Harbor House Receives $77,317 in Donations to Support Home with a Heart

Woods Oviatt Gilman law firm presented a $2,500 donation to Harbor House today. From left are: Rob Wackerman, Harbor House president, Joan Malley , manager of the home, John Liebschutz, Esq, of Woods,Oviatt,Gilman, and Gary Acker, the home's treasurer.

Harbor House, a home-away-from-home for out-of-town patients and families who come to University of Rochester Medical Center for heart failure or critical care, recently received $77,317 in donations from various organizations and individuals.

“It is gratifying to see so many parts of our community stepping up to ease the challenge of having a loved one hospitalized for heart failure or a critical illness,” said Robert Wackerman, president of Harbor House.

The Jennifer Linscott Tietgen Family Foundation awarded a $50,000 grant to support the home. Members of the foundation recognized the local need for temporary housing after loved ones faced serious illness, and have actively supported Harbor House since it opened in 2008.

The Joseph and Irene Skalny Charitable Trust donated $10,000 and Midvale Country Club donated $9,617 raised during a fall fashion show. Woods Oviatt Gilman law firm today presented $2,500, in lieu of holiday gifts to clients.

Family and friends of heart transplant recipient Rusty Lawrence, of Greece, raised $1,300 during a spaghetti dinner fund-raiser. Longtime supporter Priscilla Imburgia and members of Roc City Roller Derby each donated $1,000. And the Dec. 12 Roc the Day event brought $1,900 to the home.

Harbor House provides provide temporary lodging for families of adult critical care patients who live outside the Rochester area and are receiving care at URMC and other area hospitals. It offers a “home-away-from-home” that eases the emotional and financial burdens on families. For more information about Harbor House, go to harborhouseofrochester.org