Proving that superyacht owners can become good Samaritans thanks to their floating mansions, Florida billionaire Tom Golisano has shown that luxury can have a purpose beyond indulgence. Back in 2019, Golisano put his 240-foot superyacht, Laurel, to remarkable use during disaster relief efforts. Instead of simply lounging on the bridge deck or enjoying the onboard Jacuzzi, he selflessly lent Laurel to rescue 50 stranded dogs and deliver essential supplies to the hurricane-hit Bahamas.
A single good deed often inspires others, and Golisano’s philanthropy continues to flourish. The founder of Paychex has pledged $3 million to the Red Cross organization over the next five years. This gesture follows years of impactful giving, including lending Laurel to transport water, food, and sanitation kits from Nassau to Freeport on Grand Bahama, one of the areas hardest hit by the catastrophic Category 5 storm. Over time, Golisano has contributed $85 million to 41 organizations across Southwest Florida, including numerous nonprofits in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Reflecting on his giving philosophy, Golisano shared, “One of my favorite sayings is, ‘The only wealth you keep is that which you give away,’ and this year I’ve decided to act on that saying. Thanks to the success of Paychex and its employees, I can make it my reality. I’m glad to provide support to nonprofits across Southwest Florida, where I now call home.”
A true philanthropist at heart, Golisano’s donations this year amount to half a billion dollars, bringing his lifelong philanthropic contributions to an astounding $860 million. Let’s also take a closer look at the stunning vessel that played a part in his good deeds, the incredible Laurel:
Laurel, the lovely-
The 240-foot superyacht, designed by Donald Starkey, is a cobalt-blue beauty with top-tier craftsmanship. Built by Delta Marine in 2006, the 1,595 GT motor yacht was originally commissioned by Charles Berwind of the Berwind Corporation and later purchased by Golisano for $50 million in 2010. Now listed for sale at nearly $70 million, Laurel is also available for charter at $552,500 per week.
The yacht offers accommodations for 17 guests across seven cabins and boasts an array of luxurious features, including an observation room on the sun deck, a spa pool, a sky lounge, a study, and a spacious gym. Inside, the vessel exudes old-world charm with warm beige and brown tones.
Its standout feature is a breathtaking, three-story glass sculpture depicting marine life, created by Seattle artist Mary Van Cline, which wraps around the central staircase. The master suite, an elegantly appointed dining area, a serene spa room, and abundant deck space make Laurel a jewel of the seas.
For adventure enthusiasts, the yacht is equipped with an assortment of toys and tenders, including adrenaline-pumping water slides and inflatable climbing walls, ensuring both luxury and excitement on the water.
Who is tycoon Tom Golisano?
With just $3,000 and a credit card, Golisano founded Paychex in 1971, turning it into a payroll giant. Now worth $6.5 billion, the 83-year-old businessman’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Born in New York to a macaroni salesman and a seamstress, Golisano worked his way up the ladder of success. He owned the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League and the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League from 2003 to 2011.
Though he moved to Florida in 2009 to save $13,800 daily in income taxes, Golisano has always maintained a generous heart. As the father of a son with special needs, he has donated over $300 million to support children with autism and other disabilities. With his philanthropic ventures nearing a billion dollars, Tom Golisano proves that wealth and generosity can go hand in hand.
