people within his local community. Jason’s decision shows how one kind gesture improves the lives of others, for those he may never even meet,” Dell said. “We will use these funds toward expenses that align with the high-quality care our patients receive.”

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, MFPAA conducts an annual subscription and a capital drive, two fundraisers that support the purchase of critical, lifesaving equipment. Since the EMS agency relies on tax-free donations, the gift by Wolfe has a direct impact on the area, Dell said.

Wolfe has been a resident of McCandless for 19 years.

“I believe in giving back to the community, especially when it comes to safety. Supporting our local EMTs with this donation ensures they have the resources they need to protect and assist others. Investing in their equipment and training means investing in the well-being of everyone in our community,” Wolfe said.

In Pennsylvania and nationwide, EMS providers have been facing economic struggles with budget shortfalls as health care costs increase. MFPAA only receives reimbursement of 60%, on average, for ambulance bills, and 39% of its 911 responses are nonbillable, according to Dell.

The team at MFPAA said the donation was unexpected.

“We were definitely pleasantly surprised by his generosity,” said Michael Wholihan, financial coordinator and an EMT for MFPAA.

In 2024, MFPAA responded to more than 9,000 EMS-related 911 calls, which averages to more than 20 calls per day. Established in 1977, MFPAA services 64 square miles with approximately 71,000 residents in the communities of McCandless, Franklin Park, Bradford Woods, Pine and Marshall.

In an effort to improve operations and medical care, MFPPA earned national accreditation last year via the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services. There are more than 18,000 EMS agencies nationwide. MFPAA is one of only 186 EMS agencies to have received this distinguished recognition, according to Dell.

For those who want to learn more about the organization, the MFPAA will have an open house from noon to 3 p.m. May 18 at its headquarters at 9925 Grubbs Road, McCandless. All are welcome to attend, Wholihan said.

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