Representatives of the Buffalo Sabres Foundation presented a $5000 check to members of the SPCA Serving Erie County yesterday afternoon as part of a challenge grant instituted by the SPCA earlier this year to members of the community.

The Sabres Foundation agreed to match, up to $5000, what the SPCA could raise from community members as part of a 5-week Buffalo Sabres Foundation Challenge Grant program.

Generous community members exceeded the maximum amount designated by the Foundation both through individual, one-time donations and giving per Buffalo Sabres goal in the Sabres/Ottawa Senators playoff series through a "Give-Per-Goal" giving option instituted by Newsradio 930 WBEN talk show host Tom Bauerle. Eight thousand dollars was raised through these efforts.

Also in response to the challenge, Buffalo Sabre and SPCA volunteer Adam Mair and his wife, SPCA volunteer Alli, will present a personal donation matching that of the Buffalo Sabres Foundation towards the SPCA's TLC: Teaching Love and Compassion humane education program targeted at 11-13-year-old inner-city youth.

"We are thrilled to match the outstanding community support of the SPCA raised during the Buffalo Sabres Foundation Challenge," says Larry Quinn, Buffalo Sabres managing partner. "The SPCA has a long history of caring for animals in the Western New York community, and we couldn't be happier to help their cause move forward."

Quinn adds, "Adam and Alli Mair's commitment to the SPCA is a great example of the compassion our players and their families feel towards Western New York and organizations like the SPCA, that make a positive difference in our community."

Says SPCA Executive Director Barbara Carr, "We are truly grateful to the Buffalo Sabres Foundation for awarding our organization with a grant in support of our efforts to prevent animal cruelty. Each year, our Animal Cruelty Investigations Department members investigate thousands of cases of alleged cruelty to animals, and, through their ability to charge and assist in prosecution of animal abusers, save hundreds of animals from an undesirable fate. This generous grant, along with every single donation from community members, illustrate that the SPCA's fight against animal cruelty is a cause that is worthwhile and necessary to the quality of life in Western New York. This is only emphasized by the fact that Adam and Alli so believe in our mission; not only are they making a substantial donation to one of our programs teaching children about kindness to animals, but by volunteering on a weekly basis, they give us something equally, if not more important: their time."

Mike Gilbert, director of public relations for the Buffalo Sabres, made the check presentation to the SPCA on behalf of the Buffalo Sabres Foundation. Also on hand for the presentation were Rich Jureller of the Buffalo Sabres organization, SPCA Executive Director Barbara Carr, members of the SPCA's Development, Humane Education, and Public Relations Departments, and well-behaved, four-footed representatives Serena, 4, and Shamus, 8.

See http://www.yourspca.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6071 for additional photos of the presentation.