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Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy announces 'Spring into Summer Reimagined' - a virtual event

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Thu, May 14th 2020 10:15 am

Funds raised will support conservancy’s ongoing efforts to maintain & sustain Buffalo’s Olmsted parks, landscapes

Typically at the start of the park season, the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy holds its annual fundraising luncheon, “Spring into Summer.” While guests are not able to be together this year, the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy is creatively offering a virtual, reimagined event that will showcase much of the fun and fanfare that the vibrant in-person event is known for.

“Spring into Summer Reimagined,” a virtual event, will be held online via the digital platform, OneCause. From here, guests will be able to make donations, access a basket raffle and a wine pull, flip through this year’s program book, and watch program videos. In the desire to highlight everyone’s bright and colorful hats and/or bowties, which have become a fashion statement for Olmsted spirit, a special social media contest, “Hats off to Olmsted,” will launch May 18 and culminate with the final program on May 21.

“We must continue raising support for the parks, as nature cannot be paused; our work is here every single day,” said Stephanie Crockatt, conservancy executive director. “Our new reality as a nonprofit service provider has seen an increase park use, which means an increase in the cost of safety supplies, equipment, and a need for more personnel. Every gift we receive is critical.”

In comparison, Buffalo’s Olmsted park system is as large as Central Park in NYC. But where NYC has a conservancy of 300 full-time employees and a sustaining endowment, Buffalo’s conservancy has roughly 100 employees and no endowment.

A press release said, “With the usage of parks up almost 40% throughout the Olmsted parks, essential field staff and work they perform are crucial. Especially now, without the benefit of volunteer groups, the labor and resources required to keep the parks clean, healthy, and accessible falls squarely on the conservancy.

“Net proceeds from the virtual event will go directly and immediately toward maintenance and operations, while supporting the nonprofit’s mission efforts in proudly providing quality public spaces for everyone to enjoy.”

“A great deal of thought and creativity went into the decision to reimagine and hold this fundraiser,” said Liz McPhail, conservancy board chair. “Special thanks to all the event sponsors, table captains, and the ‘Spring into Summer’ committee for making this possible.”

For more information on “Spring into Summer Reimagined” or how to support Buffalo’s Olmsted Parks and Conservancy, visit www.bfloparks.org/sis2020.

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