Three Local Disability Advocates Honored at Museum of disABILITY History Fall Fundraiser and Auction Event

The Museum of disABILITY History Fall Fundraiser and Auction will be held on Thursday, October 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at 3826 Main Street, Buffalo. The event will include hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and desserts, along with an awards ceremony and auction.

During the event, the Museum of disABILITY History will present its inaugural Chris Burke Award for Excellence in Disability Advocacy to three honorees. The honorees, all who reside in Western New York, are: Engelic Everett, Marie Malinowski and Michael Rogers. Through their advocacy efforts, they exemplify the value of contributing significant work in the disability community and make inclusion a priority. 

Chris Burke, an actor with Down syndrome, played Corky on the television show, Life Goes On. He has earned numerous awards and is a Goodwill Ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society. He has donated numerous memorabilia items from the television show and his advocacy efforts to the Museum of disABILITY History. 

The annual fundraiser will benefit the Museum’s educational programming. For those who would like to support the Museum of disABILITY History, but cannot attend the event are encouraged to donate at gofundme.com/Musedisability. For more information, call 716.629.3626.

Established in 1998, the Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is the only one of its kind in the United States and is dedicated to advancing the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities. Located in Buffalo, NY, the Museum’s exhibits, collections, publications, archives and educational programs create awareness and a platform for dialogue and discovery.