Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Marrano/Marc Equity cut ribbon to officially launch Raising the Roof Fundraiser

Representatives from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Marrano/Marc Equity joined in a ribbon cutting ceremony today as they launched the fundraising partnership, Raising the Roof for Groundbreaking Cancer Research. Two previous Raising the Roof partnerships generated $160,000 in each year to assist cancer research to save lives. This year's campaign aims to raise a similar amount from the sale of a new patio home in the Greythorne community in Willamsville.

Donald L. Trump, MD, FACP, President and CEO of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, cut the ribbon along with 9-year-old patient Olivia Gonyea. Olivia will work alongside the Marrano team as the junior interior designer of the home, helping to decorate a children’s room within the house.

Marrano has solicited the support of their business partners including donated products, services and time in order to maximize funds raised for the project. Nearly every Marrano partner from past Raising the Roof initiatives, from material suppliers and framing crews to carpenters and painters, are participating again for the 2010 effort.

“After the incredible success of our previous campaigns, we knew we had to repeat this unique program to support Roswell Park’s leadership role in cancer care, research and education,” explained James Marrano, the home builder's vice president of operations in Western New York. “Our business partners, vendors and subcontractors have enthusiastically agreed to participate again, testament to the strong relationships Marrano shares with them, and evidence that everyone involved understands the importance of this cooperative effort.”

Donald L. Trump, MD, FACP, President and CEO of Roswell Park shared that past donations from the Marrano family, Marrano/Marc Equity and its partners have made a tremendous difference for patients, and for research to find cures. “Partnerships like Raising the Roof are essential to our progress in the fight to save lives,” he said. “Raising the Roof is a source of pride for us, and a positive example for other companies about how to match philanthropy to business goals and the community good. We are so grateful to have Marrano/Marc Equity’s leadership, and the generosity of their partners behind this year’s program.”

Updates on the progress of the home will be regularly provided on the company's web site, with a completion date anticipated for late summer or early fall.

"We selected Greythorne because it is a one-of-a-kind community, just as Raising the Roof is a one-of-a-kind fundraiser," explained Jim Marrano. "Our intent is to generate as much excitement as possible for the campaign, and with its unmatched location, a distinctive new patio home design, and unique setting on the escarpment, Greythorne is just the place."

Raising the Roof is the latest example of philanthropic support from the Marrano family to Roswell Park. Patrick and Arlinda Marrano chaired a past real estate Industry Campaign, which raised over $130,000 for cancer research and patient care at Roswell Park. Combining these funds, with last year’s Raising the Roof campaign, and the goal for this year, the Marrano family’s efforts will have resulted in well over $500,000 raised for cancer research at Roswell Park. Additionally, Patrick Marrano, president of Marrano/Marc Equity Corporation, has served in a leadership role as a trustee for the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation Board, and served on the Foundation’s development committee.