First 'UPlift Design Challenge and Fundraiser'

Nonprofit organization UPward Design for Life Corp. (UDFL), whose mission is to restore hope by transforming empty spaces into homes, will host its first “UPlift Design Challenge and Fundraiser” from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at the University of Buffalo Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, 701 Ellicott St.

Organizers said the event provided three local companies (Ingram Micro, AP Professionals of WNY and MidCity Office Furniture) the opportunity to furnish a home for a family in need. The projects involved each team furnishing an entire home with gently used furnishings that were donated by members of the community.

“The design competition and fundraiser is the first of its kind here in Western New York. It offers the perfect opportunity for local businesses to give back to the community in a way that makes an immediate positive impact, all while helping our organization raise the financial resources needed to continue doing our important work,” founder and Executive Director Dionne Williamson said.

Each design team project was filmed, and a video has been created and shared with the community so they can vote for their favorite design team and project. The winners will be announced at the private, in-person fundraising event happening on Saturday.

UDFL is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves domestic violence survivors, individuals who are refugees, individuals transitioning from shelters, veterans, individuals with behavioral and developmental disabilities, and young adults aging out of foster care in Erie and Niagara counties. For more information, visit https://www.upwarddesignforlife.org/uplift-design-challenge-fundraiser or contact Williamson at [email protected].