SPREE INSIDER Good Days, a Bash, honoring women, and a salute to WNY's best By Caroline Huftalen Summer has finally arrived, and after a blustery spring that made us doubt warm weather’s existence in Buffalo, it's time to celebrate. The best way to give thanks to the sun gods is to show a little appreciation for our community by giving back to the places that keep us healthy and happy. The highlight of summer for most children is the endless number of outdoor activities and day camps that provide new adventures around every corner. Camp Good Days takes pride in keeping the summer fun going for WNY children diagnosed with cancer. The main fundraiser behind it all is the Camp Good Days and Special Times Creative Black Tie Gala. This year the gala is being held on June 20 at Buffalo’s Hyatt Regency. Beginning at 5:30 with open bar and hors d’oeuvres, the event includes Chinese, silent, and live auctions as well as a little musical entertainment from Party of Nine. Don’t forget your Princess Leia ears and light sabers, because this year’s theme is Star Wars; guests will enter an outer-space-styled banquet room and can, but are not required to, keep the theme in mind while dressing for the evening. Along with the usual event fare, attendees will hear from those whose lives have been impacted by Camp Good Days; in honor of its thirtieth anniversary, there will be many speakers who attended the very first camping program. Through www.campgooddaysgala.com. Exchange your black tie for fatigues and jean shorts for the 11th annual Buffalo Chapter American Red Cross Bash. The notoriously anti-black-tie event encourages attendees to let their hair down (though buzz cuts are welcome). Join the thousands of Buffalo natives who attend the Bash for the fun, the food, and the great cause. Held on June 5 at the Greater Buffalo Chapter Headquarters, 786 Delaware Avenue, from 7 p.m. to midnight, the Bash includes food from Buffalo’s top restaurants and entertainment by Buffalo legend Lance Diamond and his 24-Karat Band. Tickets are $50, or you can receive two free with the purchase of a $100 raffle ticket. If you're lucky, you might win one of three cash prizes ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. Raffle tickets are limited and are available at www.buffaloredcross.org or by calling 878-2396. Thanks to the efforts of more than 1,000 volunteers, the party raises money that stays right here in WNY to provide assistance and preparation for community disasters and emergencies. The WNY Women’s Fund has been helping women and girls for years—and not only their finances but their personal character as well. On June 3, the Fund is hosting an inaugural Signature Event with special guest keynote speaker, Academy-Award-winning actress Olympia Dukakis (see p. 23). The event takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Mary Seaton Room in Kleinhans Music Hall. The tickets are $100 and include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Attendees can pay special tribute to a woman or girl in their lives by posting their stories online at www.wnywomensfund.org; entries will be published in a booklet handed out that evening. Finally, join Buffalo Spree in June as we honor the Best of WNY. This is the fourth year that we have saluted the region's best steakhouses, jewelers, coaches, and other standouts in more than 125 categories. On June 25, Spree will be naming the honorees at a celebratory cocktail party at Shea’s Performing Arts Center. The event, another benefit for Camp Good Days and Special Times, includes fabulous food from local restaurants, live performances, and a silent auction. Visit www.buffalospree.com to purchase tickets to the always crowded event, and to see a rundown of all the restaurants involved. Get ready to debate, and do not forget to vote next year. Caroline Huftalen is an intern at Buffalo Spree. She graduated from UB in May. SUBSCRIBE NOW Back to the Table of Contents Back to Top