May 14, 2024–Erica Dayton traveled to Chile for a four-day site visit to see firsthand the impact of Special Olympics Healthy Communities work in Latin America. Healthy Communities, now in its 14th year, has been funded with the support of $67 million provided by Tom Golisano since its launch in 2012. It is raising awareness about health disparities facing people with intellectual disabilities and activates partners to adopt more inclusive practices, train and empower athletes and caregivers to become vocal advocates and help people with intellectual disabilities live healthy lives in their communities. Read more
Gloria Austin, former Golisano Foundation Trustee who was instrumental in creating the Foundation with Tom Golisano in 1985, passed away at her home in Florida on April 15. She was 82. Gloria was one of three early trustees, with Tom Golisano and Tom Clark, who formed "a kitchen cabinet" to support services that would create an environment of dignity and care for individuals with developmental disabilities. The Foundation began in 1985 with an initial gift of $90,000 from Tom Golisano. Gloria was instrumental in crafting the Foundation's mission, a focal point of which is care and service with dignity. Read more
Naples, Florida—April 12, 2024—STARability Foundation announced today a groundbreaking $5 million leadership gift from Tom Golisano toward STARability’s permanent future home. This transformative support will elevate STARability’s mission to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through vocational training, continuing education, teamwork, social engagement, and community involvement and pave the way for expanded programs, addressing the increased demand for support and services in Collier County. Read more
Rochester, NY—February 12, 2024—The Golisano Foundation, Special Olympics, and Best Buddies are joining together to host the third annual Festival of Inclusion on Saturday, February 24. The inspirational day of interactive fun, games and education is free and will be held at the Golisano Training Center at Nazareth University, 4245 East Ave in Rochester from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is part of the annual Spread the Word Inclusion campaign. Read more
January 10, 2024 – Please save the date of the 3rd Annual Festival of Inclusion, Saturday, February 24, 2024, 11 AM to 2 PM at the Golisano Training Center at Nazareth University. We are calling on all agencies who can bring fun and informative activities to the Festival of Inclusion. Stations should be informational and include creative, interactive activities. Deadline to sign up is Wednesday, January 24. Read more
Jan 18, 2024 – This year's week-long Dialogue on Disability: The Herman & Margaret Schwartz Community Series, kicks off Monday, January 22 on WXXI TV, Radio, and online. Hosted by Al Sigl Community of Agencies and WXXI Public Media, the series' programs and events are designed to create a more community for people of all abilities and encourage community discussion about the perspectives and abilities of people with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. Dialogue on Disability is supported by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation with additional support from The Golisano Foundation. Read more
