Companies reap the rewards of donations from philanthropist

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Many companies throughout western and central New York are reaping the benefits of businessman, philanthropist and former Sabres owner Tom Golisano who recently donated $360 million across 82 non-profits.

One of them is The Arc Erie County, which helps support around 2,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a variety of educational, therapeutic employment programs and services in our community.

It’s an organization that’s thrilled to be receiving $5 million — especially as they take steps to create their “Blackwaters Acre” farm and continue their mission.

“The sign behind me says, achieve with us, we always work towards that goal,” CEO Douglas DiGesare said. “How can this person achieve to their greatest capability, and we want to be there to help them along, but ultimately it’s their story to tell.”

Allyson Sanders has been a part of The Arc for two years. She was born with cerebral palsy.

“I like to be treated just like any normal human being, my physical disability doesn’t matter to me, I mean it does matter to me, but I don’t like to be treated wrong just because I’m in a wheelchair,” Sanders said. “The doctors told my parents that I would not live to the age of five, and now I’m 57, so I’m pretty proud of myself. I’ve done a lot in my whole entire life.”

The Arc Erie County holds programs weekly at their three locations in Williamsville, Hamburg and Buffalo.

“We’re there to support that in any way we can as part of that process and to have integration and inclusion in our community,” DiGesare said.

For more information on the organization, click here.

Hope Winter is a reporter and multimedia journalist who has been part of the News 4 team since 2021. See more of her work here .