The Third Annual Sweet Charity gala that is the major fundraiser of the year for the Food Bank of Western New York played to a packed house just recently. It was held in gorgeous Asbury Hall at Babeville – the house that Ani DiFranco built – on the corner of Delaware and Tupper.
There were folks in “the rafters,” the pews in the 2nd level of this reincarnation of a church, where they were able to overlook the festivities. For their efforts to fight hunger, those present at this charity event were treated to delicious desserts and libations.
Michael Billoni, Marketing and Public Relations Director of the Food Bank of Western New York said, “It was a wonderful sold out event and everyone had a great time. The desserts, wine and champagne were exceptional, and it was a great fundraiser for the Food Bank of Western New York.”
The highlights of the evening included goodies from Edible Arrangements of Williamsville, who supplied baskets with fruits and chocolates arranged like elaborate flower arrangements – edible and delicious! The Pina Colada Cookie Mousse from Cameo’s Restaurant in Tonawanda was a hit too. Choco Logo right here in Buffalo at Broadway and Elm Street had milk chocolate Salty Turtles with Organic Sea Salt, as well as dark chocolate Hot Hearts with Raspberry Habanero. Smokin! Let’s not forget the Craftsmen Cafe of Clarence and their Chunkee Monkey. Those who wanted to take some items home could purchase a to-go container for a donation of only five dollars.
Silent auction items included a framed autographed picture of former Buffalo Sabres coach and general manager great Scotty Bowman with the Lord Stanley’s Cup. Other Sabres items included autographed Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek jerseys, and even Sabres Rubik’s Cubes and Fuzzy Dice.
There was a lot of interest in an autographed football with Buffalo Bills Hall of Famers Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas, and separate auction items included their autographed jerseys as well. There was also an autographed jersey with University of Buffalo head coach Turner Gill, who just won UB’s first bowl victory ever, the International Bowl in Toronto, Ontario.
There was quite a buzz about this creative travel and luncheon package: A flight for two to Washington DC and a VIP Capitol Tour followed by lunch in the members’ dining room with our Congressman Brian Higgins.
The Food Bank of Western New York is located at 91 Holt St, just a couple of blocks south of the Main Post Office at 1200 William St. Their mission statement is to obtain food and support from public and private sources and efficiently redistribute these resources to affiliated charitable providers such as soup kitchens, pantries and shelters.
The Food Bank of Western New York gladly accepts donations at any time.
Read more about the Food Bank here on BRO.