BUFFALO CITY MISSION EXCEEDS $1.4 MILLION GOAL FOR ITS 2006 RESTORE HOPE, DIGNITY AND LIVES CAMPAIGN

BUFFALO, N.Y. (February 13, 2007)- The Buffalo City Mission today announced it exceeded the $1.4 million fall fundraising goal for its annual Restore Hope, Dignity and Lives annual fundraising campaign. The goal represents nearly 50 percent of the Mission's $3 million operating budget.

In total, the Mission raised more than $1,453,222.65. Donations collected represent a 17.8 percent increase over 2005's campaign figures.

"Western New York's generous spirit really shined through this year," said Tom McLaughlin, executive director, Buffalo City Mission. "Best of all, we gained 3,000 new donors. Considering everything our community went through this fall with the surprise October storm, these results are touching."

To serve the hundreds of people who use the Mission's preventative, crisis and long-term program, the Mission relies on nearly 20,000 donors who fund most of its annual budget.

"As a privately funded organization, there's no way we could function without the support of so many Western New Yorkers," said McLaughlin. "We want to offer a huge thanks to all - your generosity impacts the lives of children, families and individuals in need of hope. We humbly ask now for Western New Yorkers to please continue donating throughout the year, so that we can bring in the second half of our budget."

The Buffalo City Mission, founded in 1917, is a not-for-profit organization that provides preventative, emergency and long-term recovery services to thousands of people who are homeless or impoverished. The Mission includes: Cornerstone Manor Women and Children Shelter; the Men's Center; the Mission Motors Vehicle Donation Program; and Second Chances Thrift Store. For more information, please visit www.buffalocitymission.org or call 716-854-8181.