Upstate raises $548,692 for Community Giving Campaign
Upstate Medical University employees contributed $548,692 to the 2018 Community Giving Campaign that began in October and officially ended last month. The contributions support United Way of CNY, The Upstate Foundation, Alumni funds and many other agencies.
Over the last 10 years, Upstate employees have contributed more than $5.6 million through the campaign. Upstate’s giving has garnered it numerous honors through the years, including the Spirit of Caring Award from the United Way of Central New York.
This year’s campaign theme was “Be a hero. Giving is your super power.”
At the start of the campaign, co-chairs Gennady Bratslavsky, MD, and Mark Schmitt, PhD, initiated a friendly competition, by placing Upstate employees in giving teams. The winning team would be determined by the percentage of employees who pledged to the campaign.
The winning team was the Wizards, named for employees working in Information Management and Technology, with a 41 percent participation rate.
Bratslavsky acknowledged the Wizards and all who participated at a recent end-of-campaign reception. “I offer a special recognition to the Wizards for its leading efforts in supporting the campaign, but we share the success of this campaign with all who participated, for you have put into action your super power to help others,” he said.
Interim President Mantosh Dewan also offered thanks, noting that employees give so much to each other, our patients and students and still make a commitment to support the community in so many ways.
Bethann Kistner of the Upstate Foundation thanked those gathered for supporting the various programs offered by the Foundation that aid patients, students and support research.
Nancy Kern Eaton of the United Way of Central New York said because of the support of so many from Upstate, individuals in the local community are getting a chance at living better lives.
In addition to the team giving competition, this year’s campaign featured a new giving level, the Elizabeth Blackwell Society for donations of $2,000 or more.
Community Giving Campaign Director Zanette Howe thanked the campaign co-chairs and members of the campaign committee who helped build a spirited campaign that celebrated the university’s continued commitment “to improve the lives of those in our community.”
Members of this year’s Community Giving Campaign Committee are Tammy Blackburn, Margaret Bourke, Catherine Cadley, Tree Carter, Mark Congel, Kylee Deese, Kelly Dolan, Susan Graham, Diane Mantooth, Penny McPhilmy, Nancy Prott, Anne Snowdon, Linda J. Veit, Lisa Vigliotti-Bane and Lauren Winters.
For more information on Upstate’s Community Giving Campaign, go to: http://www.upstate.edu/communitygiving/
Caption: Employees of Upstate Information Technology and Management division, also known as the Wizards, were honored for having the highest percentage of campaign donors.
