Now in its 11th year, Buffalo State College Foundation’s annual All College Honors Scholarship Gala, is this Saturday, April 26th. One of this year’s co-chairmen is Anthony J. Baynes, owner and founder of the A.J. Baynes Group, and an alumnus of the college having graduated in 1979. The other chairman is Eunice A. Lewin, a close friend of the college who describes herself as its neighbor.
“It’s my personal goal that when the guests leave, they will know more about Buffalo State,” says Lewin, specifically its 13 visual arts programs, which will be highlighted this year at the Gala. The theme of this year’s Gala is the “Power of the Arts.”
According to Lewin, there will be a poetry reading, a jazz ensemble, and student paintings to view during the cocktail hour, which begins at 6:30pm. During the cocktail hour, guests will be able to taste wine, provided by the Premier Group, and food, by Rich Renaissance Catering. Dinner is at 7:30pm, which will feature music from one of the plays Buffalo State has produced. After dinner is the live auction and dancing. The live auction and sweepstakes features all-inclusive travel packages, including a trip to Aruba, priceless art, sports tickets, and luxury services.
With several gold sponsors as well as big sponsorships coming from BlueCross BlueShield of WNY and M&T Bank, Lewin says, “We’re just fortunate that we have the movers and the shakers [supporting the college].”
This year the foundation is expecting a better turnout as well. Lewin says, “We have really jumped. Last year we had close to 500 people and this year we’re expecting 600.”
The Gala supports the All College Honors Program, which began in 1984 and supported 45 students and now supports 155 students. The program requires students to stay above a 3.5 GPA and gives them unique opportunities for scholarships, internships, and networking. Through the years, the Gala has raised over a million dollars to go towards the program.
Tickets are $200 to attend the black tie affair at the historic Connecticut Street Armory. For more information, contact Pamela Voyer at the Buffalo State College Foundation at 878-3725.
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