Esteemed Restaurateur and Philanthropist Russell J. Salvatore Makes Largest Single Donation Ever to Mercy Hospital

Jun 21, 2018Mercy Hospital Foundation, Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, News & PR

During a special ceremony held today at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, Russell Salvatore, local philanthropist and one of Western New York’s most renowned and admired restaurateurs, continued to spread his kindness and generosity throughout the local community as he presented a $500,000 donation to the Mercy Hospital Foundation — the largest single donation made by an individual in the hospital’s 114-year history.

This record-setting gift will be used to support facility and equipment upgrades at the 389-bed hospital. Home to the Catholic Health Heart Center and the Mercy Comprehensive Stroke Center, Mercy Hospital is one of the largest and busiest hospitals in Western New York. This generous donation will benefit the more than 24,000 patients cared for at the hospital each year. In February, Salvatore donated $250,000 to upgrade television services for patients at Catholic Health’s Sisters of Charity Hospital.

“I believe in giving back to the community I love and making a difference in people’s lives,” said Salvatore. “Just as my dad always told me as a young boy, ‘Give and you will receive,’ and it is so true. It makes me feel good when I can help others.”
Expressing his gratitude for this significant pledge of support, Mercy Hospital President & CEO
C.J. Urlaub said a plaque will be prominently displayed in the hospital’s main lobby to recognize Mr. Salvatore’s generosity, which continues to enhance healthcare throughout the region.

“Russell Salvatore has truly left his mark on Mercy Hospital and our entire Western New York community,” Urlaub said. “As the largest individual donation ever to Mercy Hospital, we can’t thank him enough for this unparalleled support. His charitable giving has become as legendary as his restaurant career, and will certainly benefit our patients, visitors and staff for years to come.”