Harvest of Gold Gala Raises More Than $58,000 for Guthrie Cortland Medical Center

Under a canopy of autumn-inspired décor, the Cortland Memorial Foundation's annual Harvest of Gold gala transformed an evening of philanthropy into a celebration of community spirit on Friday, Sept. 26, raising more than $58,000 for Guthrie Cortland Medical Center. 

Nearly 200 attendees gathered at the Acropolis Ballroom at Greek Peak Mountain Resort to support local health care while honoring Steve and Debbie Geibel, philanthropic champions whose decades of service have helped shape health care access in the region. 

The event's success was made possible through generous partnerships with gold sponsors Beginnings Credit Union and Greek Peak Mountain Resort, alongside silver sponsors Contento's, Robinson Family Jewelers and Tompkins Cortland Community College. 

"Not only is the event a fundraiser, it's a celebration for those who have given back to the foundation and to Guthrie Cortland," said Sheila Ossit, Director of the Cortland Memorial Foundation. "We are thrilled to honor Steve and Debbie Geibel tonight for their longtime support." 

Clint Brooks, Vice Chair of the Cortland Memorial Foundation Board of Directors, highlighted the Geibels' extensive history of involvement. 

"The Geibels have consistently supported the foundation and the Cortland hospital since the 1980s," Brooks said. "Debbie served on the hospital board of trustees and volunteered as a candy striper years before that. Steve and Debbie have contributed financially to virtually every foundation campaign over the years, including significant support for the Renzi Cancer Center." 

Most recently, he added, they contributed to Guthrie's newly announced Here. For Good. campaign by naming the primary care clinic at the new Guthrie Cortland Renzi Health Campus. 

Reflecting on the honor in a statement, Steve Geibel shared his family’s deep connection to the community. 

"We wanted to support the local, hugely important hospital," Geibel wrote. "A local hospital with exceptional care is critical to the health and well-being of the rural Cortland community. For patients and families to have to travel for good health care adds risk and stress to an already difficult situation. We both love the Cortland community... It is our home." 

The evening also showcased the direct impact of community generosity on patient care. Jen Yartym, President of Guthrie Cortland Medical Center, shared updates on transformative initiatives including the new Guthrie Cortland Renzi Health Campus and extensive emergency department renovations. 

Yartym explained that when Guthrie Cortland Medical Center joined the Guthrie system more than six years ago, a promise was made to invest in facilities and technology. 

"We've seen the first fruits of that promise in both investments from the Guthrie health system itself and from our philanthropic partners in our region," she said. "We are dedicated to ensuring that Guthrie Cortland Medical Center is the best it can be, providing complete and easily accessible health care services without the need to travel out of town." 

Yartym added that the local community continues to support efforts to improve facilities, expand services and programs — and purchase equipment that is lifesaving for patients. 

"We are so grateful."