WXXI presents a new documentary that explores the extraordinary life of Rochester entrepreneur and philanthropist B. Thomas Golisano. 30 Years of Miracles: Tom Golisano and a Legacy of Giving, airing Thursday, April 28 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV, takes a fresh look at how this self-made billionaire has left an indelible mark on the world around him. The documentary is a follow up to WXXI’s 2003 documentary Golisano, which profiled him after he purchased the Buffalo Sabres.
“Tom is a strong supporter of Rochester and beyond in the areas of education, health, and especially inclusion,” said Norm Silverstein, President of WXXI. “And, this documentary spotlights Tom’s philanthropic efforts, and their impact on our community.”
The documentary begins with Golisano at the 2015 opening of the new Golisano Children’s Hospital, for which he made a $20 million donation to support construction of the new facility. At the podium he shares that he is humbled to have his family’s name on the building. That sets the stage for a retrospective that follows Golisano, the humanitarian. From Irondequoit High School’s star baseball player to Paychex founder, he has touched many lives in Rochester and beyond. Personally donating more than $250 million to hospitals, universities, and other institutions, he holds the record for charitable giving in Rochester – unmatched since George Eastman.
“Tom has allowed us to dream and to realize our dreams,” explains Elizabeth McAnarney, MD, Professor and Chair Emerita, University of Rochester Medical Center, Golisano Children’s Hospital. Dr. McAnarney is just one of several of colleagues, family members, and friends, who share stories of Golisano. Interviewees include: Ann Costello, Director, The Golisano Foundation; William Destler, PhD, President, RIT; Marie Golisano Graham, Golisano’s sister; Martin Mucci, President and CEO, Paychex; Dan Meyers, President, Al Sigl Community of Agencies; David Still, Managing Director, Fishers Asset Management; and Larry Quinn, former General Manager, Buffalo Sabres Hockey.
The documentary features an intimate in-studio conversation with Golisano, never-before-shared images from the Golisano Family collection, and items from the newly opened Golisano Archive at Rochester Institute of Technology, as well as archival footage of a 1994 WXXI interview with Golisano.
30 Years of Miracles: Tom Golisano and a Legacy of Giving also spotlights the Golisano Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in the United States devoted exclusively to supporting programs for people with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1985 with an initial gift of $90,000 from Golisano, the Foundation now has more than $32 million in gross assets and has awarded more than $19.5 million in grants to non-profit organizations in a multi-county region surrounding Rochester.
About WXXI
WXXI is the essential, life-long educational media resource for the Greater Rochester area. WXXI puts the community first with programming that stimulates and expands thought, inspires the spirit, opens cultural horizons and promotes understanding of diverse community issues. WXXI also has a long-term affiliation with Little Theatre, which helps enhance the cultural life of the community and strengthens two of Rochester’s most vital arts institutions. Log on to wxxi.org for more information about our services and programs.
