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Upstate News

Upstate Gala and Radiothon raise more than $350,000 to benefit cancer services and kids

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Central New Yorkers demonstrated their commitment to Upstate Medical University by raising more than $358,000 at two key events presented in December—the Upstate Gala and the Radiothon for Kids to benefit the new Upstate Cancer Center.

“We are grateful for our donors who continue to support our fundraising efforts,” said Eileen M. Pezzi, MPA, vice president for development for Upstate Medical University and executive director for development for Upstate Medical University Foundation.

Hundreds of people gathered Dec. 4 in the ballrooms at Hotel Syracuse for 2009 Gala, raising approximately $250,000 to support the proposed Upstate Cancer Center, which is currently in the planning stages.

The Radiothon for Kids raised the most ever, $108,000, doubling what has been raised previously, through telephone pledges and the radiothon’s Change Bandit campaign. The Radiothon was broadcast live from University Hospital Dec. 4 and 5 on Newsradio 570 WSYR and Hot 107.9.

“We thank all of the listeners who called in their donation to support children who are treated for cancer at Upstate,” said Toni Gary, director of community relations for the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. NewsRadio 570 WSYR, Hot 107.9, Upstate Medical University Foundation and the Children’s Miracle Network presented the radiothon.

Money raised through the radiothon will go to provide and support extra services and equipment for children with cancer receiving care at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.