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Campaign co-chairpersons Katrina and Jeffrey Zeplowitz. | |
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GoFundMe Campaign Underway
On October 3, our GoFundMe fundraising campaign was launched during an exclusive kick-off event, “Night of a Thousand Stars.” With more than 50 guests in attendance, it was a great night of food, drink and a silent auction. Campaign co-chairpersons Jeffrey and Katrina Zeplowitz did an outstanding job getting the ball rolling on our fundraising campaign, providing a new source of revenue. Nearly $8,000 has been raised so far!
The campaign has received national attention through social media, garnering support from celebrities, including Maria Shriver, activist, journalist and author; and Diane English, producer, director and native Buffalonian best known for creating the hit television show Murphy Brown.
Additional stars showed their support through promotional videos, including William Fichtner, Buffalo-born actor and screenwriter; Chris Burke, actor who played “Corky” on Life Goes On and Goodwill Ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society; and Brian Donovan, Kelly's Hollywood film creator.
Several generous donations were also made. Burke contributed memorabilia for the silent auction and items for a future Museum exhibit. Jeffrey and Katrina donated a cheerleading costume, which was worn by actress Lauren Potter, who played “Becky” on the popular television show Glee.
We recently received a boost for the campaign and are extremely thankful to the Down Syndrome Parents Group of Western New York, Inc. for their generous donation of $2,500.
Funds from the ongoing campaign will benefit our experiential movie theatre and interactive exhibit, and will also help fund a new building addition to attract families and children. To learn more, watch the videos and to donate, click here. To view photos from our launch event, click here.
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| November Presentations: Author Rosanne Higgins and Playwright Kevin Kling
We are hosting two insightful events this month as part of our Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, both held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 3826 Main Street, Buffalo:
On Friday, November 6, author and anthropologist Rosanne Higgins debuts her latest work of historical fiction, The Seer and the Scholar. The novel is the third installment in Higgins’ Orphans and Inmates series, which tells the tale of three sisters who were orphaned on their way from Ireland to Buffalo and sought refuge at the Erie County Poorhouse. Learn more here.
On Wednesday, November 18, nationally recognized storyteller and playwright Kevin Kling will share his angle on life’s humor and heartaches. Kling, best known for his popular commentaries on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered, delivers hilarious, often tender stories, as they are true to life. The event is held in in collaboration with Canisius College. Learn more here.
Admission for both events is $6 for adults, $3.50 for students, seniors and human service employees and free for Museum members. For more information or to register, call 716.629.3626.
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| Mubu’s Holiday Family-friendly Event
We are pleased to present Mubu’s Family Holiday event on Saturday, December 12, from 2 to 4 p.m., 3826 Main Street, Buffalo. The event is held in conjunction with the latest release from the Mubu the Morph children’s book series, Mubu’s Christmas. Mubu the Morph is the main character of a fun-filled series about individuality and lessons about self-confidence suitable for children, grades K to 3. The event includes book readings, holiday crafts, face painting, a visit from Santa and refreshments. Co-hosted by Bornhava, Parent Network of WNY and People Inc., the event will help spread some holiday cheer. To register, or for more information, call 716.629.3626.
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| Celebrating 30 Years
Congratulations to Dave Mack-Hardiman, associate vice president for People Inc. and the Museum of
disABILITY History, on his 30th anniversary! Dave oversees the Employee Training Department, developing and enhancing training and workshops for employees within People Inc., its affiliates and other human service agencies. He has been instrumental in the agency’s cemetery restoration projects, along with developing new exhibits for the Museum of disABILITY History and oversees its Film and Speaker Series. Dave, thank you for your dedicated service and being an advocate for individuals with disabilities!
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| Holiday Party with Music by Universal Mind
Our annual Holiday Party will be held on Thursday, December 3, from 5 to 7 p.m., 3826 Main Street, Buffalo. Enjoy music from Universal Mind, a band sponsored by Aspire of Western New York comprised of talented musicians who are differently-abled. Enjoy refreshments, a basket raffle, and of course, dancing! Plus, there will be a visit from Santa! Donations of gift cards or items for our basket raffle are appreciated. Due to last year’s crowd, no-cost admission tickets are required, which are available at our Museum of disABILITY History. For more information, call 716.629.3626.
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| Traveling Exhibits Available
Are you planning a conference or event for 2016? The Museum of disABILITY History provides a variety of disability themed traveling exhibits available to rent for conferences, events, colleges and businesses across the country. Reserve our easily shipped exhibits in advance. They include: The Kennedy Connection, In the Game: Sports and Disability, Reel Life: disABILITY Goes to the Movies and War and Disability, among others. For more information, email info@museumofdisability.org or call 716.629.3626.
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| Monthly E-publication for friends of the Museum of disABILITY History Produced by the People Inc. Marketing Communications Department Doug Farley, Director, Museum of disABILITY History The Museum of disABILITY History is a project of People Inc.
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