2011 Upstate Community Giving Campaign

John McCabe, MD

Wanda Thompson, PhD

Community Giving Campaign Surpasses its Goal

As of Jan. 23, the Upstate community raised $650,043, supporting hundreds of community programs and services, including those offered at Upstate.

"We are extremely grateful for the support the Upstate community provides to these important human service agencies," said Dr. McCabe and Dr. Thompson. “Each year, the need in our community grows and Upstate's spirit of caring soars.” Dr. McCabe is senior vice president for hospital affairs and chief executive officer for Upstate University Hospital. Dr. Thompson serves as senior vice president of operations.

Helping to make the 2011 campaign a success were the addition of Upstate's newest members from Community General following Upstate's acquisition of Community General Hospital in July; the efforts of Upstate's more than 200 campaign department representatives and campaign committee members; Hamilton White contributors; and an online method to donate. A comprehensive incentive program, and inspiring testimonials from employees about why they support the campaign, featured on Upstate's Community Giving Campaign website, also helped to exceed the campaign goal.

Upstate kicked off the 2011 CGC in September with a fundraising goal of $650,000. The goal was based on 2010 campaign results that showed Upstate and Community General employees raising $625,712.

Joining Dr. McCabe and Dr. Thompson in the 2011 CGC effort was Campaign Director Zanette Howe, assistant director for community relations for Marketing and University Communications; Rebecca Cerio, special events coordinator for Marketing and University Communications; Daniel Hurley, assistant vice president of government and community relations, who serves as the Hamilton White Society Leadership Giving Director; and Margaret Bourke, administrative assistant for the offices of Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Assistant Vice President for Government and Community Relations. Hamilton White Society members contribute $1,000 or more to the campaign.

Over the last five years, Upstate employees have contributed more than $2.6 million through the CGC, earning the United Way's Spirit of Caring Award in 2010.