716 Gives Day 2023
716 Gives Day 2023
Support Your Local Organizations & Charities in an Epic Day of Giving
Unless it’s referring to a certain milestone birthday, a three-digit number doesn’t usually hold too much significance. But beginning Sunday, July 16th (7/16) at 7:16pm, the significance of the number 716 cannot be overstated, for on this day and time for the third year in a row, Give 716 begins! For 36 consecutive hours, Bills and Sabres fans throughout the 716-area code region will unite to raise money for non-profit organizations located in the eight counties of western New York in an epic giving event that supports several organizations in our own community!
Give 716 began in 2021 as a collaborative effort between the Buffalo Bills Foundation and the Buffalo Sabres Foundation to create a day of online giving for the entire 716 community to unite in support of local nonprofits, many of which have struggled in a post-pandemic economy. This year, Give 716 runs from 7:16pm on July 16th through 7:16am on July 18th: any time during this 36-hour period, donations can be made online at www.give716.org.
This year, there are 534 charities to support; in order to be eligible, nonprofit organizations must be qualified as a tax-exemption 501(c)(3) public charity located within one of the following counties: Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, Genesee, Orleans, or Allegany County. Planning to make a donation and interested in supporting your local community? There are plenty of nearby participating nonprofits!
The Ellicottville Memorial Library
From story time to the annual summer reading program to clubs and so much more, for over 60 years, the Ellicottville Memorial Library has served the community with its large collection of books, audio books, e-books, DVDs, and thirteen computers in a welcoming facility that is as functional as it is beautiful. It’s not too late to join the summer reading program with new activities weekly through August 6th. Challenge yourself with the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System’s Road Trip, which involves exploring the 38 libraries that make up the CCLS to collect stickers, earn prizes and discover what makes each library unique!
Ellicottville Little League Football
Many a young football fan has learned the fundamentals of the game through Ellicottville Little League Football! With learning experiences in football and cheerleading, the Ellicottville Little League Football program is open to youth ages 6 through 12 and provides the opportunity to grow their physical skills while developing social skills, such as teamwork and sportsmanship. In addition to supporting the Little Eagles online through Give 716, you can also support them in person at their season kick-off barbecue on Saturday, July 29th at the Great Valley Firemen’s Clubhouse (6035 Depot Street). Barbecue tickets are available from any Little Eagles player or cheerleader or by emailing ellicottvillelittleeagles@gmail.com.
There are several other non-profit organizations outside of Ellicottville in Cattaraugus County that are participating in Give 716! The Tri-County Arts Council, located in Olean, has been an advocate for the arts in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Allegany counties for over 30 years and has recently expanded into a 3,300 square-feet facility. With several exhibits per year, classes, and a destination Artisan Market, the TCAC is committed to the creation and appreciation of arts and culture in the region. The Genesis House of Olean provides secure temporary housing and supportive services for homeless adults and families as they transition to more stable housing. In 2022, the Genesis House provided 88 adults and 17 families and their 24 children with housing and services. Case management continues even after residents leave Genesis House; all participants who complete the program obtain safe, affordable housing and assistance with furnishing their new home. To view all the non-profit organizations participating in Give 716, visit www.give716.org.
Throughout the 36-hour giving event, 16 “power hour” sponsors offer special incentives for donors, including a Bills autographed mini helmet, an autographed Sabres jersey, a Bandits signed lacrosse ball and more. The first 3,000 donors who give $71.60 or more receive a Give 716 t-shirt. For the full schedule of incentives and matching donations, check out the “Event Schedule” on www.give716.org. No matter what pro sports team you support, there’s no cause more unifying than a local nonprofit that provides invaluable services to our community! Be sure to support yours during Give 716.