charity

Press release:

Christmas is right around the corner and our Annual Red Kettle Campaign will be coming to an end. With only five days left of ringing our bells, we are still in need of raising $30,000.

That’s $6,000 a day we will need.

Genesee County has been very generous in the support of The Salvation Army. For those who have given through Angel Tree, Adopt a Family, and donations in our Red Kettles, we would like to express our gratitude for helping us to make Christmas brighter for those who are less fortunate here in our community.

Very soon the Christmas lights will fade, the trees will all be put away, gifts will be unwrapped and there will still be families in need. The funds we raise through our Red Kettle Campaign will carry us throughout the next year.

Families in need of food, first responders in need of meals and drinks, young people in need of a safe place to grow, and our senior lunch program in providing a hot meal every Tuesday. All of these are possible through our Red Kettle Campaign.

So in the hustle and bustle of these final days before Christmas, when you pass the Red Kettle, would you consider donating or stopping by The Salvation Army at 529 E. Main St. and dropping off your donation.

90 For 90 Challenge is still going on, we have had 14 businesses and individual donors who have graciously taken on the challenge and donated $1,000. We are still looking for 76 individuals or businesses to take on the challenge.

Cub Scout Pack 112 is looking for donations of nonperishable food items for a holiday food drive. The items will be donated to the Jackson School Elementary Backpack Program for children in need. 

If you received a hanger on your door you can leave the food outside for pick up this Saturday, Dec. 15^th. If you did not receive a door hanger and would like to donate, please send an email to dtvburns@yahoo.comwith an address for pick up this Saturday. 

As snow begins to fall, many people bundle up for colder weather, begin the holiday decorating and baking and look forward to time spent with family and friends.

However, for far too many families the cold weather and holidays are not a time to rejoice.

“At The Salvation Army, we turn our attention to the tremendous need in our community for those less fortunate this holiday season,” said Captain Rachel Moore, Corps officer at the Batavia Salvation Army. 

For many years, The Salvation Army has run a holiday fund, along with its Red Kettle drive and other holiday programs. 

The holiday fund was an idea started by former Corps officer Major Leonard Boynton, to help “the neediest of the needy.”

This year, the holiday fund is being sponsored by The Batavian. Donations can be made payable to The Salvation Army and mailed or dropped off to:

The Salvation Army, 529 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.

This year, The Salvation Army has already taken applications from 175 individuals for holiday assistance, and they anticipate serving 300 applicants (and their families) throughout the Batavia and Genesee County area, Captain Moore said. 

“We rely on the giving hearts of those in our community to reach out and touch our families lives with hope this holiday,” she said. “Our annual Holiday Fund drive directly supports our Christmas efforts during the holiday season.”

One of The Salvation Army programs is the Angel Tree Christmas Program, in which applicants’ names and wish list are written on an angel cutout and placed on a Christmas tree. Members of the community may then choose an angel from the tree and provide the gifts listed. 

The Holiday Fund directly supports The Salvation Army’s efforts during the holiday season, Captain Moore said. 

“The annual program cost the Angel Tree program is $20,000 to serve 600 or more individuals, and we rely on the generosity of community members to help make this program successful,” Captain Moore said. 

Captain Moore and her husband Lt. Brad Moore said it is incredible to think about the need in our community.

Following are actual examples of requests The Salvation Army has taken for holiday assistance. The names have been changed to protect the anonymity of clients and their families. Each week, The Batavian will print some of their stories, including requests from senior citizens, who may be alone or without family for the holidays.

Harriet is a recent widow who not only lost her husband of 50 years, but her oldest child as well within the span of a few months. She was devastated and lost, but was still determined to enjoy the holiday season. It is The Salvation Army’s privilege to help her through this difficult time by providing more than just material gifts, but the gift of hope.

Dana is a mother of three wonderful and bright children, ages 3, 5 and 7. She recently left a domestic violence situation for her safety and the safety of her children. In an effort to rebuild their lives, they moved in with Dana’s mother until they can get back on their feet. She has just started a new job that she loves, but there just isn’t enough money to provide even the simplest of gifts.

Nov. 1, 2018 is a date that will forever cause this father heartache. The mother of his children tragically lost her life and he became the sole guardian and parent for his two children. He was overwhelmed, brokenhearted, confused and angry. He knew he needed to help his children cope through this holiday season as best they could, but he had no idea where to begin. He came to The Salvation Army to ask for winter coats and boots for the children, but he received so much more. His children will now be provided for through The Salvation Army’s holiday program. The Salvation Army was also able to help his family contact mental health professionals for counseling and care during this difficult time. 

The Batavian will continue to print weekly updates on The Holiday Fund until Christmas.

Press release:

Each year The Salvation Army launches its famous Red Kettle Campaign. The funds raised between Nov. 16^th and Dec. 24^th are a major part of the annual budget for each local outreach. In Genesee County we invite volunteers to man our red kettles and ring the bell outside local retailers, as willing community member place donations into the well-known red kettle buckets.

With the increase in online ordering, as well as the use of credit/debit cards as the main form of payment at stores, it becomes more and more difficult for us to reach our $90,000 goal. We are looking for 90 people who are willing to give $1,000 each to accomplish our challenge of 90 for 90!

Each week of our Red Kettle Campaign, we will host a Facebook live video on our Facebook page (TheSalvationArmyBataviaNY) honoring those who have answered the call in our 90 for 90 challenge.

Our mascot Ty the T-Rex will be live each day to announce our challengers and do his DINOmite appreciate dance.

If you would like to be one of our 90 for 90 challengers, simply send in your $1,000 donation directly to 529 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 or call our office and let us know which kettle location you are taking your $1,000 gift to and Ty the T-Rex will be at the red kettle to congratulate you!

Maybe you’re a business owner who wants to give back? Maybe you and your family or friends want to pull together to donate $1,000 to bring hope to those in need? Maybe you’re a local church who is looking for a unique avenue of ministry?

Each and every one of you are part of our community of 58,242 and if we work together we can accomplish amazing things.

Will you take up the challenge today and challenge others to do the same?

The Salvation Army of Genesee County

(585) 343-6284

fax: 585-343-6717

Rachel.moore@use.salvationarmy.org

As many know The Salvation Army is quite busy this time of the year preparing for Christmas. This year we expect to help approximately 300 families here in Genesee County. This will include food for Christmas dinner.

We work hard to be able to give each family a turkey. In years passed Holiday Ice has generously provided freezer space to store the turkeys as we collect them between Thanksgiving and our distribution date just before Christmas.

We were just informed that this option is not available to us this year. We desperately need to find someplace to store frozen turkeys this season.

Our onsite freezers are near capacity. Is there perhaps a restaurant or other facility that could help us with this dire need?

Todd L. Rapp
Office Manager
Director Emergency Disaster Services 
The Salvation Army 
Batavia, NY 14020
585-343-6284 (office)
585-734-8145 (cellular)

Press release:

For the third year in a row, Steven Foster and Timothy Adams, owners of The Red Osier Landmark Restaurant and Adams’ Welding and Fabrication, both located in Stafford, use their businesses as tools to give back to their community in a monthlong event they have named “Lovember.”

All this month, the restaurant has been offering promotions while giving back to the local community. These include “Christmas in November,” “Winter Wonderland of Lights,” “Spirits and Skivvies,” “Thanksgiving Give Back” and “Food for Le Roy Food Pantry.”

Christmas in November

This is a promotion where if you purchase a $50 gift certificate, you receive a complementary $20 gift voucher for January, February and March. Some restrictions do apply. The restaurant has run this promotion for well over 20 years.  

Winter Wonderland of Lights

The “Original” Red Osier Landmark Restaurant is rapidly becoming the largest holiday light display in Genesee County. With well over 2 million lights on display, its official yearly unveiling will be on Friday, Nov.23^rd. Passionate about sharing the joys of the holidays with others, the owners encourage families, friends, and community members to come out and stroll through their property. On Monday Dec. 3^rd and Monday Dec. 10^th, Santa will be stopping from 5 to 8 p.m. This is free event allows families to take their own pictures with Santa, while having horse and carriage rides while taking in the holiday surroundings. The Red Osier Landmark Restaurant’s Lunch Trailer will be on hand for the purchasing of roast beef sandwiches, chili, salt potatoes, hot cocoa, and homemade Christmas cookies. Save the dates!

Thanksgiving Give Back

The Restaurant will once again be open on Thanksgiving starting at noon. A portion of the sales proceeds will be donated to Genesee Cancer Assistance, and the founding of two scholarships in the name of the restaurant and its brother company Adams’ Welding and Fabrication. These scholarships will be given to two high school students attending Genesee Valley BOCES in the Metal Trades Program and Culinary Arts Program. Each student must have a good standing GPA, have a part time job, and have a record of local community involvement. It is our hopes that these scholarships will be the largest offered in these trade programs history and allow these two students to pursue higher education within these fields.

Submitted photos and press release:

Earlier this month, the fourth Annual Skivvies and Spirits event was held at the Byron Fire Hall. This unique event was started three years ago by Wendy and Tony Frongetta, in memory of their good friend, Mikel Anderson, who passed away in 2015 of an accidental drug overdose.

Although Anderson struggled with addiction, he was in recovery and dedicated his life to helping others and those who helped him. Wendy, who knew and loved Anderson, wanted to do something in his name to continue his helping spirit by helping those battling addiction, many who are homeless.

She learned that the first thing that happens when someone enters a shelter is that they are asked to shower and are given new clothes. In every instance their undergarments are tossed out. She learned that most shelters had donated clothes, but were always in need of new undergarments.

This year’s event collected baskets full of skivvies in all sizes, styles and colors. There was live entertainment by several musical groups, delicious food donated by the Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford and a live auction that included many items and gift certificates donated by local individuals, businesses and organizations.

New this year, the public was invited to learn more about Genesee County’s outreach programs that assist those struggling with addiction. GCASA’s mobile recovery van was parked outside the Byron Fire Hall and two of GCASA’s peer advocates, Gina and Sheila, were on hand to give additional information about services in our area.

The recovery van is available 24/7. It will actually come to those battling addiction who are ready to seek help. The van has the equipment necessary to immediately help an individual begin their path to recovery. The mobile recovery van will actually bring an individual to a treatment facility that is in line with their needs.

In speaking with Gina, a peer advocate and Frongetta’s daughter, she explained her duties are as a peer advocate. Gina describes her job as a community resource expert, a motivator, an ally, a supporter and a role model. Her enthusiasm about her job certainly would give anyone she interacts with a big spark of hope to start their journey to sobriety.

Also, for the first time during this year’s event, GCASA employees were on-hand to give 10 individuals training in dispensing Narcan; now in nasal form. After a 10-minute class learning about how and when to use the medication those individuals can save someone from being another overdose victim. They potentially can become first responders as many, many overdoses are in home settings.

The clothing items collected this year will again be distributed to Genesee County’s many outreach programs and Agencies including WNY Veterans Outreach, Genesee & Orleans Community Action, Hope Haven and others.

For more information or if you would like to donate to this cause, contact Wendy at 585-455-4940.

Below, peer advocate Gina Frongetta in GCASA's new mobile recovery van.

Press release:

BATAVIA -- The Board of Directors of the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is excited to announce the launch of its Community Youth Grant. This grant will be awarded to charitable organizations whose primary mission is to facilitate youth activities for children up to age 18.

It supports one of three mission priorities established by the foundation -- ”to assist youth organizations and youth athletics.” The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Community Youth Grant will award funding twice annually based on the schedules below. 

Winter 2018 Funding Cycle:

• Application form available today -- Nov. 16
• Applications are due Jan. 18
• Award notices will be sent to applicants by Feb. 18

Summer 2019 Funding Cycle:

• Application form available on May 1
• Applications are due July 1
• Award notices will be sent to applicants by Aug. 1

The online application is available at:  https://michaelshope.org/new-grants/. There are no geographic limitations for recipients, but preference may be given to the Western New York region. Organizations may receive one grant annually. Requests for program advertising will be directed to the appropriate grant cycle.

About the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Inc.

It was established in 2007, is in memory of Michael C. Napoleone, the 8-year-old son of Mark and Laurie Napoleone from Batavia, who died from Burkitts Lymphoma/Leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer. During Michael's illness, the community rallied around the family to assist with food, gas, medical bills and other necessities. The not-for-profit foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, was created to give back to those who cared, to give forward to those in need, and to support research efforts in finding a cure for childhood cancer.

Prizes:
First Place (highest combined scores) -- $150 / Second Place (combined scores) -- $50 / Highest-scoring word -- $35

BUFFALO – The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is now accepting applications for the 2019 Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Funds competitive grant process.

Grants will support the following areas of interest:

• Caregivers

• Community Assets*

• Design and Access

• Youth Sports

Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located within the eight counties of Western New York, including: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming.

For Caregivers and Design and Access grants, government agencies also may apply.

*For Community Assets grants, only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that reside in Erie County may apply.

Applications are due Jan. 7.

For more information about deadlines and eligibility, and to apply, please visit

www.cfgb.org/nonprofits/grants/ralph-wilson-legacy/

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About the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, a 501 (C)(3) organization, was established in 1919 to enhance and encourage long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. The Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. For nearly 100 years, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to its care. For more information, visit www.cfgb.org.

About the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Funds
The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Funds were established at the Community Foundation to provide support to four areas that were important to Mr. Wilson: caregivers, community assets, design and access, and youth sports. Endowment funds, like these created to honor Mr. Wilson, are designed to grow over time and provide funding for charitable causes according to a client’s wishes.

Chloe Lamb, 9, and Claire Lamb, 7, presented a check today for $1,803 to Lynn Gehlert, vice principal at Oakfield-Alabama Elementary School called "Fuel Young Minds."

Matt and Kendra Lamb with help from Chloe and Claire have set up a pumpkin stand in front of their house on Maltby Road, Oakfield, with no price set on pumpkins, just a request for a donation in any amount to take some home.

Two years ago, the Lambs raised $800 for the fire department and last year, $1,200 for the library.

Fuel Young Minds is a food pantry started by Gehlert.

"On her own, Mrs. Gehlert was supplementing food to families who needed it and when some families (in the school) found out about it, we said we wanted to offer more support than what she was doing on her own."

Kendra said she wants her daughters to learn about supporting their local community but she also wanted to bring more attention to Fuel Young Minds.

Gehlert said the O-A community has really come together to support the program.

"We are very appreciative the support," Gehlert said. "The community has really stepped up and has been very generous to support our kiddos. The focus of Fuel Young Minds is our students can’t come to school and really benefit from education if their basic needs aren’t met."

Arc of Genesee Orleans annual Chili & Chowder Fest & Bake Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Arc Community Center.

It is located at 38 Woodrow Road in Batavia.

There will also be grilled cheese sandwiches for purchase in addtion to the hearty, homemade chili and chowder. Take-outs available.

Early tickets will be available only from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16.

Tickets, both presale Friday and day-of-the-event Saturday, are available only at the Arc Community Center on Woodrow Road.

All proceeds benefit people with disabilities.

There will be 100 theme baskets raffled off. Need not be present to win. Drawings will be at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 17.

Want to donate a basket or get more information? Call Arc of Genesee Orleans at 343-4203.

The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation will host its first Holiday Wined-Up for Hospice fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 30^th from 6-9 p.m. at Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia.

All proceeds will support area patients and families and will help us to continue our mission of “Today, make a difference.”

The event will include wine/beer tasting, music, dancing, canvas painting, wine glass painting, a basket raffle and a cash bar. The Art of Mandy will sponsor the painting festivities.

A Gust of Sun Winery, Deer Run Winery, Wright Beverage Distributing and Eli Fish Brewing Co. will also be sponsoring the event.

Tickets are $55 per person or $100 per couple. You must be 21 years of age to register for the event. Anyone under the age of 21 will not be admitted. Please bring a valid ID.

Volunteers are still needed to help with setup, cleanup and various onsite duties.

If you are interested in volunteering, please call 716-372-5735. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, or to purchase tickets, please contact Ellen Brokaw at 585-343-7596 or ebrokaw@homecare-hospice.org.

Tickets can also be purchased online at www.homecare-hospice.org/holiday-wined-up-for-hospice/. Come celebrate the holiday season and support a great cause!  We hope to see you there!

Bontrager’s Fall Harvest Dinner Dance that benefits Crossroads House will be held Saturday, Oct. 13^th.

Doors open at 5 p.m. at Bontrager's, located at 8975 Wortendyke Road, Batavia.

Dinner by Roviso Catering will be from 5:15 – 7 p.m.

Music by Dark Horse Run Band, inset photo left, is from 7 – 11 p.m.

There will be 50/50 raffle, raffles and auction and their famous Pie Auction.

Tickets are $20 cash and are for pre-sale only.

They can be purchased tonight at Bontrager’s Auction Barn or at Crossroads House, or contact Bob at (585) 762-8585 or Penny at (585) 356-3413.

My son, Tommy Manzella, passed away in a bad car accident in March. As a way to honor his memory, we are having a Chinese Auction to raise money for Oakfield-Alabama High School sports, which he was very passionate about.

My husband and I are asking if you or your company if you would like to make a donation or donate a basket. All proceeds will be going to Oakfield sports -- baseball, basketball and football.

The inaugural Thomas Manzella Memorial Benefit is scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, at Oakfield Fire Hall. It is located at 20 Albert St. in Oakfield.

As his mom, I want everyone to continue to love him. Tommy was always at school every free time he had. He was a kid who loved helping other kids and pushing them to the best they can be.

He spent his school breaks helping out and even after he graduated college he was at school, practicing with the kids.

It has been a very hard, long six months without him. We decided to continue to do what Tommy would be doing, which is helping kids achieve their goals in sports.

Thank you for your consideration.

(For the obituary of Thomas John "Tommy" Manzella, click here.)

Photo: Alexander High School JV and Varsity Volleyball players are looking forward to an Oct.10th fundraiser game to benefit Breast Cancer Network of Western New York.                 

Submitted photo and press release:

The Alexander Volleyball Booster Club is hosting its seventh annual fundraising game on Wednesday, Oct. 10, when the Lady Trojans take on the Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Hornets.

The fun begins at 5 p.m. with the JV game, followed by the Varsity game at 6:30 p.m. Alexander Central School is located at 3314 Buffalo St. in Alexander.

The event features theme baskets, a pizza and bake sale and a serving contest for a chance to win prizes donated by area businesses and volleyball families.

Fundraiser co-chairs Colette Yax and Laura Marzolf announce the charity selected to receive proceeds from the 2018 event is the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York.

“This is an organization that supports, educates and advocates for people with breast cancer and breast cancer survivors,” Marzolf said.

“A breast cancer diagnosis is devastating for an individual and their loved ones,” Yax said. “We are happy to support an organization committed to helping people through this difficult time.”

In addition to the theme baskets and serving contests, co-chair Marzolf said a special prize is being raffled off at the event.

“We have a Sabres ticket package for two 200–level seats, including a parking pass for the October 30th game against the Calgary Flames,” Marzoff said.

Community members wishing to donate to the Alexander event may contact Colette Yax at 716-400-3628 or Laura Marzolf at 585-322-3748.

Women of the Moose in Le Roy will host a Pig Roast to benefit the YWCA of Genesee County from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Loyal Order of Moose No. 1132, located at 21 Bank St. in Le Roy.

Open to the public.

There will be basket raffles, prize raffles, and 50/50. Also, the YWCA will be on hand selling their cash raffle tickets for a chance at the Grand Prize of $10,000. Only 200 tickets at $100 apiece will be sold for the Grand Prize. Drawing will be held Dec. 6.

Food: roasted pork, salt potatoes, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, roll and butter, dessert. All you can eat; includes a bottle of water. Cash bar. No take-out containers will be provided for in-house dining.

Price: Adults -- $12; Kids 11 and older -- $7; Kids 10 and under eat free.

Tickets available at the Le Roy Moose Lodge or at the YWCA, 301 North St., Batavia; or by calling Martha Bailey at 261-0714.

All proceeds benefit the YWCA of Genesee County to help with the important work they do in our community.