Family of Fibertech Networks Co-Founder and VP at Tompkins Financial Advisors Receive Philanthropy Awards
November 9, 2026ROCHESTER, NY — On Wednesday, November 4, two community members received Rochester Area Community Foundation’s Philanthropy Awards for longstanding local charitable support. As the largest grantmaker in Greater Rochester, the Community Foundation hosts its annual Celebration of Giving gala to celebrate the impact of local philanthropy.
Kathy Purcell accepted the Joe U. Posner Founders Award on behalf of her family and late husband, John Purcell, a local telecommunications executive and co-founder of Fibertech Networks.
“[John] attained big success later in life and he really didn’t have the opportunity to do with it what we, as a family, have been able to do since his passing,” said Kathy Purcell. “I think he would be very happy that he was able to play another part in the community’s development in some way.”
Kathy Purcell, who worked in developmental pediatrics for 32 years at the University of Rochester Medical Center, has continued leading the philanthropy that she and John started together. The Purcell Family Fund at Rochester Area Community Foundation supports nonprofit organizations related to education, healthcare, human services, faith-based service, and civic life.
Anthony “Tony” Gugino is an executive vice president and wealth advisor with Tompkins Financial Advisors and recipient of the 2026 Community Bridge-Builder Award. The Community Foundation honors one professional advisor each year who bridges sectors and helps clients achieve their goals for charitable impact.
Discussing charitable strategies with clients, like establishing a scholarship or a charitable fund, is an embedded part of Gugino’s practice. “They really appreciate when I bring that up because they might not have thought of it,” says Gugino. “Rochester is such a giving community that people just want to be asked and then thanked.”
Tony has a long track record of mobilizing resources for charitable causes. He started volunteering with the Community Foundation’s sponsorship committee in 1996 and today serves as the co-chair of the silent auction committee for Strong Memorial Hospital’s Toast to your Health Wine Auction.
Local arts organizations performed at Celebration of Giving. Borinquen Dance Theatre, which offers Latin cultural dance experiences, brought dancers to the event just days before celebrating its 45th anniversary. A youth ensemble also performed from ROCMusic, a local nonprofit that provides access to quality music education for youth in the City of Rochester.
To learn more about supporting local nonprofits and community needs, visit racf.org.
About Rochester Area Community Foundation
In partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, Rochester Area Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking. As a leading grantmaker, the Foundation is focused on two broad goals: creating an equitable community and strengthening our region’s vitality. Since 1972, the Community Foundation has distributed more than $800 million in grants and scholarships.
« Back to News