Westfair Rides Appoints Two to Board of Directors

Rose Cappa-Rotunno, vice president of institutional advancement at Wartburg, and Robert Heath, retired entrepreneur and business owner, have been appointed to the board of directors at WestFair Rides, President Catherine Wynkoop announced today. In their new roles, Cappa-Rotunno and Heath will provide expertise and guidance to help ensure the organization’s continued success and growth. WestFair Rides helps to meet the medical transportation needs of older adults and provides key aging-in-place information and referral services for older adults and adults with disabilities in Westchester County and beyond.

Wynkoop said the new appointees have the passion needed to drive the organization forward to meet the rising demand for its services.

“We’re fortunate to have these esteemed individuals, with a wealth of experience, join our board of directors,” says Wynkoop. “Their commitment, vision, and experience align perfectly with our goal, which is to ensure that a diverse group of older adults have access to information and services that help them live independently and experience a good quality of life.”

About Rose Cappa-Rotunno

Rose Cappa-Rotunno brings over 30 years of professional fundraising and event planning experience to her new role on WestFair Rides’ board. Prior to joining Wartburg, she served as president and founder of The Event Department, where she produced more than 30 events and fundraising campaigns annually. She and Wynkoop met through their mutual work in aging services in Westchester County and in 2019, Cappa-Rotunno event-produced a fundraising luncheon for WestFair Rides.

“When I was asked to join the board, I didn’t hesitate to get involved,” said Cappa-Rotunno. “Working in the senior care industry, I see first-hand how critical WestFair Rides’ mission is. Many older adults don’t have family nearby to ask for rides to important medical visits. Having WestFair Rides available is like having a lifeline — a good friend to call for help.”

Cappa-Rotunno plans to bring her background and experience to bear on helping WestFair Rides grow. “I’m excited to be a part of their efforts to grow their volunteer base and resources to help serve an even greater number of people in need.”

A longtime Westchester presence, Cappa-Rotunno served in fundraising and development roles at the United Negro College Fund, the American Red Cross, and Pace University. She independently produced the inaugural Westchester Women’s Summit in 2020. She was recognized in 2013 as the Professional Fundraiser of the Year by the Association of Development Officers and in 2016, with a 914Inc. Magazine Women in Business Award. Cappa-Rotunno earned her bachelor’s degree from Pace University.

About Robert Heath

Robert Heath was introduced to WestFair Rides when he was asked to be the auctioneer at its 2020 Fall Harvest Fundraiser. Impressed by how the organization met the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Heath welcomed the opportunity to join the board when asked.

“When COVID hit, they never stopped driving,” he says. “Not only did they fulfill 100 percent of the ride requests they received throughout the pandemic, they nimbly pivoted to take on food pantry and medication deliveries to their members in need. It’s been amazing to see what this small, dedicated team has accomplished. Imagine what’s possible if we can expand support.”

Heath founded The Fibar Group in 1979 as a business supplying surfacing for equestrian facilities, later expanding it to children’s play areas. Over the course of the 40 years he ran the company, he grew its operations to become the leading supplier of playground surfaces in the United States. Heath wants to apply his entrepreneurial thinking and use the business insights gained throughout his career to help expand the reach and awareness of WestFair Rides.

“I’m inspired by Catherine’s leadership and the strong team she has in place,” Heath explains. “Seeing WestFair Rides in action is seeing volunteerism at its best. The organization is really well-positioned to expand its model to serve an aging population urgently in need of its services.”

Heath retired from FIBAR in May 2020. Raised in England and educated at Edinburgh University, he was posted to the USA by Shell Oil in 1968. Among his volunteer commitments are the Music Conservatory of Westchester, which he serves as a trustee and past-chairman. He is also a trustee of Downtown Music in White Plains.

About WestFair Rides

WestFair Rides is a collaborative, nonprofit organization providing medical transportation services for older adults and adults with vision impairments in Westchester County and the region. Daily, its Call Center staff shares information and referrals to services that help people remain independent and live at home longer. Since its founding in 2011, WFR’s dedicated network of volunteer drivers has provided nearly 17,000 rides to medical, dental, and cancer treatment appointments for individuals who might have otherwise foregone critical medical care. WestFair Rides is a leader in helping older adults and adults with disabilities age-in-place. For more information, visit westfairrides.org.