Media Alert
September 12, 2019

Media Contact
Jean Dalmath Dalmath Associates
585-586-6650 (o) | 585-755-6911 (m)
Notice of Press Conference Today in Ft. Lauderdale on Operation Topaz – Disaster and Humanitarian Relief for the Bahamas
Businessman and philanthropist Tom Golisano, Chairman of the Golisano Foundation and Paychex, donated the use of his yacht Laurel earlier this week, to transport 30 tons of supplies including water, food, and sanitation kits, from Nassau to Freeport, and to rescue dogs following the destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian. The rescue effort was organized by Yacht Aid Globa l .

A Press Conference with Laurel's captain, Roy Hodges, and crew will be held today to discuss the operations. (see information below)

Thursday September 12, 2019
3-4:30 p.m.
West Entrance, Bldg 2019
Press Conference Media Contact: [email protected]

Mr. Golisano, who is a resident of Naples, Florida, will not be at the press conference but said today:

"I was very pleased to be able to assist in this global humanitarian effort to help the people and some of the dogs impacted by Hurricane Dorian. Laurel and our incredible crew led by Captain Roy Hodges, all did an amazing job bringing essential supplies to the Bahamas and rescuing about 50 dogs who were left homeless when the shelter in which they lived was destroyed. I am very proud of all their hard work. We will all keep the people of the Bahamas in our prayers."

Media Links for Reference
WPTV 5 - including Facebook live when dogs arrived

About Tom Golisano
Tom Golisano — entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader — is chairman of the board of Paychex, Inc., a leading national provider of payroll, human resource, and benefit outsourcing solutions for more than a half-million small and medium-sized businesses. Mr. Golisano’s vision, perseverance and action have left an indelible mark on a broad spectrum of issues that touch our lives - in business, healthcare, education, voter policies, politics, and tax reform. Mr. Golisano’s personal philanthropic contributions to hospitals — including three children’s hospitals that bear his name — numerous educational institutions and other organizations exceeds $300 million. A fierce advocate for dignity and inclusion, Tom Golisano applied his pioneering spirit to establish the Golisano Foundation to help make the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Foundation is now one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. devoted exclusively to supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In recognition of his achievements and endeavors, Mr. Golisano has received numerous awards and holds honorary doctorate degrees from five different colleges and universities. He serves on the board of directors of several private companies and institutions.

Read more about Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation at golisanofoundation.org .
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