Golisano being honored for supporting people

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Rochester billionaire and philanthropist Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation will be honored at The Arc’s inaugural Catalyst Awards that will be presented during The Arc’s national convention Oct. 3 in Indianapolis.

The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Golisano is founder and chairman of Paychex and the founder and chairman of the Golisano Foundation, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Ann Costello, director of the Golisano Foundation, will accept the award and speak at the ceremony.

The national awards were created to recognize individuals, businesses, and other organizations that are catalysts for achievement in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“The avenue to true equality for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities will not be paved by a single person or organization, but by thousands who share a vision and a passion,” said Peter V. Berns, CEO of The Arc. “The Catalyst Awards gives us an opportunity to honor like-minded leaders in fields both inside and outside of our network who are trailblazing to make the future more inclusive.”

During the first year of the signature event, awards will be presented in seven categories. A full list of the accomplishments being honored can be found on The Arc’s website at www.thearc.org.

Golisano and the Golisano Foundation will receive the Individual Philanthropist of the Year Award.