Upstate Medical University has received the Team Champion Award from Sarah’s Guest House, a local not-for-profit agency that provides lodging, transportation, meals, and comfort to patients and families of patients receiving medical care in Central New York.

The honor from Sarah’s Guest House recognizes Upstate for its yearlong volunteer commitment supporting the health care hospitality organization. Sarah’s Guest House was named Upstate’s Your Cause charity at the beginning of 2022.

Dozens of Upstate employees participated in numerous tasks, including helping with guests and the house, painting, yard work, baking and decorating.

In addition, as Upstate’s Your Cause agency for 2022, Sarah’s Guest House also received up to $5,000 to support its mission. Sarah’s Guest House used the funding in numerous ways, including its Grants for Guests program that supports disadvantaged and economically challenged guests who are unable to afford the daily $25 suggested donation or $40 for double occupancy. No one is ever turned away if unable to afford the recommended donation.

Sarah’s Guest House, located at 100 Roberts Ave., features 11 bedrooms with shared bathrooms, laundry facilities, two living rooms and two kitchens, which are free to use by guests. Meals are also prepared by volunteers. A screened-in porch makes an ideal spot for gathering in warm weather—full of sunshine and fresh breezes. Guests also receive complimentary rides to and from the local hospitals either by volunteers of the house or by taxi rides sponsored by BHG Financial, a strong supporter of the house.

Sarah’s Guest House annually serves about 1,000 guests, who are in town for medical care. Nearly half of those staying at Sarah’s Guest House are in town to receive their care at Upstate.

Team Upstate introduced the Your Cause program in 2015 as a way to acknowledge and feature the volunteer work performed by the Upstate family. Your Cause agencies are nominated by Upstate employees and selected by Team Upstate, a group of Upstate staff who organize and support Upstate employees in their volunteer initiatives.

The nomination of Sarah’s Guest House was submitted by Upstate’s Kelly Dolan, associate director of nursing.

Caption: Upstate employees volunteering to prepare meals at Sarah’s Guest House, are from left, Zanette Howe, Susan Anderson, Kristine Devaney, Marypat D’Arrigo, Nancy Walklett, Kelly Dolan and Susan Bland.