The Buffalo Renaissance Foundation (BRF) honored Delaware North Chairman Jeremy M. Jacobs with its Renaissance Award, which recognizes an individual who exemplifies outstanding community leadership and service. The award was presented May 12 at a luncheon at the historic Kleinhan’s Music Hall in Buffalo, N.Y.
The BRF board selected Mr. Jacobs for his many philanthropic contributions to the Western New York region. Last year, the Jacobs family made a $30 million gift to the University at Buffalo’s medical school, which was renamed in their honor as the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Delaware North and the Jacobs family also made a $1 million donation to the Explore & More Children’s Museum campaign, in support of its relocation to Buffalo’s growing Canalside district.
“I am extremely flattered to be recognized by my colleagues in the Buffalo business community,” Mr. Jacobs said. “Our city has a rich history of philanthropy and community service, and it makes Buffalo a tremendous place to live and work. I am grateful to the Renaissance Foundation for this honor and for their contributions to Western New York.”
“Buffalo is fortunate to have such strong benefactors in Jeremy Jacobs and the Jacobs family. They have supported innumerable charitable causes in Western New York, particularly in the areas of education and health care, and Delaware North is a shining example of good corporate citizenship,” said BRF Executive Director Scott McManigle.
Following the award presentation, Mr. Jacobs joined CEO of New Era Cap Chris Koch and Robert Gioia, president of the John R. Oishei Foundation, on a panel to discuss the topic of corporate philanthropy – a conversation that was moderated by Matt Enstice, president and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.
PHOTO CAPTION: Delaware North Chairman Jeremy Jacobs (center) is joined at Thursday’s awards luncheon by prominent Buffalo business leaders (from left to right) Matt Enstice (president and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus), Robert Gioia (president of the Oishei Foundation), Chris Koch (CEO of New Era Cap) and Michael Montante (BRF president and vice president of Uniland).