On a cold December 8th day in downtown Buffalo, lots of hearts were warmed when 25 Western New York not-for-profit organizations received $56,000 in donations from the Buffalo Bills Alumni Association during their annual Charity Check Presentation Luncheon at the Adam's Mark Hotel.
The Alumni Foundation has given more than 1.3 million dollars to various charitable organizations over the past several years.
"This really is the highlight of the year for our Foundation," stated Charley Ferguson, Bills Alumni treasurer and former Bills wide receiver 1963-69. "These organizations that receive this support from us are so very appreciative, and we are happy to help them out in any way possible so they may continue bringing those needed programs and services to our community."
The following organizations were recipients of the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation at this year's luncheon; Seneca Diabetes Foundation, Inc,. Theater Youth Group, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Buffalo Prep, Meals-On-Wheels, Olmsted Center for the Visually Impaired, American Cancer Society, Variety Club Telethon, Touching Base, Special Olympic Foundation, Inc., Kids Escaping Drugs, Dan R. Acker Scholarship Program, Urban Christian Ministries, Food Bank of WNY, United Leukodystrophy Foundation Inc., Ilio DiPaolo Scholarship Program, Cross Training Football, F.A. T. H. E. R.S., St. Luke's Mission of Mercy, Nativity Miguel Middle School, Character Council of WNY , Making Precious Strides, Medina Memorial Health Care Foundation, Inc., Cape Ability Outrigger Ohana, Inc. "Wounded Warriors," and Shaken Baby Syndrome Education Program.
"It is always a unique and special time to have all of the different charitable organizations that do so many wonderful things in our community in the same room at the same time," said Ferguson. "We are very thankful to our sponsors for sticking with us and making all of our hard work possible."
Most members of the Buffalo Bills Alumni Association were in attendance including Booker Edgerson, Alumni president and recent 2010 Bills Wall of Fame inductee. In addition, many of the sponsors who have supported the fundraising efforts of the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation over the years were also present at the luncheon.
"We ask everyone to help us help you," said Edgerson. "Please visit our website buffalobillsalumni.com and learn more about who we are, what we do and why we do it. After our playing careers were over, we chose Buffalo as our home and we want to help however we can. We are open to your suggestions on how we can further help our community."
The Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation was founded in 1999 and is comprised of past Bills players that have left an imprint on society during their football careers and want to continue molding society in a positive manner. Not only have they changed the game, but they have touched and shaped Buffalo as we know it today. For more information on the Buffalo Bills Alumni visit **buffalobillsalumni.com*.*
