SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The executive director of Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital says the recent $10 million donation from Rochester businessman Thomas Golisano is “magical” for what it means for its future. “Tom has been with us every step of the way in our journey to provide the best care for our kids,” Dr. Gregory Conners, […]
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The executive director of Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital says the recent $10 million donation from Rochester businessman Thomas Golisano is “magical” for what it means for its future. “Tom has been with us every step of the way in our journey to provide the best care for our kids,” Dr. Gregory Conners, who also serves chair of pediatrics, said in a statement from Upstate Medical University. “The Golisano name is synonymous with great pediatric care, and I cannot thank him enough for his support.” Golisano also provided the $6 million naming gift for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital before it opened in September 2009. The Syracuse facility is among 82 upstate nonprofit organizations that Golisano named as recipients of a total of $360 million in funding.
Golisano announced the funding awards on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in Rochester. Golisano — entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader — is the founder of Paychex, Inc., the nation’s largest human-resource company for small to medium-sized businesses, providing human-capital management services for payroll, benefits, human resources, and insurance services for more than 745,000 clients in the U.S. and Europe. “We’re grateful to Tom Golisano and his caring heart and generosity that has helped Upstate improve the lives of many children through our facilities and services that bear his name,” Dr. Mantosh Dewan, president of Upstate Medical University, said. “He has helped us transform medical care for children through this region and elsewhere. How fitting that this latest gift from Tom comes as we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the opening of Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. On behalf of the children, their parents and our staff, thank you.” Eileen Pezzi, VP for development at Upstate, added her appreciation. “Tom’s beneficence is boundless,” Pezzi said in the Upstate announcement. “His yearslong investment in Upstate and the children of Central New York speaks volumes about his commitment to this region and its people. Tom cannot help but think big, as he wants to help so many. Thank you, Tom, for thinking big.” Pezzi attended Golisano’s announcement in Rochester Sept. 17 with Upstate Foundation board chair Rita Reicher.