Past Events
2002-2003
Buffalo International Auto Show - Wednesday, February 5 through Sunday, February 9
Niagara Frontier Automobile Dealers sponsored an auto show at the Buffalo Convention Center to benefit Gilda's Club of Western New York. Gilda's Club is a center that provides emotional and social support to cancer patients, their friends, and their families. Proceeds were donated to help renovate the recent purchase of a building to provide additional services. Check out the Gilda's Club of WNY website to learn more about them at http://www.gildasclubwny.org/. Volunteers worked various shifts from 11AM-2PM, 2PM-6PM, or 6PM-9PM.
Goodness Graceness Committee - Tuesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 6
Golden Key had supporters for the Goodness Graceness Committee sponsored by Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. Volunteers helped 4th grade students at Country Parkway Elementary School grow potted plants to give away to the residents of Grace Manor. The students also wrote letters to attach to the plants as part of this Valentine's Day project. Grace Manor is a health care facility located at 10 Symphony Circle, in Buffalo, NY dedicated towards holistic care for the sick and elderly. Our goal was to plant 167 small pots to give to each of the residents. More information on Grace Manor can be found at http://www.gmhcf.org/.
Anti-Rape Task Force - January through May
The Anti-Rape Task Force is a group of volunteers that work to promote safety on the UB campus by providing walking escorts and van services. Volunteers were escorts and helpers for the spring semester.
Gift Wrapping for the American Cancer Society - Friday, December 13
The American Cancer Society is a non-profit organization that fights cancer by providing education and support for cancer patients, survivors, and their friends and family. More information on the ACS can be found at http://www.cancer.org/. Volunteers gift wraped for customers at the Boulevard Mall from 2-6PM. Money raised was donated to the American Cancer Society.
Weinberg's Alzheimer's Unit Family Holiday Party - Sunday, December 8
The Weinberg Campus, located in Getzville, NY, is a comprehensive facility that contains a senior living center that provides skilled nursing care, 24 hour residential care, and rehabilitation services for the elderly. On December 8th, the Alzheimer's Unit of the nursing home held a holiday party for its residents and their family members. The event lasted from 11AM-3:30PM. Members from Golden Key teamed up with volunteers from Circle K, a service organization, to decorate and prepare for the party, serve food to residents and guests, and assist with clean up. It was a very rewarding experience that gave volunteers a chance to spend some time with the patients, many of whom suffer from advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease. We were able to see first hand how difficult it is to cope with this debilitating disease and were very happy to offer some support by way of our company and smiles. We look forward to working with the Weinberg Campus to help out at the Holiday Party again next year.
Make-A-Difference Day Project - Saturday, October 26
Make A Difference Day (MADD) is a national day of helping others. Created by USA WEEKEND magazine, it is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October. People across the nation will be reaching out to offer goodwill and a helping hand. For example, this year, John Bridgeland, executive director of President Bush's USA Freedom Corps, will honor Sept. 11 victims by volunteering on MADD With his family and 50 White House staffers to build a Washington, D.C., playground. Supporters of MADD include some celebrities and influential figures, such as Paul Newman and First Lady Laura Bush, who have donated contributions or made endorsements to promote the cause. Go to the MADD website to find out more about Make A Difference Day.
For its MADD project, the UB chapter of Golden Key collaborated with the Buffalo Zoo. On the evening of October 26th, members participated at the Buffalo Zoo's annual Halloween celebration for children and their families from 5:30-9PM. We gave hayrides, supervised crafts and games, facepainted and gave tattoos to children, handed out toys and candy, and served resfreshments. This event made a difference by promoting community spirit in Buffalo and giving children and families a safe alternative to trick-or-treating. It was a wonderful opportunity to revive the Buffalo Zoo and bring residents together to do something special for children of all ages. The event was a success and we are looking for ideas for doing another MADD project next year. To see pictures of the event, go to the Photo Gallery.
Last updated: Monday, September 17, 2007