Rochester, NY - B. Thomas Golisano announced Tuesday he is awarding $20 million to Rochester Regional Health (RRH), one part of a larger $360 million donation to dozens of nonprofit organizations across upstate New York. The Paychex founder and longtime philanthropist, made the announcement in a room where many of those organizations’ leaders had gathered, and heard the news for the first time.
“The only wealth that you get to keep, is that which you give away,” said Golisano, fighting back tears.
In a letter to RRH, Golisano wrote that the award is unrestricted and “given with the confidence and understanding that it will be used to strengthen your organization and our community through the outstanding work you do every day.”
Golisano has been a longtime supporter of RRH, dating back to the 1980s. Thousands of patients are cared for in RRH’s B. Thomas Golisano Pavilion and Emergency Department at Rochester General Hospital each year. And many patients rehabilitate and recover at the largest inpatient program of its kind - the RRH Golisano Restorative Neurology & Rehabilitation Center at Unity Hospital.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Tom Golisano for this extraordinarily generous $20 million gift that will impact the future of Rochester Regional Health (RRH), and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Richard ‘Chip’ Davis, PhD, Rochester Regional Health CEO. “Thank you, Mr. Golisano, for believing in the work we are doing and for your unwavering dedication to making the world a better place. Your partnership strengthens our purpose to uplift humanity through care for our community.”
This most recent gift comes at a time when access to quality health care has never been more critical. The funds will enable RRH to expand services and ensure that more individuals and families receive the care they need when they need it most.
“For years, Tom has demonstrated that our community and Rochester Regional Health are worth investing in,” said David Riedman, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Today’s gifts are a community-changing investment in the future of healthcare, education and other not-for-profit organizations across upstate New York.”
The awards will be paid out over four to five years, to 82 non-profit organizations in Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse. It brings Golisano’s overall lifetime philanthropy to $775 million.
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About Rochester Regional Health
Rochester Regional Health is an integrated health services organization serving the people of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, St. Lawrence County, and beyond. The system includes nine hospitals; primary and specialty practices, rehabilitation centers, ambulatory campuses and urgent care facilities; innovative senior services, facilities and independent housing; a wide range of behavioral health services; and Rochester Regional Health Laboratories and ACM Global Laboratories, a global leader in patient and clinical trials. Rochester Regional Health is the region's second-largest employer. Learn more at www.Rochesterregional.org.
