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Foundation responds to 'perfect storm' of need

cfgb.org

For the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo responding to need is their mission. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed their efforts to a whole new level. What is emerging is a "perfect storm of need," said President and CEO Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker.  To help those on the "front lines," the WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund has already distributed $4.5 million to 74 nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

The initial buildup of the fund took about two weeks, according to Perez-Bode Dedecker. When asked how the dollars came together so quickly, she laughed, "I literally sent out an email to the philanthropic community."

The response was impressive: 35 foundations and corporations made contributions, as did 1,600 individuals.

"We are helping the helpers,"Perez-Bode Dedecker said.

"Our dollars are going to the organizations who are on the frontlines of meeting the needs."

Those needs have been assessed through a review of a survey of 300 responding nonprofits. The needs, of course, will not be fading away anytime soon. Donations are encouraged at WNYResponds.org.

"If you're not in a position to contribute financially, there are other opportunities to be part of helping by contributing needed items or volunteer services," Perez-Bode Dedecker said.

"It's incredibly inspiring and yet another reminder of the unique level of generosity and commitment to our neighbors in this community."

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Jay joined Buffalo Toronto Public Media in 2008 and has been local host for NPR's "Morning Edition" ever since. In June, 2022, he was named one of the co-hosts of WBFO's "Buffalo, What's Next."

A graduate of St. Mary's of the Lake School, St. Francis High School and Buffalo State College, Jay has worked most of his professional career in Buffalo. Outside of public media, he continues in longstanding roles as the public address announcer for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League and as play-by-play voice of Canisius College basketball.