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BK Receives Transformational $5 Million Gift as Part of Tom Golisano's Historic $360 Million Awards

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Sept. 17, 2024 — Tom Golisano, renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, announced a monumental $360 million series of awards to 82 nonprofit organizations across Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse, New York. This unprecedented commitment nearly doubles his lifetime giving, bringing his total contributions to $775 million. Among the recipients of this generosity is Bishop Kearney, which is honored to receive a remarkable $5 million gift.
This transformative donation represents not only a powerful affirmation of BK's mission but also an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen the school's future. Over the next five years, BK plans to leverage this funding to develop cutting-edge facilities, invest in faculty, and expand scholarships, ensuring more students have access to the unique opportunities BK offers.
“This is a pivotal moment in our school’s history,” said Brendan Tydings, Chair of the Bishop Kearney Board of Trustees, urging the BK family—parents, alumni, and staff—to unite and support the growth that this gift makes possible. "Together, we can ensure a bright future for generations of BK students."
 
Reflecting on his contributions, Mr. Golisano remarked, “I’m thrilled to provide support to the Upstate New York Community, to the region where I built my life and business. These awards are the result of relationships I’ve formed over the years, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact of that support."
He added, "One of my favorite sayings is, ‘The only wealth you keep is that which you give away,’ and I’m grateful that the success of Paychex allows me to do just that. I look forward to seeing how these organizations, including BK, will use this gift to strengthen their missions and better the communities they serve.”
 
This extraordinary gift marks a new chapter in BK’s journey, and with the collective efforts of the entire BK community, it’s only the beginning of what’s possible and we intend to make Mr. Golisano BK proud.
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About Bishop Kearney

Bishop Kearney High School is a Roman Catholic educational institution in Irondequoit, New York, USA, a suburb of Rochester.