Nominations from the Western New York community have led to the selection by a blue-ribbon panel of the following finalists for the new Minor Miracle Worker award to be given at the 2nd Annual Time Warner Cable WNY Heroes Awards: Emily Donner of Akron, Lexi Keller of Lockport, and Sara States of Williamsville. Background on these exceptional young people will air on YNN Buffalo this week. The clips are also viewable at www.timewarnercable.com/wny and WNY On Demand, channel 997.
Time Warner Cable, the nation's second-largest cable television operator and provider of telecommunications services, announced a new partnership with the Buffalo Bills to honor those under 18 who work selflessly to make a difference in our community.
In addition to being given honors at the 2nd Annual TWC WNY Heroes Awards, the winner of the new Minor Miracle Worker category will also receive a $1,000 monetary grant from the Buffalo Bills, 4 tickets to the Buffalo Bills versus Indianapolis Colts game on Sunday, January 3rd, an autographed Buffalo Bills jersey, and a Buffalo Bills merchandise gift bag.
"The Bills are proud to recognize the outstanding youth in our community with this special award," said Bruce Popko, Bills senior vice president of business ventures. "We are excited to partner with Time Warner Cable and honor those youth that are true heroes in Western New York. Congratulations Emily, Lexi and Sara!"
"The Buffalo Bills have produced many local heroes who continue to do great deeds for numerous charities. We are thrilled that the Bills are partnering with us to recognize youth who improve our community and with this added exposure help to make the 2nd Annual TWC WNY Heroes Awards a huge success," said Robin L. Wolfgang, Vice President, Public and Government Affairs, Time Warner Cable WNY Division.
Emily Donner, 12, has volunteered for two years at Northgate Healthcare Facility, playing the clarinet, organizing games and doing crafts for its senior residents. Emily volunteered 100 hours this summer.
Lexi Keller, 9, has undergone two open heart surgeries and received a life-saving heart transplant. Lexi serves as the face of and speaks on behalf of Upstate New York Transplant Services at local schools, hospitals, blood drives and community events to encourage organ and blood donations.
Sara States, 16, is a Williamsville North High School student who created a CD to raise money and awareness of cancer research. Sara selected, learned and sang the album's five songs, did post-production work on the CD as well as sold copies to benefit the American Cancer Society.
The public can vote for the winner of the 2nd Annual TWC WNY Heroes awards in each category starting on September 1st at www.timewarnercable.com/wny. The five winners will be announced LIVE on YNN November 17th. Announcements about the finalists of the other four categories: Advancing Artists, Community Fixer, Education Leader and Senior Star continue throughout August.
