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Erie County Legislature: Miracle League organizer honored as legislature's April Citizen of the Month

by jmaloni
Thu, Apr 18th 2013 03:55 pm

Erie County Legislator Kevin Hardwick has announced that Teresa Hooper of Grand Island has been named the April 2013 Citizen of the Month in recognition of her efforts to make the Miracle League of Grand Island and Western New York a reality. She was presented a proclamation acknowledging the recognition at the legislature's April 11 session.

"Just a few years ago a large crowd gathered at the future site of the Miracle League field in Veteran's Park on Grand Island for the official ground-breaking ceremony. Among the many smiles I saw that day, Teresa's had to be the biggest. After hours and hours of hard work her dream was a reality, bringing together athletes of all ages and abilities, eagerly looking forward to the first game," said Hardwick. "It was an inspiring moment, knowing that, thanks to Teresa, many individuals and families will benefit from using the field for years to come."

Hooper, past president of the Miracle League Board of Directors, led the formation of the Miracle League of Grand Island with the support of McMahon's Family Restaurant and a team of dedicated organizers and supporters, including the Sabres Alumni, Sabres Foundation, Lions Club, and Rotary Club. More than $750,000 was raised and the field was completed in 2011.

Located at Veteran's Park on Grand Island, Miracle League provides a safe place for athletes of all capabilities to play baseball. (For additional information, please visit http://www.miracleleaguewny.org.)

Hooper was also heavily involved with SABAH, volunteering for 34 years before joining Gliding Stars to help persons with disabilities enjoy the sport of ice skating. She is a clinic nurse at the Ken-Ton Family Clinic.

She was joined by her husband Michael and son Luke to accept the proclamation from Hardwick. Buffalo Sabres alumni Ric Seiling and Sabretooth also attended on behalf of the Sabres Alumni and Sabres Foundation, to honor Hooper.

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