Gary McIntyre Wins 2010 Healthcare Achievement Award

Gary McIntyre has been selected as the recipient of a 2010 Rochester Business Journal Healthcare Achievement Award. Scheduled to take place on Friday, March 5 from noon-1:30 p.m. at the Rochester Plaza Hotel, the Healthcare Achievement Awards recognize excellence, promote innovation and honor organizations and individuals who make a significant impact on the quality of health care in the Greater Rochester area. Gary will receive an award in the Volunteer category, which honors an individual whose volunteer efforts in the health care field have made a significant impact on the community.

Gary created Noblehurst Farms' "Picnic for Pluta", which in August raised $26,554 for PlutaCancerCenter. One of the owners of Noblehurst Farms in Pavilion, Gary lost both of his parents to cancer, and in 2007, he was diagnosed with cancer. He was treated at PlutaCancerCenter, forming a special bond with the staff. In February 2008, after completing radiation treatment for his cancer, Gary dreamt that he organized a fundraiser for PlutaCancerCenter at Noblehurst Farms. He knew that by hosting a fundraiser at the farm, he would have an opportunity to introduce the Pluta staff and the Rochester community to a little bit about farming and have another opportunity to say thank you for the care he received.

In an effort to make his dream a reality, Gary worked with representatives from PlutaCancerCenter and Noblehurst Farms to create “Picnic for Pluta”. He and his fellow Noblehurst Farms employees devoted a tremendous amount of volunteer hours to help host the picnic. Volunteers included members of the Pluta Cancer Center team, the York Fire Department (who barbequed the chicken and prepared all the food), church groups, local “Red Hatters”, VFW members, family, friends, farm neighbors, clergy, and farm vendors.

Held on Sunday, August 9, more than 1,200 people braved rainy and windy elements and were treated to farm tours, live music, wagon rides, games and a chicken barbeque. They learned more about PlutaCancerCenter, and the green farming methods Noblehurst utilizes, including a methane digester that powers the farm with raw waste from the more than 1,700 cows on the property.

All of the $26,554 generated from “Picnic for Pluta” is supporting the Center’s ability to offer an extra level of care and services for patients. A total of 15 members of the Rochester community will be honored at the awards ceremony on March 5.