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.

Sheldon Smith Honoring Community Trailblazers

In 1999, Sheldon Smith was a law student at the University of Buffalo, participating as a juror in a mock trial for a trial technique class. It was then that he met the Honorable Hugh B. Scott, a United States magistrate judge for the Western District of New York, as well as a law professor at UB. “I was blown away by his charisma, intelligence and good nature,” recalled Sheldon, now a partner at Harter Secrest & Emery LLP (HSE). “He seemingly bonded with everybody, at all times, and everyone walked away from interactions with him saying, ‘Oh, he likes me. He's my mentor.’ And that never stopped." CONTINUE READING

David and Cynthia Silverstein Mapping out a legacy of giving

“When David brought me home to meet his family for the first time, his father was eating an orange, and he just offered me a piece. I think that is a very simple way to talk about what a lovely man he was,” Cynthia said. For Cynthia and David Silverstein, generosity is part of who they are. David grew up in a city garden apartment in Queens, New York, and Cynthia as part of a large Italian family living in a small house in Olean. Both credit their parents with instilling in them a desire to give back. CONTINUE READING

Jerry and Liz Canada A driving force for Niagara County

Let us take you back to Niagara Falls in 1981. The Turtle, a landmark that celebrated Native American culture, opened to the public. The holidays brought the inaugural year of the world-famous Festival of Lights that quickly became one of the most popular seasonal attractions in North America. And an inspired love story that has spanned more than four decades began. Liz and Jerry Canada both grew up in the LaSalle neighborhood of Niagara Falls, although they didn’t meet until high school. “We met through track and started dating when we were 16 and 17,” Liz said. “We signed each other's yearbooks and the rest is history!” CONTINUE READING

The Gow School Securing a route to long-term success

Situated on a sprawling 125-acre campus in South Wales, New York, is The Gow School, a premier boarding and day school for students in grades 6–12 with language-based learning differences, including dyslexia, dyscalculia and auditory processing. “The path to Gow for a lot of families and a lot of children is typically a pretty bumpy one,” said John Munro, Gow’s Head of School who began his tenure in 2023. “It doesn't take long for students to realize they have found their people at Gow – others who learn the same way and with teachers who are expertly trained in the way that they think. The students quickly gain confidence.” CONTINUE READING

John and Elizabeth (Bette) Hulley Supporting the evolving needs of Western New York

Growing up in different cities in the 1960s and ʼ70s, John and Elizabeth (Bette) Hulley understand that times change. And with that, so do the needs of a community. John grew up in Pittsburgh, where the nearby steel mill employed most of the residents. John’s school focused on self-sufficiency and vocational training, and by age 12, he was refinishing furniture, an interest that has stayed with him since. He continued to hone his craft, earning enough to purchase his first house by the age of 19, all while pursuing a business degree, and eventually followed his passion for furniture making to Buffalo. CONTINUE READING

African American Veterans Monument Endowment Honoring the voices of those who have served

Did you know that the first casualty of the Revolutionary War was a Black man? Throughout history, Black soldiers have played a vital role in every U.S. war. To honor those veterans, the African American Veterans Monument was unveiled in 2022, a culmination of many years of hard work. CONTINUE READING

Scheff Family Inspiring the voices of future generations

Hy Scheff was known for his sharp wit and generosity. “He was very charitable because he came from such modest means,” said his wife, Marjorie. “It was always important to him to give back.” Married for nearly 66 years, Marjorie and Hy met after he returned from the Korean War. Of their decades-long love story, Marjorie recalls he was already talking about marriage on their first date. CONTINUE READING

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Corporation Cementing a historic landmark’s future

Nestled in Buffalo’s Parkside neighborhood, just minutes from Delaware Park, you will find the Martin House, a National Historic Landmark, N.Y. State Historic Site and premier tourist destination that is the very definition of a grand masterpiece. “Thoughtful architecture and good design matter,” explained Mary Roberts, retired Executive Director of the Martin House. “In a certain sense, architecture is about improving the human condition.” CONTINUE READING

Pickburn Memorial Fund for Wildlife Carrying out a legacy

“It seems like every time we were in need, the Pickburn Memorial Fund was there to help,” said Hannah Brenner, Development Manager of Hawk Creek Wildlife Center. Born in 1948, Barbara Pickburn developed a love of animals and wildlife at a young age, a passion that would inspire her generosity for years to come. CONTINUE READING

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 legacy that is music to our ears

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

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

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

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 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

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