Upstate's Advocates award more than $101K to Upstate programs

SYRACUSE, N.Y.-- The Advocates for Upstate Medical University awarded $101,375 to Upstate programs at a luncheon held Tuesday at the Genesee Grande Hotel. This includes a $90,000 donation to the Upstate Cancer Center campaign, completing much earlier its  $150,000 commitment made in 2010, which was promised over a ten-year period.

Theresa Devennie, president of The Advocates for Upstate Medical University, presented the check for the Upstate Cancer Center Fund to Paul Seale, chief operating officer of Upstate University Hospital. “The Advocates for Upstate Medical University believe in the importance of improving and enhancing patient care,” Devennie said. “Three years ago, The Advocates pledged $150,000 over 10 years to the Cancer Center Project.  Over the past three years we have watched the Cancer Center unfold before our eyes.  We are proud to be able to make our fourth and final payment of $90,000.”

Beneficiaries of other awards include the Jim and DeDe Walsh Family Birth Center on the Upstate University Hospital Community Campus, which received $10,000 for perinatal emergency education, and Reach Out & Read, which received $1,375 from the Macy’s Shop for a Cause program and nearly 400 books.

The Advocates’ generate revenue through several means. It hosts the annual Mystery, Malt and Merlot event; sponsors an annual Fall Swing Golf Tournament, and receives commission from contracts for hospital services, such as Tim Hortons, EspressOasis, Lori’s Gift Shop, patient televisions and telephones, and Next Generation vending machines. Other revenue is raised through activities initiated through its Fund Development.

To learn more about the Advocates or to join, please contact Susan York at 464-5610.

Caption: Advocates’ President Theresa Devennie presents the check for the Upstate Cancer Center Fund to Paul Seale, chief operating officer of Upstate University Hospital’s Downtown Campus.