UTICA, N.Y. — The Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) Foundation’s “This is for You: The Campaign to Transform Healthcare” exceeded its $30 million fundraising goal by raising $30,381,111, the organization announced in a press release.
The campaign helped to advance the building of the Wynn Hospital and supported MVHS’ commitment to strengthening its role as a regional medical teaching campus. Businesses, organizations, foundations, and individuals contributed to the campaign.
“Donors’ confidence in our mission, often reflected in their largest gifts ever, speaks volumes,” Richard Zweifel, char of the MVHS board of directors, said in the release. “They recognize, as we do, the impact that MVHS has on our patients and community. Here, every gift truly counts and propels us toward a healthier future for the Mohawk Valley.”
Linda Romano and Lawrence Gilroy III led the campaign.
“Surpassing the $30 million goal is more than a milestone,” Romano said. “It’s a resounding vote of confidence in our vision and potential. This success is our community’s success and is a testament to what can be accomplished when the community unites for a common cause. When you combine this incredible achievement with the gift from the Wynn Family Foundation, more than $80 million will have been donated to health care at MVHS in just a few years. That is incredible.”
The Wynn Family Foundation donated $50 million to name the hospital about four years ago.
Since launching the campaign in late 2018, MVHS navigated a global pandemic, the closure of two legacy hospitals, and the construction of Wynn Hospital, among other challenges.
“This achievement highlights our ability to attract major investments even in difficult times and demonstrates remarkable resilience and commitment,” Gilroy said. “These philanthropic investments reflect both a clear understanding of our challenges and an unwavering confidence in our potential. Our donors chose to look beyond obstacles, seeing MVHS and the Wynn Hospital as irreplaceable community assets deserving of transformational support, and we are so grateful.”
The successful campaign is just the beginning, Darlene Stromstad, president and CEO of Mohawk Valley Health System, said.
“The success of our campaign lays the foundation for even greater opportunities ahead,” she said. “While celebrating this milestone, we must underscore that it is just the start. We have much more work to do to realize our full potential, and it is essential for us to sustain and expand our services and meet the growing needs of our community for years to come. We believe this is achievable because of the strong show of support and confidence during our campaign. MVHS serves as an indispensable community asset, poised to elevate the health of the Mohawk Valley like no other organization can, both today and tomorrow.”