Erie County Legislator Joseph C. Lorigo announced that the Legislature has supported his request to allocate $7,000 for the Rural Outreach Center in the 2017 Erie County budget. The Legislature approved the request at their annual budget meeting to support the center’s efforts to combat rural poverty and help residents through various services.  

“I thought it was critical that the county continued to fund the Rural Outreach Center as it does so much for families in rural Erie County. I am pleased that my colleagues supported this request and I know the funding will benefit many families who are working to get back on their own two feet,” said Legislator Lorigo. 

The Independent Health Foundation is continuing its successful program, Good for the Neighborhood® (GFTN) with four free community events in October. GFTN brings health screenings, educational information and a free farmers market to underserved neighborhoods in our community.

The first event of the month is scheduled for Oct. 6 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Belle Center, 104 Maryland St., Buffalo. You do not need to be an Independent Health member to attend.

October’s events will have a Fall theme, and offer free carriage rides* and free pumpkins for children who attend, while supplies last. Face painting will also be available, as well as healthy trick-or-treating.

Suneel’s Light, a Western New York non-profit foundation with the mission of raising funds for research that will lead to a cure of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and to increase public awareness of the genetic disease, has announced that local philanthropist and nationally renowned restaurateur, Russell Salvatore will serve as the 2016 Honorary Chairman of Suneel’s Celebrity Gala, the Foundation’s annual “Dancing with the Stars” inspired fundraiser. Peter M. Vito, retired commissioner of Erie County Central Police Services and chairman and CEO of Peter M. Vito & Associates, Inc., and his wife Elizabeth R. Donatello, Esq. Niagara County Assistant District Attorney were also named Event Chairs. Funds raised by Suneel’s Celebrity Gala in Buffalo help this local non-profit foundation support critical research for treatments in search of a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a lethal genetic childhood disease.