The American Red Cross of Western New York today learned that Rochester area entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation have awarded a gift of $5 million to its Greater Rochester Chapter, one of three chapters in the WNY Region. The gift to the Red Cross is part of major gifts totaling $360M that the foundation will distribute among 82 upstate New York non-profit organizations. Golisano announced the news today at the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in Rochester.

“Words cannot adequately express our gratitude to Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation for what is truly a transformational gift, said Nick Bond, CEO of the American Red Cross of WNY Region. “The impact this will have on the tens of thousands of individuals and families for whom we provide programs and services – from emergency lodging, food and essentials for those displaced by home fires or other disasters, to critical programs for active and retired military members and their families – is immeasurable.  On behalf of our dedicated volunteers and staff and, more importantly, the people we serve and who will benefit from his compassion and generosity, we sincerely thank Tom Golisano for his wonderful spirit of philanthropy.”

Golisano founded payroll processing giant Paychex in 1971 with $3,000 and a credit card and built it into an organization that now employs more than 16,000 people and services approximately 100,000 clients. He retired as Paychex CEO in 2004 but remains chairman of the Golisano Foundation.  He is also a former owner of the Buffalo Sabres.

“One of my favorite sayings is ‘the only wealth you keep is that which you give away,’ and I’m so lucky to be able to live that out," Golisano said." The success of Paychex and the hard work of the employees there are ultimately what makes these donations possible, and I am beyond grateful that I have the ability to do so. I look forward to seeing how this will be used to strengthen their organizations and better the communities they serve.”

Golisano’s gift is believed to be the largest in the history in the Red Cross of Western New York Region.

 About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.