Category "News"

Lake Shore Savings renews its sponsorship of TRC Golf Classic

March 5, 2024

Photo: l to r – Kim Liddell, President, CEO & Director, Lake Shore Savings Bank, Chris Anderson, TRC Golf Classic Chairman, and Gregg Bender, TRC Golf Classic Chair Emeritus and Board President, Filling the Gap, Inc.

Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc., the holding company of Lake Shore Savings Bank, announced that its Board of Directors has renewed an agreement to have Lake Shore Savings serve as the presenting sponsor of the TRC Golf Classic for three more years.

The TRC Golf Classic is the major annual fund-raising event for Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based non-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to support people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges in Chautauqua County.

Lake Shore Savings has sponsored the TRC Golf Classic every year since the tournament began in 1997, and since 2012 has been the event’s presenting sponsor.  One of the most successful one-day charity golf tournaments in Southwestern New York, the TRC Golf Classic has netted more than $1.8 million since it began in 1997.

“Lake Shore Savings Bank has been a proud supporter of The Resource Center for the past 27 years,” said Kim Liddell, President, CEO & Director. “We strongly believe in supporting organizations that do so much to help strengthen our community.”

“On behalf of myself and the employees of The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, we are grateful to Lake Shore Savings Bank for its renewal as the presenting sponsor of the TRC Golf Classic,” said Denise Jones, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer.  “We rely on the generosity of our local business community to make our events successful.  Lake Shore Savings has been one of our most treasured corporate partners over the last 27 years.  Their annual support allows us to fulfill our mission of helping people with disabilities to enjoy meaningful lives.”
“The TRC Golf Classic Steering Committee applauds Lake Shore Savings Bank for once again agreeing to be the presenting sponsor for the next three TRC Golf Classics.  Lake Shore Savings has been a major sponsor of our event for 27 years.  And, for the last 12 years, as presenting sponsor, they have contributed $180,000.  Lake Shore’s motto is ‘Putting People First’ and they have once again lived their mission as a wonderful community partner.  We thank Kim Liddell, Taylor Gilden and the Board at Lake Shore Savings Bank for their generous commitment to The Resource Center and the people we serve,” said Chris Anderson, Chair, and Gregg Bender, Chair Emeritus, TRC Golf Classic and Board President, Filling the Gap, Inc.

The 2024 TRC Golf Classic is scheduled for July 22 at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown.  For more information or to sponsor, visit www.trcgolfclassic.com or phone 716-483-2344 x90167.

Sprout Film Festival, Step Up for Autism celebration set for September 27

September 15, 2023

The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, Inc., will pair two of their popular events when the Sprout Film Festival and Step Up for Autism take place Wednesday, September 27.

The combined events will be held at The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts on Third Street in Jamestown.  An autism awareness walk will begin at 5:30.  Walkers will proceed west for about three blocks to the CHQ Plus store, then return to The Reg.  The walk is free, and everyone is invited to take part to show support for people on the autism spectrum.

The theaters doors open at 6:00 for the Sprout Film Festival, with the movies scheduled to start at 7:00.  The festival features 10 short films that celebrate the diverse lives and creativity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The films seek to challenge assumptions and break down stereotypes about people with disabling conditions.

Sprout is a traveling film festival, and each host community selects the films that will be screened locally.  This is the seventh time The Resource Center has brought the Sprout Film Festival to Chautauqua County.  Most of this year’s films feature individuals who are on the spectrum.  People can view the festival’s trailer at www.resourcecenter.org/sprout to get a feel for some of the films.

Admission to the film festival is free thanks to a grant from Filling the Gap, which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Chautauqua County.

This will be the 14th annual Step Up for Autism celebration, which is organized by Filling the Gap.  Two staples of past Step Up for Autism events will be incorporated into the film festival.  Patrons will have an opportunity to try to win donated prize baskets, as well as bid on items in a sweets auction.  The auction features cakes, pies and other treats donated by local establishments.

Officials from The Resource Center and Filling the Gap are looking forward to presenting the Sprout Film Festival and Step Up for Autism on the same evening.

“I am excited to have these two great events become one,” said The Resource Center’s Kevin Anderson, one of the film festival’s lead organizers.  “Sprout has always been a wonderful evening where the greater Jamestown community comes together to enjoy entertaining and enlightening films.  With the addition of Step Up for Autism, we are providing the opportunity for people to mingle before the films and help raise funds for important programs that support individuals on the spectrum.”

“Bringing these two favorite events together gives us one action-packed event,” said Victoria Bardo, development and event manager for Filling the Gap.  “Please join us in front of The Reg at 5:30 for our walk along Third Street, enjoy the movies and don’t forget to participate in our raffles and spirited sweets auction.  This is a beautiful venue, so why not bring along your family and friends?  You will come out of this event with the best feeling and a new perspective on the cherished lives of persons with different abilities.”

Sponsors of this year’s Step Up for Autism include Brown & Brown Insurance, Lake Shore Savings and UPMC Chautauqua.  Money raised through Step Up for Autism will stay in Chautauqua County to support people on the autism spectrum and others with developmental disabilities.

“We would like to send a shout out to all of our sponsors for their continued support in making a difference in our community,” Bardo added. 

 For more information about the Sprout Film Festival, phone Anderson at 716-483-2344.  For questions about Step Up for Autism, phone Bardo at 716-661-1477.

People wishing to make a donation in support of the Step Up for Autism walk, or to help bring Sprout to our community again next year, may do so by visiting https://fillingthegap.net/donate.  People also can mail a check to Filling the Gap, 92 Fairmount Avenue, Jamestown, NY, 14701; make the check payable to Filling the Gap and write either “Sprout” or “Step Up for Autism” on the memo line.

Grand Island woman’s fund-raising event to benefit people with autism

September 15, 2023

A mother’s tribute to her son will take center stage at the fourth annual Step Up for Autism walk Saturday, September 23, in Grand Island.

The event, organized by Dory Matwijkow, will be held in Beaver Island State Park starting at 11:00, with the 1.5-mile walk stepping off at noon.  There also will be a basket raffle, pri

ze drawings and a bake sale featuring items made by Matwijkow, who is a professional pastry chef.

Dory conducts the event each year in honor of her son, Austin, who is on the autism spectrum. Austin lives in a home in Jamestown operated by The Resource Center.  The money raised through Dory’s walk benefits the services The Resource Center provides to people on the spectrum.

“It’s the least I can do for an agency that has been a huge part of my life for the last seven years,” she said.

Dory first began supporting The Resource Center by traveling from her home in Grand Island to Jamestown to participate in TRC’s annual Step Up for Autism walk.  The event is conducted in partnership with Filling the Gap, Inc., another Chautauqua County non-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges.

When The Resource Center and Filling the Gap canceled their in-person walk in 2020 because of the pandemic, Dory decided to organize her own Step Up for Autism walk.  Though she had to limit the number of participants because of COVID restrictions on people gathering together, her event raised $10,000.  Buoyed by that success, Dory decided to turn her walk into an annual event.

Everyone is invited to take part in this year’s event.  People can embark on the walk, or they can just come for the bake sale and basket raffle.  The registration fee for the walk is $25.

Dory has again set a goal of raising $10,000.  People interested in helping her reach that target can make a donation in several ways.  They can donate using the form below.  They can mail a check (made payable to “Filling the Gap/Dory’s Walk”) to Filling the Gap, 92 Fairmount Avenue, Jamestown, NY, 14701.  Or they can donate to Dory’s Venmo account, which is @Dory-Matwijkow.  All donations, as well as the money raised from Dory’s event, will be given to Filling the Gap to support the services The Resource Center offers to people on the autism spectrum.

The creation of her own autism walk is just one of the ways Dory supports others.  Four years ago, she started baking sweets to raise money, and the following year she branched out to also bake dog biscuits.  Her treats (for humans and canines) have been popular, allowing her to donate thousands of dollars to The Resource Center and Filling the Gap.

Organizing the walk takes a lot of effort, and Dory is grateful for the support she receives from a group of family and friends that are dubbed “Austin’s Angels.”  She is also appreciative of everyone else who helps make her Step Up for Autism walk a success.

“I thank the volunteers at the event, friends that donate baskets and gift cards, Grand Island businesses that donated money, and my family for their endless help and support year round,” she said. 

“I couldn’t do it without all of the support.”

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Applebee’s to raise money for Laurel Memorial Run & Walk July 5

June 30, 2023

People who eat at Applebee’s on July 7 can help raise money to support individuals with disabilities through the 27th annual Laurel Memorial Run and Walk.

All day long, the Applebee’s restaurants in Dunkirk and Lakewood will hold “Dining to Donate” fund-raisers to benefit the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk.  The restaurants will allow patrons to have 10 percent of their check total – excluding tax and tip – donated to Laurel Run.  People must present a special voucher in order for the money to be donated to Laurel Run.  The voucher can be found below.   You can have a voucher faxed or emailed to you by phoning 716-661-1434.

Please be aware that for the Applebee’s fund-raisers, people will not receive a discount on the cost of their meal.  Rather, 10 percent of what they pay for their meal will be donated to Laurel Run.

Wayne and Elaine Hotelling created Laurel Run in 1997 in honor of their oldest daughter.  The Laurel Memorial Run & Walk is a celebration of the potential that exists within people who have disabilities.  Laurel led a full life, which included having a job at The Resource Center’s Dunkirk Work Center for more than 30 years.  Hundreds of Chautauqua County residents with disabilities have jobs – and hundreds of others volunteer in the community – with support from The Resource Center.

The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk takes place July 14 and 15.  The first day features a Jamestown-to-Dunkirk relay run, while day two includes a number of walking and running events in the Hotellings’ hometown of Silver Creek.  Money raised through Laurel Run goes to Filling the Gap, Inc., which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families in Western New York.  For more information, visit the Laurel Run web site or phone 716-661-4735.

You can download the vouchers here!

 

ACME The Appliance Store Donates Weber Genesis Gas Grill to TRC Golf Classic

June 29, 2023

Dan and Beth Hocking, Owners of ACME The Appliance Store, recently donated a Weber Gas Grill that will be used for a drawing to support the 27th Annual TRC Golf Classic.

The TRC Golf Classic is the major annual fund-raising event for Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based non-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to support people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges in Chautauqua County. In its first 26 years, the tournament has netted over $1.7 million for the TRC Foundation Fund, which raises money to improve the lives of people with disabling conditions in Chautauqua County.

 “The Resource Center fills such an important need in our community,” said Dan Hocking.  “In our 65th year in business, ACME The Appliance Store is pleased to continue our tradition as a community partner and donate this Weber Genesis Gas Grill to help raise money for The Resource Center.  Beth and I are firm believers in giving back to the community where together, we can nurture, uplift and empower others to realize their full potential.  The Resource Center makes an impactful difference in people’s lives on a daily basis, and we are happy to continue to partner with them to support their efforts.”

The 2023 TRC Golf Classic is scheduled for July 24 at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown.  For more information or to sponsor, please visit www.trcgolfclassic.com

Picture:  l to r – Janel McIntyre, Special Olympics Athlete; Colton Hanson, Special Olympics Athlete; and Dan Hocking, Co-Owner, ACME The Appliance Store

Laurel Run Newspaper Sale to Take Place on July 7

June 21, 2023

Support people with disabilities by purchasing a special “Laurel Run” newspaper July 7!

Since 2007, the annual “Laurel Memorial Run/Walk” newspaper sale has been a great way to raise money while spreading the word about the event.  This year’s sale will take place Friday, July 7.  The Post-Journal and the Observer will publish the special edition, and volunteers will sell the papers between 6:00 and 10:00 a.m. at the following locations:

  • Drive-thru lanes of Tim Hortons in Cassadaga, Dunkirk, Fredonia, Gowanda, Irving, Jamestown, and Lakewood
  • Downtown Silver Creek
  • Downtown Fredonia
  • Downtown Dunkirk

 We express our gratitude to The Post-Journal and Observer for printing the special edition; the volunteers for waking up early and hitting the streets to sell the papers; and the people who buy a Laurel Run/Walk edition.  While most folks who buy a paper know about the sale ahead of time, some people only find out about it that day – they ask what the volunteers are doing, learn that we’re raising money to support people with disabilities, and decide to make a contribution.

We also extend our appreciation to the businesses who allow us to sell papers at their locations each year.  We are particularly indebted to the Kron family (owners of the Tim Hortons cafes in Cassadaga, Dunkirk and Fredonia) and the Tarana family (owners of the Tim Hortons locations in Jamestown and Lakewood) for allowing us to sell papers to their customers.

If you’re interested in helping us sell newspapers (anytime between 6:00 and 10:00 a.m.), register on this page here: https://fillingthegap.net/events/laurel-run/how-you-can-help/newspaper-sales/

“Blingo” fund-raiser to benefit people with disabilities set for March 30

February 15, 2023

Those looking to enjoy a fun night out while supporting people with disabilities should plan to attend the seventh annual Sassy Baggs & Beyond “Blingo” fund-raiser Thursday, March 30.

The event will be held at The Resource Center’s administrative offices at 200 Dunham Avenue in Celoron.  Doors will open at 6:00, with the Blingo games starting at 7:00.  Those planning to attend should park in the rear lot and use the entrance at the top of the ramp.

 The evening will feature 12 games of bingo, with handbags as prizes.  Admission is $20.  Included in the cost of admission are the 12 Blingo games and a chance to win a door prize.

The event is being organized by Filling the Gap, Inc., which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Chautauqua County.  Money raised through Sassy Baggs & Beyond Blingo will benefit The Resource Center Mark Pacheco WOW (Working on Wonders) Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.   The WOW Fund provides money so people with disabilities can enjoy experiences they otherwise could not afford, such as attending concerts or sporting events.

“After a few years of hosting a virtual fund-raiser, we are thrilled to be back in person,” said Victoria Bardo, Development and Event manager for Filling the Gap.  “Sassy Baggs and Beyond Blingo has always been a favorite fund- and friend-raiser for us.  This is a great time for all who attend.  We also provide light snacks and beverages.”

Tickets are available at The Resource Center’s offices on Dunham Avenue and at Filling the Gap’s offices inside the Felice Corporate Center at 92 Fairmount Avenue in Jamestown.  Tickets also can be purchased online at www.fillingthegap.net/events/sassy-baggs-blingo/.  For more information, phone 716-661-1477.

“Tickets are going fast.  You won’t want to miss out on all of the festivities,” Bardo added.

Dory Matwijkow again organizing her own Step Up for Autism walk

October 4, 2022

The success of her first two efforts has inspired Dory Matwijkow to again organize a fund-raising walk to support people with autism in Chautauqua County, and she invites everyone to join her.

Dory will hold her third annual Step Up for Autism walk Saturday, October 8, in Beaver Island State Park on Grand Island.  The event begins at 11:00, with the walk scheduled to start at noon.  There also will be a basket raffle with many awesome prizes, as well as a bake sale featuring items made by Dory, who is a professional pastry chef.

Dory is organizing the event because of her son, Austin.  Austin is on the autism spectrum and lives in a home in Jamestown operated by The Resource Center.  Each September, The Resource Center typically hosts its own Step Up for Autism event, and Dory and her family and friends make the long drive to Jamestown to take part.  The group calls themselves “Austin’s Angels.”

When Dory learned in August 2020 that the Step Up for Autism event at The Resource Center would be canceled because of the pandemic, she decided to organize her own walk to raise money for TRC and Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based, not-for-profit organization that that works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges.

Dory’s first Step Up for Autism event was held September 27, 2020.  Though she had to limit the number of participants because of COVID restrictions on people gathering together, her event raised $10,000.  Dory was overwhelmed by the support she received for her event.  Because it went so well, she decided to hold another walk last year.  That event also raised $10,000.

People are invited to take part in Dory’s Step Up for Autism walk Saturday, or they can just come for the bake sake and basket raffle.  The registration fee for the walk is $25, and registrants will receive a 2022 Step Up for Autism T-shirt.

Dory has again set a goal of raised $10,000.  We encourage people to help her reach that target by making a donation.  You can complete the form below, or you can mail l a check (made payable to “Filling the Gap/Dory’s Walk”) to Filling the Gap, Inc., 92 Fairmount Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701.  Or they can donate to Dory’s Venmo account, which is @Dory-Matwijkow.  All donations, as well as the money raised at her Step Up for Autism event, will be given to Filling the Gap to support the services The Resource Center offers to people on the autism spectrum.

The creation of her own autism walk is just one of the ways Dory supports others.  Three years ago, she started baking sweets to raise money, and the following year she branched out to also bake dog biscuits.  Her treats (for humans and canines) have been popular, allowing her to donate thousands of dollars to The Resource Center and Filling the Gap.

Officials at The Resource Center and Filling the Gap are grateful to Dory.

“I just want to say how much we appreciate Dory’s efforts and support,” said Cindy Hitchcock, Filling the Gap’s Vice President.  “With providing only a virtual setting for our own Step Up for Autism walk in 2020 and ’21, we were not able to capitalize on the money typically realized through our basket raffle or sweets auction.  Her large donations allowed Filling the Gap to maintain the level of grant funding offered to The Resource Center to assist with their programs.  We can’t thank Dory enough for all of her hard work.”

“We are honored that Dory has stepped up to assist Filling the Gap and The Resource Center with their efforts to support the programs and services available to people who are on the autism spectrum,” said Victoria Trass Bardo, Development and Events Manager.  “The last few years have been difficult for everyone, but Dory with all her enthusiasm was full speed ahead creating her very own version of our event.  We are ever grateful to Dory, her friends and family for supporting TRC and FTG as we strive to make a difference in the lives of everyone we support.”

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Thirteenth annual Step Up for Autism celebration takes place September 24

August 31, 2022

Participants pose before the start of the 2019 Step up for Autism walk.  The in-person event returns for the first time in three years September 24.

Everyone is invited to show their support for people on the autism spectrum when The Resource Center hosts the 13th annual Step Up for Autism celebration Saturday, September 24.

Step Up for Autism takes place at The Resource Center’s administrative offices at 200 Dunham Avenue in Celoron.  The event is being coordinated by Filling the Gap, Inc., and The Resource Center with support from people with autism and family members.

Activities include a 1.5-mile walk in which participants will make their way to Lucille Ball Memorial Park on the shore of Chautauqua Lake, then return to The Resource Center.  There also will be a basket raffle as well as a sweets auction featuring cakes and other goodies donated by area bakeries and businesses.  Information about The Resource Center, along with information about services and supports available to people on the autism spectrum, also will be on hand. 

Registration and check-in for the walk will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the walk scheduled to start at about 10:00 from the back parking lot.  The sweets auction and drawing of basket raffle prizes will begin at about 11:15. 

Businesses, school groups and others are encouraged to put together walking teams of family members, friends and co-workers.  The entry fee is $20 per person, but people are welcome to take part in the walk without paying the fee.  Those who pay the registration fee will receive a 2022 Step Up for Autism T-shirt.   T-shirts and other Step Up for Autism memorabilia will be available for purchase.

Click here to register online.

Those planning to participate can create a fund-raising web page to collect donations.  People can set up their own fund-raising page, or create a team page that team members can promote to solicit donations.

In addition to the in-person Step Up for Autism walk, there will be a virtual option for people who are unable to attend the event but want to do their own walk to show support for those on the autism spectrum.

Event organizer Victoria Trass Bardo, development and event manager for Filling the Gap, said Step Up for Autism is a great way for people with autism and their families to connect with one another, while giving the community the opportunity to demonstrate support for those on the autism spectrum.

“We are very excited that our event this year can be held in person.  There is something special when we see the parents and their families attending the event and having a great time.  Our sweets auction and basket raffle are a few of our crowd favorites.  We truly thank our supporters for stepping up to assist us again this year.  We hope we are joined by families, friends and community members who want to show their support for our efforts this year.”

Sponsors include Brown & Brown Insurance, New Vision Services, HM Insurance, RX Benefits, Support Enterprises, and TEAM Services.

Money raised through Step Up for Autism will stay in Chautauqua County to support people on the autism spectrum and others with developmental disabilities.  Click here to make a donation or to create your own fund-raising page.

The Applebee’s restaurants in Dunkirk and Lakewood will conduct “Dinning to Donate” fund-raisers to benefit Step Up for Autism on Wednesday, September 21.  A portion of people’s meal tab will be donated to Step Up for Autism.  A certificate must be presented. 

For more information about Step Up for Autism or to get your Applebee’s “Dining to Donate” certificate, phone 716-661-1477 or visit www.stepupforautism.org.

Jamestown High School student wins Laurel Run logo contest

June 28, 2022

Lexi Holmes of Jamestown High School was the winner of the competition to design the logo for the 2022 Laurel Memorial Run and Walk.

Each year, the Laurel Run/Walk Planning Committee holds a contest among area high school students to design the event logo.  The best designs are posted online, and people can vote for their favorite.

Lexi’s design features a group of people, one of whom has angel wings and a halo.  That figure is thought to represent event namesake Laurel Hotelling, who died in 2017.  Lexi’s design will appear on this year’s Laurel Memorial Run/Walk T-shirts.  For winning the competition, she will receive a $100 gift card.

The 26th annual Laurel Memorial Run/Walk begins Friday, July 15, with the traditional Jamestown-to-Dunkirk relay run, which features representatives from area schools and the Lakeview Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility running the different legs of the relay.  The relay begins at about 8:30 at McCrea Point Park on Jones & Gifford Avenue in Jamestown and ends at The Resource Center’s facility at 186 Lake Shore Drive West, where the City of Dunkirk will host a victory celebration from 12:30 to 2:00. 

The following morning in Silver Creek, there will be an 8-kilometer run, a 5k fitness walk, a 1k fun walk, children’s runs and Laurel’s Legacy Lap, in which anyone with a disability is invited to talk a lap around the track at the ballfield downtown.  

Laurel Run was created by Wayne and Elaine Hotelling in honor of Laurel, who was their oldest daughter and who had special needs.  The event is designed to celebrate the achievements of people with disabilities.  Money raised through the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk goes to Filling the Gap, which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Chautauqua County.  

For more information or to sign up to participate in Laurel Run, phone 716-934-3952 or 716-661-4735.