Golisano “shocks” with massive surprise gift
BATH, NY – The Arc Allegany-Steuben is thrilled to announce it has received a gift of $5 million from Paychex founder and philanthropist Tom Golisano.
“The Arc Allegany-Steuben is filled with gratitude for this extraordinary gift. Mr. Golisano’s longstanding commitment to building opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and supporting their inclusion has improved the lives of people, the agencies that support them, and their communities for many years,” said The Arc Allegany-Steuben’s Executive Director Michael Damiano. “Mr. Golisano’s dedication to securing the dignity, health, and quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is truly awe-inspiring.”
Golisano announced he was donating $360 million to 82 non-profit organizations in education, health, intellectual and developmental disability services, general community, and animal welfare across Upstate New York. The Arc Allegany-Steuben was one of several Arcs that received a gift on September 17.
“The gifts were a well-kept secret in the Golisano organization and recipients were invited to the meeting without knowing what the agenda would include,” said Damiano. “There were a lot of people in the room, me included, who were in a state of shock when Mr. Golisano made the announcements.”
