SWBR Architects Raises $25,000 for University of Rochester Cancer Center

by Russell Boniface
Associate Editor

How do you . . . honor the memory of an AIA member who made a real difference at his firm?

Summary: Rochester-based SWBR Architects recently held its 17th annual Tom Wurzer Memorial Golf Tournament in Rochester, N.Y. Tom Wurzer was an AIA member, the founder and president of SWBR Architects who passed away in 1990 but left an indelible memory on those he knew. They come together each year for a fundraising golf tournament in his memory, and this year raised $25,000 for cancer research for the University of Rochester James P. Wilmot Cancer Center. More than 140 people attended.

Tom Wurzer was a hero and mentor to Tom Zimmerman, FAIA, the current executive vice president and managing principal at SWBR Architects. Zimmerman has been a member of SWBR Architects since 1984 and was co-coordinator of the golf event. “We do the golf tournament in memory of Tom Wurzer, one of our founding principals,” Zimmerman says. “Tom was a very avid golfer who believed that golf was a great business opportunity. We relied heavily at the beginning on his network, which is now the company’s network. For the tournament we invite his family and people who are long-time friends—customers, contractors, and vendors—to be our company guests.”

A fundraising pledge
SWBR was the lead sponsor, with more than 30 cosponsors for the 18-hole golf tournament. The tournament raised $25,000, which is part of a long-term pledge by SWBR to the University of Rochester James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, part of the university’s medical center. ”We are committed to the cancer center to research for its first 15 years,” explains Zimmerman. “This is the third in a five-year commitment to raise $100,000 for the construction of new cancer research facilities. The contributions from the golf tournament will be used for cancer research. So far, we have contributed over $300,000.”

In the past year, SWBR has had three of its employees as patients at the University of Rochester James P. Wilmot Cancer Center. “Fortunately, they have all survived and are doing very well,“ says Zimmerman. “The cancer center plays an important role and has helped three of our employees medically in the last year. The cause hits home as far as we are concerned and gives considerable more meaning to the golf activity.”

Thirty-six teams of four played the 18-hole golf course at Penfield Country Club. The event included dinner, door prizes, and a silent auction of donated prizes. Says Zimmerman: “There was no giant trophy, just a lot of fun, recognition, and kidding around. It was just a great day for us all to get together, enjoy the weather, play a great round of golf, and enjoy each other’s company. It was a great time.”