Benefit Concert Raises $15,000 for Thompson Health Fund

CANANDAIGUA – A recent concert by singer and guitar player Don Potter raised approximately $15,000 for a fund within UR Medicine Thompson Health to help entry-level associates advance their careers.

A 2013 inductee into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame, Potter first gained a following in the Rochester area in the late 1960s as a member of the Show Stoppers, later forming a duo with Bat McGrath and collaborating with Chuck Mangione. Following two solo albums, Potter relocated to Nashville. There, he worked as a session player and helped launch The Judds. During his career, Potter has also worked with the likes of Elton John, Kenny Chesney, Lyle Lovett, and more.

Proceeds from his sold-out May 10 Canandaigua concert benefit Thompson’s Healthcare Education Fund, which sponsors stipends for Thompson associates who are pursuing higher education, making it possible for them to work part-time while attending school. The stipends help cover lost wages, childcare, and/or transportation in order to minimize challenges and help the associates gain the skills necessary to raise their income levels or even lift themselves out of poverty.

“Thompson is extremely grateful to Don and to his fellow musicians for this benefit concert. It was a fantastic evening, and it will have a direct impact on our hardworking, highly deserving associates,” said F.F. Thompson Foundation Director Heather Rickett, extending special thanks to concert organizer Doug Emblidge and adding, “Our nonprofit organization is very fortunate to have friends like Doug.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Don Potter performed May 10 at Fort Hill Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua, raising approximately $15,000 for Thompson Health’s Healthcare Education Fund.

(Photo by Aaron Winters)