2019 - Buffalo Bills Alumni & Chill 443 Tailgate
Chill 443 in Niagara Falls, NY teams up with the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation in support of the “Cure the Blue” Prostate Cancer Awareness Initiative. Will host “Bills Alumni Tailgate Party” Fundraiser during Bills vs. Tennessee Titans Game on October 6
Nine Buffalo Bills Alumni To Attend the Cure the Blue Fundraiser
2019 - Alumni Weekend
2019 - Labatt USA Donation
Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation receives $22,703 Donation from Labatt USA for “Cure the Blue” Prostate Cancer Awareness Promotion at Walmart Stores across New York State
February 9, 2019…Buffalo, NY…The Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation, who continues to take the lead in the fight against Prostate Cancer through its “Cure the Blue” initiative, received a check for $22,703 from Labatt USA in February at the Walmart Super Store in Clarence, NY.
Two years ago, the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation announced a major partnership with Labatt USA and Walmart in support of the Cure the Blue awareness campaign.
To support this effort, Labatt USA donated a portion of the sale of Labatt Blue and Labatt Blue Light 30-packs and 16oz 6-packs purchased during the month of September from participating Walmart retailers in New York, to the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation’s, Cure the Blue program.
During the month of September, which is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Labatt Blue had special displays in several Walmart stores throughout New York State highlighting the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation’s Cure the Blue initiative to bring awareness, education and research to this devastating disease.
“Having such an outstanding team from Labatt and Walmart joining us to promote and fund the Cure the Blue campaign, is something that will undoubtedly help us bring much greater awareness to this dreaded disease. We can’t thank them enough for this wonderful donation which actually surpassed last year’s donation of $17,024” explained Buffalo Bills Alumni Wall of Famer and Foundation President, Booker Edgerson, a two time prostate cancer survivor.
“The Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation brings to the forefront the very serious issue of prostate cancer that affects men throughout our community” said Izzy Rufat, Senior District Manager – Labatt USA. “This organization does the important work of helping the general public and men in particular to understand why they should get screened and tested for prostate cancer, and the preventative measures and get treatment options available”
“Our support of the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation’s “Cure the Blue” initiative is something that we are taking very seriously” stated Walmart Market Manager, Michael Judd. “An effort of this magnitude to address the issue of prostate cancer is long overdue and we commend the Bills Alumni for taking the lead in this” added Judd.
About Cure the Blue
“Cure-The-Blue” is a Major Healthcare Initiative sponsored by the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation that will allow anyone to participate in what is one of the greatest and most comprehensive efforts ever to help promote Prostate Cancer Awareness, Education, Prevention and Research in the United States.
About the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation
The Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation was founded in 1998 and is comprised of past Bills players who have left an imprint on society during their football careers and want to continue molding society in a positive manner. Not only have they changed the game, but they have touched and shaped Buffalo as we know it today. The Bills Alumni Foundation has given over $2.5 million to local Western New York charities over the past 20 years.
NFL Crucial Catch Survivors
Tony Greene, Booker Edgerson Nick Nighswander participated in the NFL Crucial Catch Survivors event on October 7th, Titans vs Bills alone with 40 other survivors.
Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation’s “Cure the Blue” Prostate Cancer Initiative presents $100,000 Donation to Roswell Park
The donation is largest in Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation History!
Buffalo, NY…January 25, 2018… Today, the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation made a $100,000 donation -- the largest donation in the Foundation’s history -- to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY in support of prostate cancer research. Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation President and Bills Wall of Famer, Booker Edgerson, along with other Bills Alumni made the official check presentation to Roswell Park’s President and CEO, Candace S. Johnson, PhD as part of the Alumni’s major healthcare initiative called “Cure the Blue”.
Sponsored by the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation, the Cure the Blue Program has become one of the Buffalo area’s most comprehensive efforts to help promote prostate cancer awareness programs. The gift made this morning will support research efforts led by Adam Sumlin, PhD, MBA, Assistant Professor of Oncology at Roswell Park. Dr. Sumlin’s work in prostate cancer research focuses on strategies for early detection and understanding and addressing disparities in how cancer affects different groups of people.
“At Roswell Park, we’re not only dedicated to finding cures for cancer, but also to building awareness, providing education on prevention and exploring new ideas to improve early detection rates so that we can save more lives from the fear, pain and loss of cancer,” said Dr. Johnson. “We’re grateful to the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation and the Cure the Blue initiative for their support in carrying our mission forward.”
Booker Edgerson, a two-time prostate cancer survivor, originally had the idea for the Cure the Blue prostate in 2010 when he was added to the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame.
“I have had a goal for quite a few years to promote Prostate Cancer Awareness, especially to minority males. Four years ago, we officially launched our Cure the Blue major healthcare initiative in an effort to bring awareness, education and research to the dreaded disease of prostate cancer to our community,” stated Edgerson.
“We are delighted to present this $100,000 check to Roswell Park, which represents the hard work and dedication of our Bills Alumni and the tremendous support that this campaign has received from businesses, individuals and organizations both large and small from across the state.”
The Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation has given more than $2.4 million to various charitable organizations over the past 20 years.
###
About the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation
The Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation was founded in 1999 and is comprised of past Bills players who have left an imprint on society during their football careers and want to continue molding society in a positive manner. Not only have they changed the game, but they have touched and shaped Buffalo as we know it today. The Bills Alumni Foundation has given over $2.4 million to local Western New York charities over the past 20 years.
About Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by the drive to eliminate cancer’s grip on humanity — by unlocking its secrets through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope. Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. Learn more at www.roswellpark.org, or contact us at 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or ASKRoswell@roswellpark.org.
Buffalo Bills Alumni Raise Awareness For Prostate Cancer
Marinaro’s Larkin Tavern once again teams up with the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation in support of the “Cure the Blue” Prostate Cancer Awareness Program. Will Present $9,160 Check from Fundraiser Held at their Establishment in Buffalo
Buffalo, NY…September 26, 2017… Buffalo Bills Alumni President and Wall of Famer Booker Edgerson announced today that Marinaro’s Larkin Tavern in Buffalo will be making a check presentation of $9,160 to the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation and their “Cure the Blue” program on Wednesday, September 27at 1pm at Marinaro’s Larkin Tavern, 131 Van Rensselaer Street, Larkinville, Buffalo, NY, in an effort to bring awareness and support of Prostate Cancer research and education.
The charity donation comes from a football game fundraising event which took place at the establishment during the Bills vs Carolina Panthers game on September 17.
“This was our second annual Cure the Blue fundraiser. We really wanted to do something special to support this outstanding prostate cancer awareness program that the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation has been promoting” explained Jerry Marinaro, owner of Marinaro’s Larkin Tavern.
“Cure the Blue” is the name of the program sponsored by the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation that will allow anyone to participate in what is one of the greatest and most comprehensive efforts ever to help promote prostate cancer awareness and research in the state.
“Jerry Marinaro and the entire Marinaro family did such an outstanding job in creating this event last year to bring attention to this dreaded disease”, said President Edgerson. “This wonderful event just continues to grow and all of our alumni who participated in the event really appreciate their passion to bring awareness to the prostate cancer battle that so many men face” added Edgerson.
Marinaro’s Larkin Tavern has donated over $15,000 these last two years thanks to the tremendous support that they receive from their loyal patrons.
“I have had a goal for quite a few years to promote Prostate Cancer Awareness, especially to minority males. In 1996, I was diagnosed and treated for this disease” explained Edgerson, a two time prostate cancer survivor.
“For the past few years, I have been watching how the NFL has been promoting Breast Cancer - not only during the month of October but year-round. Our goal is to make the Cure the Blue campaign as successful as the “Pink” Breast Cancer for women program is”, stated Edgerson.
Prostate Cancer is the most common malignancy in American men and the second most leading cause of deaths from cancer, after lung cancer.
“We want everyone to know that the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation is going to make every effort to engage any business, organization or individual who wants to help out, as together we bring awareness and financial support for Prostate Cancer” said Edgerson.
To donate please go to our website; www.curetheblue.com.
The Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation is a 501 ( c ) 3 organization and all donations are tax deductible.
The Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation was founded in 1999 and is comprised of past Bills players that have left an imprint on society during their football careers and want to continue molding society in a positive manner. Not only have they changed the game, but they have touched and shaped Buffalo as we know it today.
Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation, Labatt Blue and Walmart announce Partnership in the Prostate Cancer Awareness Campaign called “Cure the Blue”
Special Labatt Blue “Cure the Blue” Walmart stores throughout Upstate and Western New York will support the fight against prostate cancer. A portion of product sales will go toward the initiative.
September1, 2017…Buffalo, NY…The Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation once again has taken the lead in the fight against Prostate Cancer through its “Cure the Blue” initiative and partnership with Labatt Blue and Walmart.
September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. During the month of September, Labatt Blue will have special displays in several Walmart stores throughout New York State highlighting the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation’s Cure the Blue initiative to bring awareness, education and research to this devastating disease.
To support this effort, a portion of the sales specifically marked Labatt Blue and Blue Light 12 oz. 30-packs and 16 oz. 6-packs sold in September at participating Walmart locations in New York will help fund the Cure the Blue program.
“ Labatt Blue is one of the top beer brands in our region. With their support, along with Walmart’s visibility and traffic, we will be able to share our message with thousands of people. We hope people will support this program to help bring much greater awareness to this dreaded disease” explained Buffalo Bills Alumni Wall of Famer and Foundation President, Booker Edgerson, a two time prostate cancer survivor.
“ The Buffalo Bills Alumni have been strong partners for years. By working together, we can encourage the general public and men in particular to get screened and tested for prostate cancer” said Izzy Rufat, Senior District Manager – Buffalo, North American Breweries.
Throughout the month of September, several Buffalo Bills Alumni will be signing autographs at designated Walmart locations in Western New York.
Here is the schedule of Walmart locations and times for the autograph signings;
1.) Walmart Clarence Store - Sept. 1st: 5033 Transit Rd. Williamsville, NY. Booker Edgerson, Ed Rutkowski, Paul Maguire. Time: 5pm--7pm
2.) Walmart Sheridan Dr./Bailey Ave. Store - Sept. 8th: 3290 Sheridan Dr. Amherst, NY. Lou Piccone, Marlo Perry, Will Fowler. Time: 5pm--7pm
3.) Walmart Lockport Store - Sept. 15th, 5735 S. Transit Rd. Lockport, NY. Booker Edgerson, Ken Jones. Time: 5pm--7pm
4.) Walmart Hamburg Store - Sept. 23rd, 5360 Southwestern BLVD. Hamburg, NY. Ed Rutkowski, Paul Maguire, Booker Edgerson. Time: 5pm--7pm
5.) Walmart Cheektowaga Store - Sept. 28th, 2500 Walden Ave Cheektowaga, NY, Booker Edgerson, Lou Piccone, Will Fowler. Time: 5pm--7pm
“Our support of the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation’s “Cure the Blue” initiative is something that we are taking very seriously” stated Walmart Market Manager, Michael Judd. “An effort of this magnitude to address the issue of prostate cancer is long overdue and we commend the Bills Alumni for taking the lead in this” added Judd.
“Cure-The-Blue” is a Major Healthcare Initiative sponsored by the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation that will allow anyone to participate in what is one of the greatest and most comprehensive efforts ever to help promote Prostate Cancer Awareness, Education, Prevention and Research in the United States.
The Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation was founded in 1999 and is comprised of past Bills players who have left an imprint on society during their football careers and want to continue molding society in a positive manner. Not only have they changed the game, but they have touched and shaped Buffalo as we know it today. The Bills Alumni Foundation has given over $2.2 million to local Western New York charities over the past 20 years.
2015 Major Presenting Sponsor - CCS Oncology provides Comprehensive Cancer Services with state-of-the-art technology and individualized treatment options for The Independent Bankers Association of New York State and a western New York community bank, Lakeshore Savings Bank, have helped launch a nationwide campaign to support prostate cancer research and awareness. hey hope to rally community banks across the country to help the cause.
A project with the Buffalo Bills alumni association, the Cure the Blue campaign is the brainchild of Booker Edgerson, a retired National Football League Buffalo Bills player and two-time prostate cancer survivor. Former Buffalo Bills and Super Bowl-winning coach Marv Levy, who also had a prostate cancer is involved as well.
Edgerson, a longtime advocate for prostate cancer prevention and research, was inspired in part to start the blue-ribbon campaign by the Susan G. Komen pink-ribbon campaign to fight breast cancer, explains John Witkowski, president and CEO of the Independent Bankers Association of New York State. Witkowski is encouraging community banks across New York State and across the country to get involved with Cure the Blue. Several expressed interest after the campaign was announced last month.
Also a former Buffalo Bills football player, Witkowski says the Cure the Blue campaign’s goal is to get as many community banks involved as possible along with NFL player alumni associations in other cities. “Prostate cancer is so prevalent,” he says.
“Everyone knows someone who is impacted by it. If we can get this cranked up in the community bank world, it will really grow like a wildfire. “Whether it’s just selling the ribbons or sponsoring a 5K run, we want community banks involved in this network. Helping people is what community banks do.”
Lakeshore Savings in Dunkirk, N.Y., which serves a suburb of Buffalo, is the first community bank to join the effort. To promote the campaign, the $480 million-asset community bank is selling blue-ribbon lapel pins for donations of $5 at its 11 branches. Along with the pin, donors also receive a brochure with facts about prostate cancer, says Dan Reininga, the bank’s president and CEO. “When people get asked about the pin, we want them to have some facts to talk about it,” Reininga explains.
“This is an opportunity to promote the fight against prostate cancer, which is the second-leading cause of cancer death among men,” he adds. “If we can partner the marketing skills we the banks have, along with NFL franchises across the country, we will have a grassroots effort to create awareness for this great program regarding the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.”
Michael Blankenheim is a freelance writer in Maryland.
On Cure the Blue To find out more information about the Cure the Blue program, visit https://www.curetheblue.com.
John Witkowski, president of the Independent Bankers Association of New York State, encourages community bankers to contact him with questions and for information about the program. Reach him by phone at (716) 880-0518 or by email at johnw@ibanys.net.
Cure The Blue, Prostate Cancer Awareness Initiative