In Memoriam
The Saratoga Hospital community mourns the loss of Amy Van Voast Raimo, Vice President of Community Engagement and Executive Director of Saratoga Hospital Foundation, who died in a motorcycle accident June 30.
Raimo joined Saratoga Hospital in 2013. She was known within and beyond the Hospital for her exceptional fundraising skills; unwavering enthusiasm and compassion; brilliant, irresistible smile; and wonderful laugh that announced her presence. During her all-too-short time with us, Raimo guided the efforts that raised over $17.1 million.
“Her passion for the Hospital and our community were evident in everything she did, and they were contagious,” says Frank Messa, Chair of the Saratoga Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees and the Hospital”s most recent capital campaign. “Whether she was asking for financial or volunteer support, you couldn”t help but say ”˜yes.” ”
Under Raimo”s leadership, the Foundation set fundraising records at the Cantina Kids Fun Run and Saratoga Hospital Golf Invitational, and attracted an unprecedented 1,000+ guests for the Saratoga Hospital Annual Gala. Support for the Saratoga Community Health Center increased year after year and totaled more than $3.2 million during her tenure.
“Amy”s efforts have touched every program and service we offer, every patient and every family we have taken care of since she joined us just a few years ago,” says Angelo Calbone, Saratoga Hospital President and CEO. “We are a better hospital because of her.”
In addition to the Community Health Center, most recently Raimo raised funds for the Hospital”s Surgical Pavilion and Marylou Whitney and Desmond DelGiacco, MD, Intensive Care Unit. She also led fundraising efforts to help bring emergency interventional cardiac care to Saratoga County, and to equip all Hospital facilities with “smart” IV pumps. Fundraising events benefited pediatric emergency care and the Hospital”s Nursing Scholarship Program.
Raimo came to Saratoga Hospital with over 25 years of experience in fundraising, media and community relations, and marketing, including more than 10 years with the Albany Medical Center Foundation. She also held fundraising, marketing, and public relations positions at Colonie Center Mall, Special Olympics New York, Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany, The Great Escape/Splashwater Kingdom, and Lake George Opera Festival.
She was a founding member of The Fabulous Saratoga Trunkettes, a past president of the Junior League of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties, and a past board member of the Empire State Youth Orchestra. A graduate of Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, Raimo held professional certifications in marketing and public relations.
Raimo was the proud, adoring mother of Thomas A. Raimo of Ballston Spa and the loving fiancé of Wayne J. Flores of Warrensburg. She was a devoted daughter, sister, and aunt, and she was a wonderful friend. Memorial contributions may be made to Saratoga Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.
To read the entire issue of Access Magazine ”“ Summer 2018, click here.