When a fire struck the West Side Bazaar, Buffalo was stunned. What had become a rallying cry for this city was suddenly out of commission.
As insurance crews began to inspect the damage, the community began to think of ways to help the beloved culinary institution. Donations began pouring in, and resources were tracked down.
The timing of the fire was uncanny. Just as the fledgling refugee entrepreneurs were beginning to ponder their big move to a new location Niagara Street, the setback occurred. What should have been a time of rejoicing had become a time to panic.
As a way to ease the financial pain caused by the catastrophe, Delaware North and the Buffalo Sabres are hosting an event to raise funding for the West Side Bazaar (operated by Westminster Economic Development Initiative – WEDI). Taste of The West Side Bazaar will be held on Thursday, November 3 (6pm) at The Lexus Club at KeyBank Center.
Guests at the event will get another chance to sample some of their favorite meals (appetizers, entrees, and desserts) as they are prepared live by WEDI chefs.
“When Delaware North and The Sabres offered to co-host this event, we were thrilled and grateful,” said WEDI Executive Director Carolynn Welch. “WEDI is working tirelessly to help the small business owners affected by the fire. They are determined to recover and reopen their businesses which are vital to their families’ economic security and to the cultural life of our city. To have such prominent organizations champion our organization and the Bazaar is incredible.”
The funds raised at the event will help the struggling entrepreneurs to find new locations where they can ply their trade. In order to get back on their feet in new cooking venues, the refugee owners must: negotiate leases, build business plans, purchase inventory and supplies, and outfit new spaces with specialty equipment. This is no small task. But additional help is on the way.
“After learning of the fire, we began thinking of ways we could help the Bazaar restaurateurs and artisans through this challenge and came up with this showcase of their great culinary offerings,” said Jamie Obletz, President of Delaware North Sportservice. “We are proud to partner with the Buffalo Sabres to host The Taste of the West Side Bazaar in our kitchen space and the Lexus Club at KeyBank Center.”
“The Buffalo Sabres are proud to partner with Delaware North Companies to host the Taste of the West Side Bazaar Fundraiser,” said Rich Jureller, Sabres vice president of community relations. “The West Side Bazaar is one of the many great treasures in Buffalo and it is important we come together to support many of the businesses impacted by the fire.”
Click here to purchase tickets to the event.
Learn more about the businesses affected by the fire HERE.
If you would like to support WEDI but cannot attend the event, follow this link.