Volunteer — Blog — Just a Blonde in Buffalo

photo from Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper website

Today for Waterkeeper Wednesday I’m highlighting the importance of Waterkeeper Weekend, the “Un-Gala Fundraiser” and Shoreline Sweep which are all coming up next weekend - May 10th-May 12th, 2019.

Let’s begin with Waterkeeper Weekend as a whole, I want to provide you with some facts. Since 2017 thanks to the help of BN Waterkeeper’s donors 7,845 linear feet of shoreline has been restored. 2,200 volunteers have been engaged and donated over 9,000 hours of their time and $10 million has been launched for the Buffalo Blueway Project with Empire State Development. 40 tons of trash has been cleaned out of the river thanks to the help of people like yourselves in the local community participating in the shoreline sweep that Waterkeeper hosts, and while there has been great progress its not done yet. Monthly cleanups like the one being held on May 11th are vital in efforts to restore our waterways.

The Great Lakes are one of the world’s largest surface freshwater ecosystems. 84% of North America's surface fresh water comes from the Great Lakes - right in our backyard…

photo courtesy of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper

Before rolling up your sleeves and helping at one of the 50 sites for Shoreline Sweep Waterkeeper is hosting an “Un-Gala Fundraiser” at Lakeward Spirits at the Barrel Factory on May 10th to celebrate advocacy and access to our water. It’s a fun evening with food, beverage, raffles, distillery tours and live music supporting a wonderful cause. Tickets for the event can be found here

Whatever you choose to do, try to be a part of the celebration of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper’s 30th anniversary.

-B

As part of the Shoreline Sweep I’m raising money for Waterkeeper, if you feel generous no amount is to big or small, please consider donating to the cause - Just a Blonde In Buffalo’s team page

Last week I was lucky enough to attend Cocktails in Character for Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara, Inc. What a great event it was! To sum it up its certainly not like any other non-profit gala or charitable events I've attended in the past. It was short, sweet, creative and fun.

Guests had the option to dress up as their favorite literary character {Annette and I went as Thing 1 and Thing 2 from Dr. Seuss, as you can see from the picture above}. There was a silent auction and Chinese auction, a VIP area {for those who purchased VIP tickets}, food stations, a cash bar, a live band and a short program that was to the point.

If you're looking to get involved with an organization that is fun, but serves a great purpose in the lives of children and adults consider looking into Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara, Inc. Click here for more information on volunteering/tutoring.

-B