Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network Raises Over $250,000 at Fall Reception Event to Benefit Bassett's School-Based Health Program

Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network held a fall reception fundraiser on Friday, September 18, 2026, that raised over $250,000 to benefit Bassett’s School-Based Health Program. The event, which took place at Fenimore Farm and Country Village in Cooperstown, hosted 145 attendees.

Thanks to the generosity of donors and guests, Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network raised a record-setting fundraising total for the organization. The record-setting total was achieved in part by Joyce and David Barber, who raised a paddle to donate $75,000 towards the program. Proceeds will support Bassett’s School-Based Health Program, which operates 22 clinics in 18 school districts across four counties, with its 23rd clinic set to open in early 2027. The program ensures easy access within schools to healthcare services for students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. Services are available at no out-of-pocket cost to families.

More than 7,000 students are enrolled across Bassett’s system with access to medical exams, immunizations, acute care, complex care for chronic conditions like asthma, preventive and restorative dental services, and mental healthcare. In the 2025-2026 school year, Bassett conducted more than 40,000 visits across its school-based health clinics.

The reception featured an elegant evening with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, live music, a silent auction, and live auction. Remarks were delivered by Staci Thompson, MHA, FACMPE, President and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network, Jane Hamilton, RN, Manager of Bassett’s School-Based Health Program, and Steven Kroll, Chair of the Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network Board of Directors.

“It was an incredible evening filled with fellowship, generosity, and community,” said Kroll. “We are deeply thankful for the passionate support shown for Bassett’s School-Based Health Program, a cause that means so much to all of us. From our sponsors and donors to those who contributed auction items and many members of our local community who participated, every contribution played an important role in making this event such a success.”

Friends of Bassett extends their deep gratitude to the event’s sponsors, including PwC; Nixon Peabody; Ginny Joslin-Hastings and Douglas Hastings; HHS; KPMG; Optum; Springbrook Schools; Stevens & Lee; Unitex; Laurie Zimniewicz; Barbkor, LLC; Meconi Financial Management & Advisory; Casella Waste Management of NY; CIChecked Commercial Investigations; OneGroup; Crothall Healthcare; Van Ramsey and Robert Nelson; Eastman Associates, Inc.; Ellen Tillapaugh and Gary Kuch; Patricia and Robert Hanft; Rosalind Thomas and David Strogatz; Dr. Celeste Johns and Dr. Chris Kjolhede; Francesca Zambello and Faith Gay; Tricia Asaro and Steven Kroll; Jim Brock Agency and Jim and Jonathan Brock; BSA; E4H; Fenimore Asset Management; Fidelity Investments; and Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation.

Community members or business leaders who are interested in learning more about future events and corporate sponsorship opportunities with Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network are invited to contact the Friends by phone at 607-547-3928 or by email at friends.office@bassett.org.

From left: Jane Hamilton, RN, Manager of Bassett's School-Based Health Program, Joyce Barber, and David Barber.