After eight years the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC) is once again hosting a Solstice Event to celebrate the beginning of summer and the collaborative community work that have made an impact. The Summer Solstice 2022 is Thursday, June 16, 2022, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Marcy Casino Pan Am Room and Patio in Delaware Park.

“The summer season symbolizes optimism and hope for the future, while representing opportunities that await.  We hope that with everything that the community has endured over the last few weeks that this event, which celebrates the start of the summer season, will assist in fostering hope for a brighter future,” stated Chandra Redfern, BFNC CEO.

The agency invites the community to the fundraiser celebrating the beginning of the summer season, and six Community Partners who embrace the BFNC’s mission of Unlocking Potential and Enriching Lives. Funds from this event will be directed to help the BFNC implement programming to uplift and assist community youth with developing the skills and knowledge needed to reach their desired success and seniors with healthy food and transportation needs.

Attendees will enjoy a summer evening overlooking the beautiful Hoyt Lake and Delaware Park, dancing to the sounds of a live band and DJ, tasty hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

BFNC ask that the community help celebrate the six Community Service Impact Honorees for exhibiting the generosity and care of Good Neighbors.  Honorees Include:

1. Neighborhood Health Impact Award – Dr. Lavonne Ansari, Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc.
2. Neighborhood Care Award – Pastor Art Hall, The Journey Church
3. Neighborhood Community Investment (Group) Award – Evans Bank
4. Community Reinvestment Award – Karla Gadley, Five Star Bank
5. Neighborhood Youth Impact Award – Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Omega Mentoring Program
6. Neighborhood Community Impact Award – Rod Watson, Buffalo News Urban Affairs Editor

Neighborhood Legacy Recognition – Ricardo Herrera, MSW

Redfern adds, “We thank Hodgson Russ as the presenting sponsor and all event sponsors for embracing the mission of the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers. “

About the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC): BFNC assists community members with overcoming life obstacles. BFNC has over 125 years of serving the Buffalo community and providing a safety-net of services to individuals including services to those living with mental illness and substance abuse, affordable housing, financial education, tax assistance and quality youth programming that provides guidance to youth as they create their paths to success. Learn more at www.bfnc.org. Follow our stories on Facebook: @ buffalobfnc on Instagram, TIK TOK and LinkedIn.

About Hodgson Russ LLP: Hodgson Russ attorneys facilitate the U.S. legal aspects of transactions around the world. The firm practices in every significant area of law and uses multidisciplinary work teams to serve the specific, often complex, needs of clients, which include public and privately held businesses, governmental entities, nonprofit institutions, and individuals. Hodgson Russ has offices in Albany, Buffalo, Greenville, Hackensack, New York City, Palm Beach, Rochester, Saratoga Springs, and Toronto. As the oldest law firm in Buffalo, Hodgson Russ is proud to support the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers and their 125 year commitment to strengthening our community. To learn more, visit www.hodgsonruss.com.

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