SPREE INSIDER
The Best is yet to come
By Stephanie Wells

Photo from last year’s Best of WNY party by Cheryl Jackson.
Summer is officially upon us, bringing all sorts of ways to keep active both indoors and out. Each of the following Spree-sponsored events helps members of our community as well, so we all get to enjoy ourselves and support good causes at the same time.

Spree’s 2010 Best of Western New York Party will be held at Shea’s Performing Arts Center from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 24 with proceeds benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Buffalo Chapter. The National MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now—to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. MS stops people from moving—the organization exists to make sure it doesn’t. All proceeds raised from the party will go to local programming at our Buffalo Chapter..

During the party we’ll be revealing our latest crop of “Best of WNY” winners, as chosen by our trustworthy readers (including you, we hope) and multiple panels of experts. Looking for the coolest place for a cocktail after work? Need a top-tier pet sitter? Wondering who’s got the best cheeseless pizza in the area? We’re more than happy to help, and the evening will give you a sneak preview of the full list—and the chance to meet a few honorees—before our July/August issue hits the stands.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the party, featuring twenty of Buffalo’s best restaurants, wine tastings, music, cash bar, and silent auction. Don’t miss out on what’s sure to be a jam-packed, mouth-watering event. Last year the party was a winner itself—for Outstanding Event of 2009, as awarded by Buffalo Niagara Event Professionals. Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 the day of the event. Order yours by calling 783-9119 or visiting buffalospree.com.

Conveniently enough, the Shea’s bash is also one of the highlights of Citybration: A Celebration of Our City, featuring four days of events from June 24 to 27. The festival has its roots in “Buffalo Old Home Week,” the 21st-century revival of a tradition that dates back to 1907. This year’s incarnation also includes an Investor/Entrepreneur forum, “Career Connections,” a “Spotlight on Buffalo Successes,” an indie market, Discover Buffalo tours, and the “Make a Difference Awards” luncheon. Register in advance for the events and receive discounted admission.

If you’re a former resident looking for a reason to come back to Buffalo or you want to bring home friends and family that have left over the years, then this is your opportunity. For more information go to www.citybration.com.

If you prefer your festivities on the more formal side, don’t miss this year’s 9th Annual Camp Good Days Black Tie Gala, from 5:30 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, June 19 at the Hyatt Regency. This year’s creative black-tie gala theme is Alice in Wonderland, and the bash promises an elegant evening beginning with a cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, and Chinese and silent auctions. Dinner is followed by awards, a live auction, and live entertainment provided by Party of Nine. 97 Rock’s Rob Lederman emcees, while Buffalo Sabre Paul Gaustad will be the honorary chair.

The Gala is a hot June event that has sold out three years in a row, so snag your tickets fast. Visit www.campgooddays.org for more information.

Another surefire hit is the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, taking place at 10 a.m. on June 12 at the Delaware Park Rose Garden in Buffalo. In anticipation of this tenth annual event, race organizers will be debuting a new course for 2010. “The POWER of 10” is the theme for a special challenge this year, so participants are encouraged to ask ten friends each for a $10 donation.

The WNY Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is your link to the world’s largest nonprofit organization fighting to end breast cancer; to register, donate/pledge, or get more info, sprint over to www.komenwny.org.

If the Komen race leaves you eager for more foot action, give the third annual 0.5K Stiletto “Run” a try on Wednesday, June 23, at 7 p.m. sharp (get it?) beginning at Bidwell and Elmwood. ShoeFly & Celebrate Buffalo host this benefit for the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.

In order to be eligible for prizes, “runners” must be registered and complete the race in a shoe with a minimum heel height of 3 inches. (Don’t get hung up on the name; stilettos are optional, and walkers are always welcome.)

Participants should begin meeting at 5:30 p.m. The course heads from Bidwell Park to 801 Elmwood, in front of ShoeFly’s storefront. After the race, stick around for a party on Elmwood between Lafayette and Auburn from 7 to 9 p.m. (Many stores on the block will stay open for evening shopportunities.) Preregistration is $25, or $30 on the day of the event, and includes a goodie bag. Call ShoeFly (886-3595) or Celebrate Buffalo (834-0603), or check www.stilettorun.org for more details.

Buffalo State senior Stephanie Wells was a Spring 2010 Spree intern.


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