Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

B Team Buffalo to decorate Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood during 'City of Light' on Dec. 3

Submitted

Wed, Nov 2nd 2016 07:00 am

More than 150 volunteers to light up more than 50 homes; partnership with Matt Urban Hope Center to provide community carnival and dinner

As fall inches closer to winter, Western New Yorkers will begin to decorate their homes for the holidays. But for some residents of Buffalo's East Side, decorating is a luxury. So, a group of young volunteers plan to "brighten" the neighborhood out of the kindness of their hearts.

During B Team Buffalo's annual "City of Light" event on Saturday, Dec. 3, more than 150 volunteers will coalesce in the Buffalo-Fillmore neighborhood by the Matt Urban Hope Center, with the Central Terminal as the backdrop. That morning, they aim to decorate more than 50 houses with lights and garland.

"The idea is to provide holiday cheer to an underserved neighborhood and come together as a true 'City of Good Neighbors,' " said Joanna Panasiewicz, chair, B Team Buffalo. "Just as Buffalo was nicknamed 'City of Light' for its dazzling light displays at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, we want to help the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood shine this holiday season."

City of Light is B Team Buffalo's annual signature event. The volunteer group, consisting mainly of young professionals, has decorated eight different Buffalo neighborhoods since the group's inception in 2008. There is no cost to residents, and lights and decorations are made possible through the support of generous donations.

City of Light 2016 will include much more than just 150 volunteers decorating houses throughout the morning. Additional activities slated throughout the day in and around the Matt Urban Hope Center (385 Paderewski Drive) include:

•12:30 p.m.: Neighborhood tree lighting, holiday carols and visit from Santa

•1-4 p.m.: Carnival with games and toys for children

•3-5 p.m.: Free community dinner

B Team Buffalo seeks additional sponsors and volunteers for 2016 City of Light. To get involved, visit http://bteambuffalo.com/city-of-light/. Current major sponsors for this year's event include Buffalo Niagara 360 Happy Hour for a Cause, Ingram Micro, M&T Bank and the National Buffalo Wing Festival. In addition, the public is encouraged to donate through an Indiegogo campaign at http://tinyurl.com/COL2016-BTeam.

For more information on B Team Buffalo, visit http://bteambuffalo.com or connect with the group via social media.

Hometown News

View All News