News
March 17, 2016American Red Cross of Northeastern New York Announces 2016 Fire + Ice Gala Honorees
The American Red Cross of Northeastern New York is pleased to announce that Joan Regan Hayner, chief executive officer of CapitalCare Medical Group, and Ed Mitzen, founder of Fingerpaint, will serve as honorary co-chairs for the organization’s 2016 Fire + Ice Gala in Saratoga Springs.
The Fire + Ice Gala is the Red Cross’ largest fundraising event of the year, with 100% of proceeds supporting local Red Cross programs and services. Fire + Ice sponsors and other supporters enable the Red Cross to provide direct assistance to victims of home fires and other disasters, free emergency preparedness training, services to members of the military and veterans, and much more – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
“We couldn’t be more excited to honor Joan Hayner and Ed Mitzen at this year’s gala,” said Gary Striar, CEO of the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York. “Ed and Joan are both deeply connected and committed to our community, and it’s our privilege to be able to celebrate all they’ve done to make a positive local impact.”
Joan R. Hayner joined CapitalCare Medical Group in 1997 as Controller, and after several promotions, was named Chief Executive Officer in 2004. With her guidance, CapitalCare has experienced sustained growth and success, as evidenced by the number of medical practitioners and practice sites, expansion of services, and increase in total revenue and profitability.
Joan is a graduate of the Capital Leadership Class of 2005 and has received numerous awards and accolades including the Capital District Business Review’s 40 Under 40 Award, the Women Who Mean Business Outstanding Executive of the Year Award (2011), the Key4Women Achieve Award (2012), the Women’s Business Council’s Women of Excellence (2013), and the Capital Region YWCA Resourceful Women Award (2015). Joan is a member of the Albany Chapter of the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) and serves on the boards of the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, the Center for Economic Growth (CEG), and the Alliance for Positive Health (formerly AIDS Council of Northeastern New York).
When not engaged in her professional, civic or charitable pursuits, Joan spends time on another of her passions – competitive ballroom dancing. Joan and her family also enjoy discovering all the cultural and natural riches that the region has to offer.
Ed Mitzen, appropriately referred to as a serial entrepreneur, has built four companies that total over $300 million in combined revenues. His current company, Fingerpaint, is a $30 million marketing firm with offices in Saratoga Springs, NY, Villanova, PA and Scottsdale, AZ. Prior to starting Fingerpaint, Ed founded Palio, a former Saratoga-based $25 million advertising agency.
He is very active in the community, and all of his companies pride themselves on being extremely philanthropic. He has served on numerous Boards, including The Hyde Collection, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), the Double H Ranch, Saratoga Care Foundation, The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs, Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, and the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce.
When Ed isn’t busy helping to grow his companies, Ed loves to spend time with his wife Lisa and his three children. Emily is graduating from NYU in May, Nick is a sophomore at the University of Colorado and Grace is a sophomore at Emma Willard.
“The Fire and Ice Gala gets bigger and better every year, thanks in large part to our honorary chairs,” added Gary Striar. “We’re grateful to Joan and Ed for joining us in 2016 to help raise awareness about the important work the Red Cross does in our community every day.”
The 2016 Fire + Ice Gala will be held on Saturday, June 11 at the Saratoga City Center in Saratoga Springs. The black-tie evening will feature gourmet cuisine by Mazzone Catering, open bar and specialty drinks, and spirited live and silent auctions. NewsChannel 13 anchor Benita Zahn will serve as Master of Ceremonies, and guests will enjoy dinner and dancing with live music by Body & Soul.
For more information, or to purchase tickets to the 2016 Fire + Ice Gala, please contact Paula Borkowski at 518.458.8111, ext. 5108 or go online to the Red Cross of Northeastern NY Gala webpage.
