Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Buffalo, NY

165 Years of Service to the Poor

That’s quite a record, and it’s the theme for this year’s annual giving campaign.  Thanks to the donations of so many of you over the years, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has not had to turn anyone away. 

But we need your help to continue.  Whether it’s providing clothing to a family who were victims of a house fire, or sending disadvantaged children to our summer camp, or serving up to 100,000 meals a year to the poor (and working poor) in our Dining Room, we couldn’t do it without your help.

Our 16^th annual Top Hat Award dinner was held at the Millenium Hotel on Thursday evening, September 15.  Among all the events that the Society manages during the year, there is no event where the spirit of friendship can be seen and felt more than at the Top Hat dinner.  Kevin O’Connell from WGRZ-TV did a beautiful job, as he always does, as master of ceremonies.  Five dedicated Vincentians were awarded Ozanam Medals for their service to the poor thru their conferences, and they were also recognized for service to their Church and community.  James V. Glynn was given the Top Hat Award for his support of the Society, as well as many, many other Church and civic organizations.  After the dinner, a businessman in attendance remarked that in his over 40 years in business, he had never been witness to a collection of so many people of goodwill in one room before.  He had dealt with so many cynical, bottom line minded individuals that he thought people that quietly and consistently looked to help those in need, were the stuff of myth and legend.  Yet for 165 years such persons have been here in Western New York helping their neighbors whenever and with whatever they have.

Let’s keep it going!