Miracle Makers: Philip C. Gelsomino, II

Outstanding Commitment by an Individual

Putting the ‘Perk’ in ‘Perkins’

No matter where Philip Gelsomino’s day takes him, he keeps a smile on his face and an upbeat outlook.

A self-proclaimed “people person,” Gelsomino has been a vital part of the children’s hospital family with his support of the annual Gala and golf tournament, as well as with his purchasing much-needed items from the children’s hospital’s Wish List, which directly provides comfort items and medical equipment to patients. He has also purchased two kites sculptures and a bed space for the children’s hospital’s Pediatric Surgical Suite.

Although he has two children now—daughter Sophia, 9, and son Vincenzo, 2—Gelsomino said his interest in Golisano Children’s Hospital began before he became a father. But his interest was strengthened later on, when his family found themselves in need of exceptional health care and Golisano Children’s Hospital came through for them.

“When I found out more about the care provided at the children’s hospital, I said to myself, ‘Wow,’ and it made me want to help even more,” he said.

When he is not busy giving back to his community, Gelsomino enjoys traveling “anywhere, whether it’s to Phoenix, California, Aruba, Florida, or even Buffalo,” and spending time with his two children and his wife, Beverly.

“Anywhere is new and exciting for me because every day is a new day,” he said.

His positive attitude extends into his workplace, as well. As chief executive officer of The Restaurant Group LLC, Gelsomino oversees the construction and daily operations of the Western N.Y. Perkins franchises; this year, Perkins is the presenting sponsor for the 10NBC telethon.

As for the future, Gelsomino looks at each day as another opportunity to meet new people and support the children’s hospital. His latest contribution is naming a procedure room in the soon-to-be-renovated Pediatric Treatment Center, where kids come to receive chemotherapy, blood transfusions, enzyme replacement therapy and many other invasive treatment procedures.

“I view children as our future, and the children’s hospital is something that this community should be very proud of,” he said. “It’s rewarding to be able to have some of the best care in the country right here in our backyard; it’s something we should help keep viable and help grow.”