I’m always on the lookout for Buffalo Games puzzles that feature Buffalo-related imagery. The Buffalo-based puzzle company produces fantastic jigsaw puzzles, which showcase the works of famous artists, nature, travel, pop culture, etc. In 2020, I wrote that Buffalo Games makes 500 different jigsaw puzzles and 75 other types of party games. Their games are sold worldwide, which is why their puzzle imagery is so vast.
Recently, I learned that Buffalo Games was teaming up with Nichols School (class of 2029 ) to produce a custom puzzle to benefit White Whiskers Senior Dog Sanctuary – WNY’s first senior dog sanctuary coming to Akron. The collaborative effort is thanks to Nichols’ 7th grade class, which witnessed students participation in a nine-month long experiential learning project. This annual project – in tandem with Nichols alumni, which works with students to formulate marketing strategies – helps the students to gain an appreciation for regional organizations that better the lives the Buffalonians. While the students gain valuable marketing experience, a non-profit benefits by being cast into the spotlight.
This year, the collaboration benefitted the selfless work of White Whiskers, which I wrote about in 2021. The result was the release of a 300-piece jigsaw puzzle, featuring a mixed media collage of unique dog characters. The puzzle’s artistry is by renowned WNY artist and Nichols middle school art teacher, Kari Achatz.
“We are beyond grateful to the 7th grade class at Nichols and Buffalo Games for choosing to support White Whiskers and our mission,” said Polla Milligan, President and Founder, White Whiskers Senior Dog Sanctuary. “Through their creativity and compassion, these students came together to create a truly one-of-a-kind project. There’s no doubt this class has an incredibly bright future ahead of them – and they most definitely will touch many souls as they pave their way.”
Throughout the process of the puzzle’s creation, students got a chance to see firsthand the design process, and the creation process. From brainstorming ideas to marketing and selling the puzzles, the students participated in a real world venture-exercise that not only resulted in beautiful puzzles, it also positively affects the live of senior dogs who are able to live out the rest of their lives in happy, peaceful surroundings.
“Nichols is dedicated to enhancing our local community by way of engaging initiatives, and we celebrate the class of 2029 for their creativity, commitment and hard work in developing and executing this special project with Buffalo Games and White Whiskers,” said Greg Plumb, Assistant Head of School for Student Life, Nichols School. “Throughout this process, students were able to experience, firsthand, how to bring a creative idea to life, and we look forward to its great impact.”
“It has been such a joy to be a part of this one-of-a-kind project and to see these three leading institutions in Western New York collaborate in this way,” said John Fox, Director of Sales, Buffalo Games. “The opportunity Nichols School provides for its students to expand their minds through an experiential project like this showcases the thoughtful approach of the faculty and the amazing potential these kids show in return. Their hard work and the positive contributions they make in our community are inspiring.”
To support the project and White Whiskers Senior Dog Sanctuary, puzzles are now available for purchase online at www.buffalogames.com. Proceeds from puzzle sales directly benefit White Whiskers.