Light up the Night Brings in Nearly $260,000 For Albany Medical Center’s Department of Emergency Medicine

Light up the Night, Albany Medical Center’s annual summer fundraising event, raised nearly $260,000 for care provided through its Department of Emergency Medicine.

More than 400 supporters gathered Friday, June 28 at the 1863 Club at Saratoga Race Course. Anthem Blue Cross served as the title sponsor.

The event honored the dedicated staff that work around the clock in Albany Medical Center adult and pediatric Emergency Departments and the patients who turn to them in a time of need.

“Our staff cares for patients with the highest level of quality, compassion, and expertise,” said Denis Pauzé, MD, Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine. “The public’s generosity allows our emergency physicians and staff to stay on the cutting edge of specialized emergency care, which translates into world-class treatment. Our emergency department is also a gateway to the most advanced medical and surgical specialties in our area through the Albany Med Health System. This critical funding allows us to continuously improve and enhance a key health care access point depended upon by every resident of our communities.”

Albany Medical Center is the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center for adults and children. It is also the busiest trauma center in New York State. In 2023, the emergency department had more than 78,000 patient visits.

Proceeds from Light up the Night are used to enhance patient care delivery through staff support, training, education, research, and the purchase of additional state-of-the-art equipment. A 7,700 square-foot expansion of the existing 28,800 square-foot emergency department is also planned to further expand patient access. The project is slated to begin in 2025.