The next stop of the club tour was Buffalo, NY! Thank you to all the fans in western New York and Canada for your support of the tour! The following local charities/foundations were recipients of CARE support in Buffalo. Please see the charity website for contact information.
Gaunches Unite
Gaunches Unite provides support and assistance to western NY families and individuals on a close and personal level during times of medical, accidental and economic hardship. Robert Hartman is currently battling un-curable bone cancer and will be needing a bone marrow transplant. Unable to work, he is close to losing his health insurance and is having difficulty paying his living expenses. Jeff Stacey is also battling cancer and unable to work during treatments. He has no health insurance and needs all the help he can get. Single mother Karma Wylie recently passed away after battling Breast Cancer. She left behind two young daughters. The CARE grant is ensuring that all of these people will not have to face life's challenges alone.
Boys & Girls Club Buffalo
The Boys & Girls Club provides programs and activities that teach children the skills needed to build positive lives, attitudes, and behaviors. They work with troubled families, usually below poverty level.
Mr. Robert Yacone and his 3 children Nicholas- 10, Caleigh- 12, and Chelsi- 11 moved to Buffalo after Mrs. Yacone had abandoned her family and left them with a few bags of clothes and a vehicle. They were living in the Salvation Army Shelter and he didn’t want his children to continue to “miss out on their childhood” so he registered his kids at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo. Mr. Yacone has been actively looking for work (with no luck), trying to take care of three fragile children, and fighting for help every chance he gets. They are currently living with his Aunt but have no place to call their own. Org reps say they can’t think of another family who is more in need, or more deserving. They continue to stay positive, support each other, and trust that “everything is going to be ok”. They work hard at school, and at the Club always looking to lend a hand. The CARE grant will be used for a deposit & 6 months rent for an apartment, home furnishings, clothing, food and the holidays.
Special Spaces Buffalo Link to Website Special Spaces creates dream bedrooms for children with life-threatening illnesses. A special space of hope and inspiration to find peace and comfort while addressing their medical needs. The CARE grant is going to help create an Army bedroom for Donovan, a 5 year old with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Music Is Art
Music is Art was founded on the basic belief that everyone should have the opportunity to find their musical voice. Dedicated to connecting music and the community as well as helping troubled kids who are passionate about music. CARE grant is going to three boys, Brendon Grabowski, Richard Gavadin, and Sam Speciale. The funds will support music lessons, prep for college, and also to purchase a trombone for Sam.
Richard is one of five adopted children who were rescued from one of the most horrific child abuse cases in our region’s history. The family that has taken the children and adopted them have had many struggles with emotional issues that linger from their past, but Richard has found that trumpet playing has been a way for himself to escape his past and forge a future.
Brendon lives with his single, financially struggling dad (as his mom couldn't care for him anymore). He is passionate about classical and jazz guitar and takes every opportunity to play with others, teach others and learn.
Sam was raised by his single mom and both parents struggle financially and with vices. Sam has a lot of natural talent and ability and over the past four years has become one of the better trombone players in Western New York. Sam wants to pursue music.
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