The Burn Foundation of Central New York tapped as Upstate’s Your Cause charity for 2025
Upstate Medical University has selected the Burn Foundation of Central New York as its 2025 Your Cause charity.
The Burn Foundation of CNY., is a non-profit organization committed to burn support, awareness and prevention, and helping survivors and families cope and transition back to the community.
One of the highlights of the Burn Foundation is the opportunity it offers burn survivors to attend Summer Burn Camp, a social outlet for children of all ages with dozens of activities for campers. Some survivors who attend the camp have been patients at Upstate’s Clark Burn Center, the region's only burn center. In addition to the camp, the fund hosts an annual Burn Run, a weekend for burn survivors at Tompkins Cortland Community College, a Syracuse Crunch hockey game and other social activities.
Additionally, the fund helps support survivors with needs after leaving the hospital, such as transportation and supplies, including compression garments.
“Connecting with others who have been through burn injuries and the painful recovery process is very important to one’s well-being,” said James Ennis of the Burn Foundation of Central New York. “This connection can be the bridge to reclaiming hope, strength, and a sense of belonging.
“We’re extremely grateful to Upstate Medical University for supporting us in this important work,” Ennis said.
Each year, Upstate invites its 12,000 employees to nominate area agencies to be honored as its Your Cause charity, for which Upstate pledges a small donation to the charity and a promise of promotional and volunteer support.
In selecting the Burn Foundation as its Your Cause agency, Upstate will provide the agency with volunteer support and with up to $5,000 in funding through 2025.
Past Your Cause agencies include Empower Parkinson, Frances House, Sarah’s Guest House, Rescue Mission Emergency Youth and Runaway Shelter, In My Father’s Kitchen, Clear Path for Veterans, OnPoint for College and Chadwick Residence.
Team Upstate works to promote public awareness of Upstate’s contributions to the community and to encourage volunteer participation among Upstate students, staff, faculty and retirees. Team Upstate sponsors activities and events annually that promote quality of life and maintain Upstate’s mission, vision and values.
Caption: Burn Foundation of Central New York receives a $5,000 donation as part of being named Upstate's 2025 Your Cause charity. From left, Linda Veit, Upstate assistant vice president of community relations; Paul Knierman, Burn Foundation volunteer and an Upstate nurse; James Ennis, co-founder and chair of the Burn Foundation of Central New York; and Upstate President Mantosh Dewan, MD.