CHICAGO – A new PCMA Foundation scholarship fund for Chris Wehking, Business Events Strategy Executive, American Society of Anesthesiologists, the 2014 PCMA Chairman of the Board of Directors and 2019 PCMA Foundation Lifetime Achievement Honoree, is drawing a lot of industry attention. Wehking died November 28 after battling a lengthy illness. 
Hundreds of industry members have signed up for the Chris Wehking Education Scholarship Fund, whose mission is “to create scholarships for deserving individuals to them to further their education and learnings and continue growing within their careers.”
“Chris took a particular interest in offering the resources and assistance people needed so they could contribute to the best of their ability,” Paul Pomerantz, FACHE, CEO, American Society of Anesthesiologists, said. “Mentorship and career development were core values for Chris. When an individual was struck by a life challenge, an illness, loss of a loved one or damage from a disaster, he was the first to reach out with an offer of support and would enlist others in this effort as well.”
Related. Remembering Chris Wehking, American Society of Anesthesiologists
“Chris Wehking was a consummate professional, a gentle giant in all aspects of his life and a great friend,” Mary Pat Heftman, Vice Chair Exhibitions, Winsight Media, said. “He was generous with his time and always made the person in front of him feel like the most important person in the world. He was a highly respected business events professional and always exhibited and exuberance for life. I am immensely grateful to have served with him on the PCMA Board and also to have been a friend.”
Organizations interested in donating can send a text to 41444. Enter the prefix “WEHKING,” the dollar amount, your first name and last name, and you will receive a link to complete the payment process. Donors outside of the United States can go to foundation.pcma.org/donate and select the option “In Honor of” and type “Chris Wehking.”
PCMA’s goal is to fund 1,000 scholarships for the next generation of business event professional to continuing Chris’ legacy of mentoring and developing young professionals. For more information on donating, contact JoAnn Bedrosian Ryan at jryan@pcma.org
Reach Paul Pomerantz at (847) 825-5586 and Mary Pat Heftman at mheftman@winsightmedia.com
