Mental Health Association Executive Director Steven Cobb and Jamie Billquist hold a check from Rosie’s Run, the annual 5K run/walk in memory of Rosemary “Rosie” Billquist. The donation is for supplies at the new warming center in Jamestown’s Gateway Center. Submitted photo

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

Those words that Rosemary “Rosie” Billquist lived by are now the motto for the annual Rosie’s Run in her memory.

That kindness was shown in the $800 donation from the Run for Rosie that her husband, Jamie Billquist, made for the warming center recently opened by the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA).

“We are so grateful for the generous contribution from Rosie’s Run to support this new program,” said Steven Cobb, MHA executive director. “It is absolutely heartwarming on our frigid nights to know that we now have a shelter for some of our citizens who have no place to call home, where they can have a hot meal and sleep safely in a warm bed. ”

A marathon runner, triathlete, community volunteer and animal lover, Rosemary Billquist was a native and resident of Sherman whose life ended unexpectedly in November 2017.

Rosie worked at WCA Hospital/UPMC Chautauqua for 25 years. Jamie explained that her concern for patients who stood waiting for their rides after dialysis led Rosie to put a bench there, labeling it with her motto. Later, hospital staff placed a similar bench in her honor outside the emergency room.

The next Rosie’s Run 5K run/walk is Sunday, June 4, 2023, in Sherman. All proceeds benefit the memorial fund that helps Hospice, the Southern Tier Kidney Foundation, the Chautauqua County Humane Society, and other community needs. An annual August golf tournament also supports the fund.

The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County is a peer recovery center offering support groups and individual coaching for people looking to improve their lives, deepen wellness, thrive in recovery, or support those on a recovery path. Peers use their personal stories to help people find recovery in their own lives in their own way.

Anyone with questions or in need of services for themselves or a family member is welcome to call or stop in at the Jamestown recovery center at Door 14 in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water Street. It is open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The north county recovery center at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle St., Dunkirk, is now open Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesdays until 6:30.

To learn more about the Mental Health Association, call 716-661-9044 or visit MHAChautauqua.org or facebook.com/MHAChautauqua. A schedule with descriptions of all groups and classes is at MHAchautauqua.org/groups.