Empower holds annual golf tournament, honors local businessmen with Humanitarian Award

On Wednesday, Empower held its annual benefit golf tournament to raise funding for job training and day programming for residents of Western New York with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, Empower honored Bob O’Leary and Gary Kaczor with the Empower Annual Golf Tournament Humanitarian Award in Memory of Neil and Mary Gruppo for their continued dedication to supporting Empower.

“Our annual golf tournament represents a major fundraising event that allows us to provide top-of-the-line job training and day programming opportunities,” Empower Executive Director Diane Baehre said. “These programs allow individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities to socialize, learn critical life and career skills, and earn a living. Each dollar raised is invested into ensuring the individuals we serve can live life to the fullest and reach their full potential.”

Empower provides numerous job training and day programs, including Empties for Empower, document shredding, a grab N’ go cart at the Fashion Outlets, job placement in local businesses, job coaching, and day habilitation. More can be found by visiting https://empower-wny.org/services/job-training-day-programs/.

“In addition to our annual golf tournament, this year Empower was honored to award Bob O’Leary and Gary Kaczor of Parkview Health Services with our Humanitarian Award,” Baehre said. “Bob and Gary, and the entire Parkview team, have shown incredible dedication to Empower’s mission, and provided exceptionally generous support to the important programs we provide. I could not be more honored to present this distinguished award to our partners and friends Bob O’Leary and Gary Kaczor."

Empower was founded in 1954 and has served Western New York, specifically Niagara County, for over 65 years, ensuring individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their loved ones, have access to the highest-quality support and services. Empower employs over 300 individuals and provides community programming, job and workforce development, and educational services. For more information, visit www.empower-wny.org.