Client Stories

Behind every one of our clients, awards and grant opportunities, there is a story about a generous individual, family or organization committed to advancing their community and the people around them. From honoring civic leaders to giving back to hometowns, our clients’ generosity inspires us all and is accessible to all.

We are honored to help these individuals and families make their charitable goals a reality. We invite you to click through the following stories and learn about who our clients are, where they come from and how we help them amplify their impact on the community for generations to come.

Dedrick Family Cultivating a family tradition of giving back

“We try to be good community members. That has always been a mandate in our family,” reflects Paige Dedrick Thompson. Paige and her younger brother, Bram, grew up in Western New York, the children of Paul and Eden Dedrick. From them, she learned the importance of giving back. CONTINUE READING

Anne L. Bird Creating an evergreen legacy

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1927, Anne Bird graduated from Duke University in North Carolina, then headed to Ohio, where she met her husband, Charles. They started a family and lived in several American and Canadian cities before settling in East Aurora in 1966. CONTINUE READING

Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) Putting down roots for the future

In the early 1960s, discrimination prevented people from purchasing homes in their desired neighborhoods. As a result, Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) was established in 1963 to promote the value of diversity and to ensure that all people have an equal opportunity to live in the housing and communities of their choice. CONTINUE READING

Wilfred and Joan Larson A gift that will bloom forever

Wilfred (Will) and Joan Larson were high school sweethearts who met in Brooklyn, New York, and married in 1949. The couple started a family and moved around as they advanced in their careers, landing in Buffalo in the early 1980s when Will got a job with Bristol-Myers, where he worked until he retired. CONTINUE READING

George and Agnes Farris, Celia Lipton Farris & Victor W. Farris Foundation Honoring a Hometown Connection

To George and Agnes Farris, Buffalo is about roots. “It is where the family is from,” said Agnes. “It is about our history.” The Farris family moved to Buffalo in the late 1800s. George grew up in Buffalo, and after graduating from Kenmore High, he went on to lead a storied career in academic research and teaching as professor of Management. Both George and Agnes have always made it a point to stay connected to our region. CONTINUE READING

Buffalo Prep Prepped for the Future

A dreamer. A leader. An activist. A scholar. Buffalo Prep believes these qualities are within every student, and aims to nurture individual talents and goals through its enrichment programs. “We want to ensure that our students are provided everything that they need so that, however they define success, they are prepared,” said Patti Stephen, Robert G. Wilmers Endowed Executive Director of Buffalo Prep. CONTINUE READING

Hahn Family Foundation Generations of Generosity

“Our story is about carrying out the charitable legacy our parents and grandparents built, which is why we have chosen to give through the Community Foundation,” reflects the third generation of the Hahn family. For the Hahns, generosity has come naturally for generations. “Giving is in our blood,” is how they describe the legacy of giving that has been instilled in them. Their grandfather, Charles Hahn, was born in 1903 and came from humble beginnings. CONTINUE READING

Buffalo Bills Social Justice Fund Championing Change

The Buffalo Bills ascended into the national spotlight in 2020 for their incredible play and successful season. Equally impressive was how the team stepped up to support our community during difficult times. The Buffalo Bills took on social justice as an area of focus in 2017 to give their players a voice and an opportunity to help improve lives in their adopted community in meaningful and practical ways. CONTINUE READING

Betty Crump A Lifetime of Giving Back

“I love Buffalo — the people, the relationships, the direction, the football team,” remarked Betty Crump. “The Community Foundation has helped me feel even more connected and gives me one point of access to achieve multiple charitable goals.” While Betty’s love of Buffalo may not be unique, her history of giving is certainly inspiring. CONTINUE READING

Frank Mesiah A Champion for Change

Veteran. Teacher. Police officer. Not only was Frank Mesiah all of these things, but he also worked tirelessly to advance racial equity in Western New York. CONTINUE READING

Bonita and Henry Durand Bonita and Henry Durand

It was the 1960s and Bonita Cobb was in her middle school modern history class in Cincinnati, Ohio. She sat in front of a shy, athletic student named Henry Durand. Little did she know then that she had found her soulmate. CONTINUE READING

NativityMiguel Middle School of Buffalo NativityMiguel Middle School of Buffalo

A handful of sharply dressed seventh grade boys shuffle into a bright classroom at NativityMiguel Middle School of Buffalo. Each one politely greets School President, Nancy Langer, and Board of Trustees President, JoAnne Hudecki, before taking their seats and engaging in a lighthearted conversation about the school’s basketball team. CONTINUE READING

Pinto Family Pinto Family

“Do you feel that what you do has meaning?” That is a question Priya Pinto recalls her late husband, Michael, asking her one morning, and something she thinks about often. CONTINUE READING

George Rand Generosity on Repeat

George F. Rand Sr., President of Marine Trust Co., asked his attorney, Edward H. Letchworth, to visit the first community foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. After that trip, George Sr. recognized the unique role a community foundation could play to enable families, including his own, to give back for generations to come. CONTINUE READING

The Montante Family The Gift of Family

“And what the Community Foundation is doing to teach our children about philanthropy is also very helpful,” added Michael. “It is a big part of how we hope to pass on this legacy of giving. We are now approaching it with a bit more structure, as opposed to just learning it as we go.” CONTINUE READING

Maria M. Love Motherly Love

Every December, about 2,500 middle and high school-aged youth in Western New York dress up and hit the dance floor for a good cause. Even more incredible than the success of this annual event is the woman behind it: Maria M. Love, the social work pioneer who started the Charity Ball more than 115 years ago. A prominent Buffalonian in the 19th century and early part of the 20th century, Maria M. Love devoted her entire life to helping others. CONTINUE READING

Norman E. Mack II A World of Giving

“Norman was an innovative person who wanted to create a legacy of giving,” CONTINUE READING

Robert and Sylvia Coles Building a Legacy

If Sylvia Coles could describe her husband’s character in one word, it would be perseverance. Born at a time when breaking through race barriers in certain careers was discouraged, Robert Traynham Coles overcame many obstacles to become a well-known architect. CONTINUE READING

Graham-Kucera Philanthropic Fund Shaping a Family Tradition

“We have been impressed with the Community Foundation’s approach to strategic planning and have seen what it can do. It is a well-steered ship and we have confidence in the long-term plan to address the needs of our community.” CONTINUE READING

Stanford Lipsey Scholarship Fund Honoring a Legendary Philanthropist

“Stan was committed to improving education in our community. When it came to honoring his legacy, we knew we could rely on the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo for help.” CONTINUE READING

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Teaming Up for a Brighter Tomorrow

“We needed a partner we could trust that would teach us best practices in philanthropy, as well as connect us to key players in the community.” CONTINUE READING

Arlene and Ruth Mathews Fund Sisters’ Legacy Sparks Community Change

“I know that our money will make wonderful things continue to happen in Buffalo long after I’m gone because I trust the Community Foundation to carry out our wishes.” CONTINUE READING

People Inc. Building for the Future

“Not only do we have flexibility to use the funds as we see fit, but the Community Foundation’s team is constantly bringing national best practices back to our region. I believe our missions are completely aligned.” CONTINUE READING

Buffalo Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Endowment Fund Securing the Future

“Sustainability and growth are important to us as young leaders in a historical fraternity that is about to turn 100 years old. I want to make sure we are still here and making a positive impact for another 100 years.” CONTINUE READING

Scharf-Van Heusen Fund Creating Change in Our Community Forever

“Over time we have seen how the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is truly committed to making sure our passions are supported. Instead of giving to separate organizations ourselves, we are able to tell the Community Foundation exactly who we want to support and how. It is so flexible.” CONTINUE READING

Edward and Mary Seaton Kleinhans A Legacy That Still Rings True Today

“Edward and Mary Seaton Kleinhans entrusted the Foundation to ensure their vision of building a music hall for our community. We are proud to continue honoring their legacy 75 years later and make it possible for all who enter Kleinhans to share and learn about its rich history.” CONTINUE READING