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KeyBank & The First Niagara Foundation announce $1.2 million in funding for Buffalo Heritage Carousel at Canalside

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Thu, Dec 22nd 2016 06:05 pm

Matches Gov. Cuomo's grant challenge to build KeyBank Crossing, which will house vintage DeAngelis Carousel on Buffalo's waterfront

KeyBank and the First Niagara Foundation announced $1.2 million in new funding for the nonprofit dedicated to the renovation and relocation of the vintage DeAngelis Carousel in a new structure at Canalside in Buffalo.

The funding, announced Thursday for the not-for-profit Buffalo Heritage Carousel Inc., answers the call of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who committed $1.2 million in New York state funding as part of a matching grant challenge.

"We are honored by the wonderful support and partnership of KeyBank and First Niagara Foundation. This is an incredible gift coming from great corporate leaders as Buffalo Heritage Carousel works to provide family-oriented recreation on Buffalo's waterfront and to celebrate Western New York's industrial heritage and legacy of leadership in renewable energy," said Laurie Hauer-LaDuca, president, Buffalo Heritage Carousel.

The organization is overseeing the renovation and relocation of a historic carousel manufactured in 1924 by Spillman Engineering in North Tonawanda to Canalside in downtown Buffalo. The venue will provide family-oriented recreation with an educational value at the terminus of the Erie Canal, for the benefit of residents and tourists alike.

"KeyBank is proud to invest in the future of Buffalo and work with Gov. Cuomo to bring this cultural gem to our city. KeyBank's commitment to Buffalo runs deep and includes transformational investments in jobs, neighborhoods, education and arts and culture throughout the region. From our regional headquarters in Larkinville to KeyBank Center, we are committed to supporting Buffalo's renaissance," said Gary Quenneville, upstate New York regional executive, KeyBank. "This project will be a wonderful addition to our city's Canalside neighborhood and is certain to help it thrive."

The funding from KeyBank and the First Niagara Foundation, which was made possible through a gift from Key, will allow Buffalo Heritage Carousel to construct a solar-powered building to house the renovated historic carousel, protecting it and ensuring it can be enjoyed year-round, while also providing space for events and activities. The state-of-the-art building, which will now be named KeyBank Crossing, will also feature rooms dedicated to education, history and meeting space, as well as a gift shop.

"There are so many great things taking place on our city's beautiful waterfront, and the installation of this carousel will only continue that trend," said Gary Crosby, who is president of the First Niagara Foundation and a member of KeyCorp's board of directors. "The First Niagara Foundation is committed to community development projects that will make Western New York an even better place for years to come. We know this investment will do just that and we're thrilled to be a part of it."

KeyBank and the First Niagara Foundation each contributed to the $1.2 million in new funding announced today. The First Niagara Foundation continues to serve the Western New York community as an independent charitable foundation following First Niagara Bank's merger with KeyCorp.

The carousel is expected to open in May of 2018. For more information, visit www.buffaloheritagecarousel.org.

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