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B. Thomas Golisano Philanthropy

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B. Thomas Golisano Donates $4 Million to Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School to Help Build the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge and Hospitality Houser

Tom Golisano's Gift to Hope Lodge Rochester (13WHAM TV 6.16.2008)
New Hope Lodge will Aid Cancer Patients (WXXI 6.16.2008)
Golisano Gives $4 Million to Hope Lodge (YNN 6.16.2008)
American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Rochester, NY (Fox News 3.22.2010)
Hope Lodge VIrtual Tour (AmericanCancer Society)

ROCHESTER, NY--June 16, 2008--Officials at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (CRCDS) announced today that Mr. B. Thomas Golisano will gift $4 million to establish a new American Cancer Society Hope Lodge and Hospitality House to accommodate cancer and transplant patients and their families from area and regional hospitals.

The new facility will be located on the CRCDS campus at 1100 South Goodman St. and the current Hope Lodge, located at 1400 Winton Road North.

Construction will begin in the fall of 2008 with occupancy planned for summer 2009. In response to the contribution, the Rev. Dr. Eugene C. Bay, President of CRCDS stated, “Here again, Mr. Golisano’s deep and abiding concern for this community is a catalysis for innovation. This project will alleviate suffering, strengthen the fabric of our community and serve as a model for other communities throughout the country.”

In making this financial commitment Mr. Golisano stated, “The partnership of the American Cancer Society, Colgate Rochester Crozer and others is exemplary and serves as a model for successful collaboration among non-profit organizations in the community. This project brings together the strength and expertise of each entity creating a safe, nurturing, and favorable environment for critically- ill patients and their families.

“Hope Lodge makes coming to Rochester for cancer treatment an affordable option,” said Mark Cronin, regional vice president of the American Cancer Society’s Lakes Region. “Our current Hope Lodge opened in 1980. Mr. Golisano’s generosity now enables us to expand this critical service in our community. Providing direct patient services at the community level has always been an integral part of our mission.”

The new Hope Lodge and Hospitality House will have the capacity to serve hundreds of patients, annually.

The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge and Hospitality House will be located in the Trevor/Eaton facility on the CRCDS campus. Formerly a student dormitory, this 26,000 square foot facility will be renovated to provide approximately 35-40 hotel-style rooms and suites, communal space, kitchens, laundry facilities and Internet Wireless service for use by patients and families. The renovation of Trevor/Eaton is estimated to cost $5.7 million. Additional donors are being sought to fund the balance.

“The CRCDS campus is an ideal location as it will provide a peaceful, park-like setting which is only minutes from Strong and other area hospitals,” said Rev. Dr. Eugene Bay, president of CRCDS. While staying at Hope Lodge, patients and families will be free to use the facilities of the Divinity School including the dining room, library and chapel. “We intend to extend a warm welcome to the patients and families while they reside on the Hill,” said Dr. Bay.

In addition to being able to provide a state-of-the-art facility to cancer patients, the project is unique in the fact that it will extend hospitality to organ transplant patients and their families. “Hope Lodge and Hospitality House will be of great value to patients, families and health professionals, said Susan Saunders, director of care management and social work at Strong Memorial Hospital. Patients will stay in a home-like setting between episodes of intensive care, supported by family, friends and caring professionals. Families can remain with loved ones, freed from the burdens of long distance travel, the worry of ‘not being there’, and the extra expense that comes with prolonged hotel stay. Care providers will be able to discharge patients between acute treatment episodes, assured by the knowledge that patients can be returned to the hospital rapidly and safely should an unanticipated medical event occur. This is a long awaited and very welcome resource.”

About CRCDS
Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, founded in 1817 with a presence in Rochester since 1850, is a graduate professional school of theology conferring Master of Divinity, Master of Arts and Doctor of Ministry degrees. Current enrollment is 138 students representing many denominations, including Baptist, United Methodist, Presbyterian and United Church of Christ. Also located on the campus of the seminary is the Ithaca College Graduate Program in Physical Therapy that enrolls 67 students, the American Baptist Rochester/Genesee Region Office, the American Baptist Historical Society Office and the Office of the District Superintendent of the United Methodist Church. CRCDS includes among its alumni/ae the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., esteemed civil rights leader; Rev Dr. Marjorie Matthews, United Methodist bishop, the first woman to be elected bishop in any denomination; and the Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman, inspirational writer and civil rights pioneer. Former faculty member and native Rochesterian Walter Rauschenbusch is renowned worldwide as the “Father of the Social Gospel.”

About the American Cancer Society and Hope Lodge
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health program by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. American Cancer Society Hope Lodges increase access to care and provide a home away from home - free of charge - for cancer patients and their families seeking treatment far from home. In addition, they serve as a community resource and center for a variety of cancer initiatives, programs, and patient support programs.

6.16.2008