October 2011 - Foundation E-newsletter

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Let us say Thank you!
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we have much to be thankful for at People Inc.:
  • Our 2,500 dedicated caregivers who work every day and live our mission
  • 10,000 people a year who we serve, who remind us all about the power of compassion and importance of advocacy
  • Our donors – who support our mission with an Annual Membership, through special Tribute Gifts, and the ultimate Legacy gift of a Bequest in their Will
To learn more about options and how you can support our work, contact Denise Paszkiewicz, Foundation director, at 716.817.7470 or denisep@people-inc.org.
 
 
Only 8 weeks left to take advantage of tax-free IRA (retirement account) gifts! 
Retirement assets face tax rates of up to 75% if they are left to a family member other than a spouse. This makes them attractive assets to use for charitable giving – leaving more favorable taxed assets to give to family. Until December 31, 2011, donors over 70 1/2 years can make direct distributions from their IRA, up to $100,000, to the People Inc. Foundation. This can satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD), and the transaction incurs no federal income tax and removes the assets from your estate for tax purposes. Read more...
 
 
 
 
Top: Judge's table (L-R): Denise Paszkiewicz, People Inc. Foundation; Mark Warren, food service consultant; Jeff Kolbas, Tempo Restaurant; Mark Croce, Statler owner.
 
Bottom: Denise Paszkiewicz, People Inc. Foundation; Susan Sizemore, Erie County Office for the Disabled; and Mark Croce, Statler owner.
Buffalo Chili Fest a Tasty Success!
Hundreds of discerning (and hungry!) patrons stampeded on down to the 3rd annual Buffalo Chili Fest this month, held at the Statler City. Nearly twenty restaurants showed off their best Chili recipes, with ingredients ranging from Guiness to chocolate, chipotle to roasted pork! The competition was fierce for prizes and bragging rights, all while supporting People Inc. 
 
In accepting the Erie County Executive’s Declaration of October 16th as official “Buffalo Chili Fest Day,” Statler owner Mark Croce noted, “I’m happy to see all these people and all our restaurants come out and support People Inc. – what a great organization that helps 10,000 people every year.”
 
In addition to staff and family volunteers from People Inc., the Daemen College Art Club, Tonawanda Y.E.S. youth group, Service Collaborative of WNY Americorps, and the band "November 11th" donated their talents. 1st Place AND Peoples Choice Award winner was the Riverstone Grill on Grand Island; 2nd Place Award winner was D’Arcy McGee’s Irish Pub on Franklin Street downtown Buffalo, and 3rd Place Award winner went to Home Town Catering of Corfu. Thanks to WebArt Design and the Statler City team for leading the effort! 
 
Campaign Reached Goal Early!
Our sincere thanks to Diana and Ron Papa, who led the successful effort to raise $250,000 in our Creating the Strongest Link campaign. The year-end goal was met early, and allowed for renovations to our Training Center for Human Service Excellence and Museum of disABILITY History on Main Street on the Amherst/Buffalo border. Originally the Eggertsville Fire House, the building has been updated for use in training thousands of human service staff, and educating the public on the challenges and triumphs of individuals with disabling conditions over history. This year, the building was re-opened to the public as our Museum introduced expanded hours and new exhibits. To learn more or book a guided tour, contact the Museum at 716.629.3626.
Training Center for Human Service Excellence and Museum of disABILITY History on Main Street in Amherst.
 
 
Willy Wonka would have loved it!
Proceeds from Fowlers Chocolates Factory Tour were donated to the People Inc. Foundation earlier this month. Taking advantage of the long weekend, kids of every (and we mean EVERY) age enjoyed a tour of the chocolate-making facility on River Rock Drive in Buffalo on Saturday and Monday October 8 and 10. Participants saw sponge candy being cut by hand and got the inside scoop on the mysteries of chocolate-making from good-natured and costumed staff, all while sampling, sampling, sampling! People Inc. will continue our partnership with Fowlers through our annual Spring Chocolate Sale – get your worksite involved early! We can support a customized charity sale via order form with delivery before the Easter holidays, or on-site sale for large locations, making it easy to shop while supporting People Inc.! To learn more, contact Sarah Snyder, ssynder@people-inc.org, annual giving manager, at 716.817.7269. 
 
 
What’s YOUR Connection?
Maybe a family member or co-worker has been touched by the services of People Inc…Or you’ve always admired your niece’s commitment as a social worker…Maybe you’re a neighbor of one of our group homes and have made new friends over the years…or your Department at work rallies to support good causes as a team. Whatever the connection, our People Inc. Foundation welcomes your partnership in advancing the important mission and work of People Inc. Give us a call and let’s brainstorm together! Contact Denise Paszkiewicz, Foundation director, at 716.817.7470 or denisep@people-inc.org.

1219 North Forest Road | Williamsville, NY 14231 US