Throughout the course of my life I have always felt completely inspired by people who live life to the fullest, especially those who have physical impairments. I recently learned about a local organization called Deaf Adult Services (DAS) – an organization that is dedicated to helping the deaf community. In order to maintain its operations to the fullest, and to service all of Greater Buffalo’s needs, DAS is organizing an inaugural winter festival that is being called Summerfest – now how’s that for a twist?
The event is aimed at generating money for the organization’s operating expenses, and seeing that there is no other organization that does what DAS does, the success of the Winterfest… er… Summerfest, is tantamount. More importantly the organization is trying to raise awareness of its crucial mission that includes job placement, physical expansion, volunteer programs, bridging cultural gaps, American sign language community education, etc. At this time DAS receives NO funding for any of the previously mentioned services and is tasked with raising the funds through fundraisers such as Summerfest. “DAS strives to be the bridge between the WNY Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Hearing communities through systems advocacy, cultural competency workshops for schools and medical providers, employer-employee support trainings, American Sign Language community education, interpreter referral services, and community employment services,” Tracy Diina told me. “Currently, DAS does not receive funding for these services. Local support is growing more important to maintain and expand these much needed services for the entire WNY community. The Winter Summerfest gives Buffalo a chance to “get back into summer” during the month of February. This year’s theme is ‘Buffalo Backyard BBQ’, featuring the food and games of a Buffalo summer. There will be a basket raffle, 50-50 raffle, cash bar, ice cream table, summer drinks, and lots of fun to be had!”
Here are all of the details:
Summerfest takes place on February 17th, 2012 at the Tri Main Center from 5:30 pm to 8pm. Tickets cost only $25 and can be purchased through Emily Tennant-Koller at the DAS office, or via the DAS website at www.wnydas.org.