Buffalo, NY – February
2017 / Newsmaker Alert / Officials
from Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy
were joined Thursday (February 9) by Mayor Byron W. Brown, Lou Jacobs,
Delaware North Co-CEO, and
Kevin Kelly, Delaware North President, Travel Hospitality Services and
Chairman of the Board, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, to announce that
Delaware North has agreed to a multi-year commitment of increased corporate
support to the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. This leadership gift
will be a $100,000 annual contribution beginning this year through 2019.
“This transformational gift will support vital Olmsted forestry efforts which have gained in national attention and need, particularly with the invasion of the Emerald Ash Borer and its decimation of Buffalo’s urban forests, park canopy and streetscapes,” stated Stephanie Crockatt, Executive Director, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. “Delaware North’s generous support comes at a critical time for the Conservancy’s forestry department, which only receives operational support through its direct fundraising efforts.” Though the Conservancy has been engaging City of Buffalo youth in the parks for many years, Delaware North’s support encourages a continued focus on increasing the utilization and education of youth through the Buffalo Employment and Training Center, and activating the Mayor’s Summer Youth Program, to assist with basic urban forestry efforts. “The generosity of Delaware North is wonderful news for the historic Olmsted Park system as the Conservancy continues to manage of one of Buffalo’s greatest assets. I’m also pleased that these funds will enable the Conservancy to hire more of our young people through my Summer Youth Program to assist with forestry efforts, while learning valuable skills,” Mayor Brown said. In alignment with Delaware North’s commitment to supporting philanthropic efforts throughout the Buffalo community, the intent of their gift will additionally provide for youth and community education on topics such as sustainability, horticulture, landscape architecture, and emerging environmental science issues through the annual Olmsted Lecture, which occurs each April during the timeframe of Earth Day and Arbor Day. “Olmsted’s
parks are integral to the unique character of Buffalo. Delaware North is
thrilled to support the efforts of Mayor Brown and the Buffalo Olmsted
Parks Conservancy to preserve these green spaces for future generations,”
said Jacobs.
About Delaware North Delaware North is one of the largest privately-held hospitality and food service companies in the world. Founded in 1915 and owned by the Jacobs family, Delaware North has global operations at high-profile places such as sports and entertainment venues, national and state parks, destination resorts and restaurants, airports, and regional casinos. Our 60,000 employee associates are dedicated to creating special experiences one guest at a time in serving more than a half-billion guests annually. Delaware North has annual revenue of $3 billion in the sports, travel hospitality, restaurants and catering, parks, resorts, gaming, and specialty retail industries. Learn more about Delaware North, a global leader in hospitality and food service, at www.DelawareNorth.com. About
the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy
The Buffalo Olmsted Park System includes: Six parks: Cazenovia Park in South Buffalo, Delaware Park in Delaware/Parkside District, Front Park at the Peace Bridge, Martin Luther King, Jr. Park at Fillmore Avenue, Riverside Park at Niagara and Tonawanda Street, and South Park at McKinley Parkway Seven parkways: Bidwell, Chapin, Lincoln, McKinley, Porter, Red Jacket, and Richmond Eight landscaped traffic circles: Agassiz, Colonial, Ferry, Gates, McClellan, McKinley, Soldiers, and Symphony Contacts:
Therese
Fuerst
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