In remarks to attendees, Anne McCaffrey, president and CEO of People Inc., reflected on several accomplishments from the past year, including the addition of an affordable housing complex in Williamsville, a new partnership with Habitat for Humanity to build an accessible single-family home in Youngstown, the development of a “Meals Matter” program to provide hands-on cooking training to new employees, the opening of the new ArtsWork Gallery in Buffalo, and more.

“This past year, through the People Inc. Foundation and the generosity of donors, public and private grant-makers to People Inc., and events like tonight, we’ve raised $3 million in grants and donations,” said McCaffrey. “What do these dollars mean to people we serve? It means improved access to health care, increased opportunities for creative arts and musical expression and programming, updated and modernized facilities and program spaces and an environment where People Inc. staff are engaged, valued and appreciated.”

The event also celebrated two distinguished honorees: B. Thomas Golisano, philanthropist and founder of Paychex, and Walsh Insurance for their outstanding generosity and commitment to supporting people with developmental disabilities. 

The evening included an energetic performance by People Inc.’s drumming troupe, Blue Ink Butterfly. Additional highlights included a silent auction and “Golden Raffle,” where one lucky winner took home a football signed by Buffalo Bills players Josh Allen and Jim Kelly.

“We are extremely grateful to all our sponsors, who made the Night of Celebration a true success and support People Inc.’s mission to provide health and human services that enrich lives and communities,” said Erica Sammarco, Sr. Vice President for Advancement and Director of the People Inc. Foundation. 

Leading sponsors for the event included: Presenting Sponsor: Barclay Damon; Diamond Sponsors: Creative Structure Services and R&D Property Management of WNY; Celebration Gift Sponsors: Bryans & Gramuglia CPAs, LLC, Upstate Pharmacy LTD, and Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.; Golden Raffle Sponsor: KeyBank; and Silver Sponsors: Cynthia Vance and Scott Smith, Lawley Insurance, Long Associates Architects PLLC, Orville's Appliances, Parkview Health Services, Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Western New York, and Walsh Duffield Companies, Inc.