Grand Island, NY- Family and friends of 3-year-old Brayden Macri, who was diagnosed with leukemia, will be hosting a benefit in support of the toddler on Saturday, May 18, at the Grand Island VFW, 2121 Grand Island Blvd, Grand Island, NY, starting at 2:00 p.m.

Brayden Macri was diagnosed on July 24, 2012 with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Young Macri receives extensive treatments including chemotherapy, blood transfusions and bone marrow aspirations. The benefit will help offset some of the medical bills associated with Brayden’s treatment.

The benefit will include a live band and disc jockey, 50/50 split club tickets and basket raffles. There will be a kid zone area as well. Donation tickets are $20.00 each and they include food, soft drinks and adult beverages. Children under 10 are free.

Who: “Team Brayden” family, friends, loved ones and community

Erie County, NY – Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs will be hosting an open-to-the-public blood drive with Unyts, WNY’s only organ, eye, tissue and community blood center, on Saturday, May 11th from 9am-2pm at the Erie County Auto Bureau located at 2122 George Urban Blvd. in Cheektowaga.

“Giving the gift of life through a blood donation is critically important,” Jacobs said.  “By giving blood, you are helping to make sure there is blood available for your friends and neighbors in their time of need. I would also like to encourage the community to enroll on the New York State Registry as an organ and tissue donor and help the more than 117,000 currently waiting for a transplant.”

BUFFALO, NY – The Buffalo Niagara Partnership will host Power Up! Women Building Their Business Communities and Personal Brands from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m., June 21, 2013 at Artisan Kitchens and Bath, 200 Amherst Street, Buffalo, NY 14207.  This event is designed to educate, inspire and connect female professionals in the Buffalo Niagara region. 

“With Power Up! the Partnership is able to bring together women professionals of every age, every industry and every level of success,” said Lindsey Dotson, events manager at the Buffalo Niagara Partnership.  “Education through connecting is one of the most important things we do.”

Power Up! will feature keynote speaker Jacquie Walker of News Channel 4 and a panel of established and emerging leaders contributing to local business, industry and community.  The event will conclude with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and structured networking with successful women professionals.