SPREE INSIDER Buffalo’s boogie night and helping Hunter’s Hope By Kathyrn DeLong Before the chill of another Buffalo winter and the simultaneously thrilling and dreaded holiday season stress fully sets in, take some time this November to enjoy two Spree-sponsored events that are always among the year’s most eagerly awaited: the World’s Largest Disco and the Hunter’s Hope Candlelight Ball. But while both events are a blast, they’re also among the area’s most important. First, the fun. Your platform shoes and polyester pants have probably been in storage since last November, but get ready to bust them out again on November 29 for the World’s Largest Disco. If you’re very lucky, you already have your tickets. After all, this baby sells out in about twenty-five seconds. Why is it so popular? Part of it is the cause. The annual dance party benefits Camp Good Days and Special Times, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, adults, and families whose lives have been touched by cancer. Since 1994, over one million dollars has been raised for the foundation. Then there is the event itself, which has become known for its special guest celebrity divas and dudes. This year’s star attendees won’t be announced until the morning of event, but expect some recognizable names, for sure. In past years, Erik Estrada (the macho cop from CHiPs), Danny Bonaduce (the scary redhead from The Partridge Family), the French Connection, and a bunch of the Bradys have all come out to dance the night the away. If boogieing wears you out, relax with a drink. Beer stations covering 160 feet will be loaded with over 200 bartenders to quench your thirst. Drink tickets will be sold until 11:45 p.m., so to ensure you fulfill your seventies fix before bedtime, order that tequila sunrise or martini before midnight. The World’s Largest Disco is held annually at the Buffalo Convention Center, located at 153 Franklin Street. For more information about the event or making a donation, visit www.worldslargestdisco.com or call 635-8668. The ninth annual Candlelight Ball for Hunter’s Hope is quite different, but no less of a good time. Join Buffalo Bills legend Jim Kelly and his wife Jill on November 21 for the black tie event. The night benefits Hunter’s Hope, a charity founded by the Kellys after their infant son Hunter was diagnosed with Krabbe Leukodystrophy, an inherited, fatal nervous system disease. Proceeds will go to helping increase public awareness of the disease and funding research efforts. The evening will showcase the extraordinary tastes of over thirty restaurants and wineries, many of Western New Yorks finest. Patrons will also have the opportunity to win spectacular prizes, including sports memorabilia, jewelry, and home décor through live and silent auctions, just in time for the holidays. Like the Disco, the Candlelight Ball is the perfect mix of good times and a great cause; its no wonder this has become an annual must-attend. Individual tickets are $200 each, and tables of twelve can be purchased for $2,400. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available, starting at $5,000. The Candlelight Ball will take place at Samuel’s Grande Manor on Main Street in Clarence. Find more info about the event and Hunter’s Hope by visiting www.huntershope.org. Spree intern Kathryn DeLong is a student at Clarence High School. She has also written for the Buffalo News NeXt supplement. SUBSCRIBE NOW Back to the Table of Contents Back to Top