Bassett Valentines Soirée Raises More Than 250,000 for School-Based Health

Cooperstown, N.Y. – More than 330 guests attended the Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network’s fifth annual Valentine’s Soirée at the Otesaga Resort & Hotel in Cooperstown on Saturday, February 11. The event raised over $250,000 in support of Bassett’s School-Based Health and Dental Program.

This year’s Soirée paid tribute to two individuals who have been key to the 30-year-long success of Bassett’s School-Based Health Program – Chris Kjolhede, MD, MPH, Bassett pediatrician and program co-director, and Jane V. Hamilton, RN, practice manager. They have a combined 57 years of dedicated service to the program. Their desire to help close the gap in healthcare coverage for rural children, many of whom are poor or live in areas where care is not readily available, was made possible by the establishment of Bassett’s School-Based Health Program.

“We are very appreciative of the continued support from our sponsors for Bassett programs and initiatives,” says Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, President and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network. “The proceeds of this year's event will have a profound impact on Bassett’s 21 School-Based Health Centers across 17 districts, serving more than 7,000 children each year with medical, dental, and mental healthcare. It is also the dedication and commitment of our Board of Trustees, Friends of Bassett team, and other volunteers that made the Valentine’s Soirée the remarkable success that it was.”

Friends of Bassett extends a special thank you to lead sponsor, NYCM Insurance; Founder’s Circle sponsor, Tom Morgan & Erna Morgan McReynolds; Chairman’s Circle sponsors, Dr. & Mrs. Charles & Natacha Casale, Davin Healthcare, Arnold Drogen, EPIC Landscapes, Inc., Terry & Keith Fulmer, KPMG, LLP, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., and The Otesaga Resort & Hotel; Leadership Circle sponsors, Bank of Cooperstown, Patricia & Robert Hanft, Mirabito Energy Products, O’Connor First, Attorneys-at-Law, and Preferred Mutual Insurance Company; and President’s Forum sponsors, Tricia Asaro & Steven Kroll, Monica Brané & Bennett Sandler, Elaine & Marc Bresee, Eastern Heating & Cooling, Hill & Markes, Inc., Robert Nelson & Van Broughton Ramsey, Senator James & Cindy Seward, Thorn Gershon Tymann & Bonnani, LLP, Ellen Tillapaugh & Gary Kuch, Kathleen & John Zogby, and Dr. Amy & Jerel Zoltick.

A special thanks is also extended to the Valentine’s Soirée committee: Holly Bennett, Mike Cook, MTC DJ Service, Jane Hamilton, RN, Betty Hamel, Jackie Hull, Rose is a Rose Florist, Chris Kjolhede, MD, MPH, and Corrine Smith.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, call Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network at 607-547-4799.