BRO readers helped to make a special New Year’s Day dream come to a reality by contributing to Friends of the Japanese Garden’s fundraising efforts that ultimately raised $6455 ($5000 goal).
In a last ditch effort, 108 contributors made the inaugural Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival a reality. “Thanks to everyone that helped us reach our goal to raise seed money to kick off the Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival coming to the Japanese Garden of Buffalo and the Buffalo History Museum next April,” said Trudy Stern, a driving spirit behind the initiative. “It is going to be a beautiful celebration of art and music and Japanese culture and international cooperation, peace and beauty in the city. I would like to thank all contributors and readers who help create new spirit in Buffalo. Thank you Buffalo Rising for being a great resource and story teller and positive influence in Buffalo’s re-birth. A Buffalo Rising reader suggested that we locate some Cherry Blossom Festival activity in Buffalo’s Fruit Belt. We think that is a great idea and one we will incorporate into the 2015 plans. New blossoming fruit trees in the Fruit Belt – it’s a natural. Keep your eyes on us as we grow! We still need volunteers and donations (as always) to support the Japanese Garden of Buffalo plantings and activities.”
Check out www.buffalocherryblossomfestival.com for more updates and information. Inquiries: buffaloblossoms@gmail.com