New York State Sen. Tim Kennedy joined Say Yes Buffalo Executive Director David Rust and Delaware North Assistant General Counsel Michael McCabe last week to send Buffalo’s neediest Say Yes scholars off to college fully prepared with essential supplies.
The send-off marked the end of Kennedy’s third annual Dorm Drive, which began July 9 and ended Aug. 10. Kennedy and Say Yes praised the generosity of Delaware North, which donated $6,000 in gift cards for students.
“Say Yes plays an incredibly important role in our community, and Delaware North is proud to support its work,” said Delaware North Co-CEO Jerry Jacobs Jr. “With great corporate and government partners, we are confident that this program will continue to create educational opportunities for Buffalo’s amazing students.”
The mission of the Say Yes Buffalo partnership is to strengthen the Western New York economy by investing in the education of Buffalo’s future workforce. The primary goals of the partnership are to convene the school district, parents, teachers, administrators, state, city and county governments, higher education, community-based organizations, businesses and foundations to increase high school and postsecondary completion rates.
In total, Say Yes expects more than 150 students attending Buffalo State College, Niagara County Community College, the University at Buffalo and SUNY Fredonia will benefit from these donations. Due to the overwhelming response from the community, they will continue to identify students throughout the school year who need and qualify for assistance.