Harvest of Gold Raises More than $64,000 for Guthrie Cortland Medical Center

The Cortland Memorial Foundation’s annual Harvest of Gold reaped a record-setting bounty this year by raising over $64,000 for Guthrie Cortland Medical Center and local healthcare. 

The annual event, held Friday, Sept. 25 in the Acropolis Ballroom at Greek Peak Mountain Resort, serves as both a fundraiser and a thank you to Foundation supporters and donors. 

This year’s event honored an intergenerational legacy of philanthropy among the Denniston and Brooks families. A tradition of giving that began with the late Ron Denniston, former president and CEO of the First National Bank of Dryden and a past treasurer on the Cortland Hospital Board, continues with his son and daughter-in-law David and Cris Denniston, and with his daughter and son-in-law Brenda and Clint Brooks. 

Clint Brooks is the current president and CEO of First National Bank of Dryden, which was also honored during Harvest of Gold. 

“This is such an honor, both for our family, but also for our bank family,” Brooks said.  “To be associated with Guthrie Cortland and the Cortland Memorial Foundation, and all the great things that are happening at the hospital, is just wonderful.”

David Denniston also expressed appreciation for the honor, and shared personal gratitude for available healthcare services. “Guthrie Cortland Medical Center is such an important resource for the community. To have such high-quality care right here at home is truly a blessing,” he said.  

That sentiment was reflected in remarks by Jennifer Yartym, President of Guthrie Cortland Medical Center. “Everyone needs access to high-quality care, and it’s always incredibly encouraging to see how many people support that mission and effort here in Cortland,” she said. 

Yartym also spoke about Here. For Good. The Campaign for Guthrie, which has successfully raised money to support recent projects including the Guthrie Cortland Renzi Health Campus and the renovations to the hospital Emergency Department, which are nearly complete.

Over 200 attendees enjoyed the Harvest of Gold festivities this year, which included live music with Rick Starmer, a silent auction and delectable desserts from Sinfully Sweet. Gold Sponsors for the event were Beginnings Credit Union and Greek Peak Mountain Resort. Silver Sponsor was Contento’s. Special support was provided by Robinson Family Jewelers and Sun Dog Downtown Clubhouse.

Sheila Ossit, Director of the Cortland Memorial Foundation, said organizers look forward to Harvest of Gold every year.  “It’s a fun, festive celebration and a great night for us to show our deep appreciation to the many businesses, organizations and individuals who support us,” she said. “As always, we’re grateful to benefit from the generosity the Cortland community sows.”