Thursday, April 18, 2013

Giving Back: Liz Callahan & B Team Buffalo

There are so many amazing volunteers in Buffalo who are making a difference on a regular basis. I've decided to write a bi-weekly "column" entitled, "Giving Back" that will highlight different organizations in Western New York and the volunteers who keep them going. If you know someone who has made a difference in Buffalo, please contact me at ksondel@hotmail.com

“I have a lot of passion for where the city of Buffalo is going, and I want to be a part of the regrowth!” Liz Callahan told me. 

Her face lights up when she talks about B Team Buffalo, an organization she joined four years ago after taking up her Uncle on an invitation to attend an event. Since that first event, Liz joined in the planning committee for their biggest annual event, “City of Light” and joined the Board shortly after. In 2012, she was voted in as Chairman of the Board.

B Team Buffalo is a not-for-profit organization that was started back in 2008 by a group of Buffalo residents. The group hosts a handful of events focused on supporting the communities throughout Buffalo. In addition, they coordinate volunteers to assist at community events during the year.

I learned about B Team Buffalo towards the end of 2012 and volunteered my time to help out with "City Of Light". The event brings volunteers into one neighborhood in Buffalo in early December to decorate houses for the holidays in the neighborhood and provide a carnival and meal for the community. I was impressed and thrilled to have found such a wonderful group of people. Since then, I've volunteered at additional events, and getting to know the members has been a blast. 

The energy B Team Buffalo brings to the area is contagious. Led by Liz and additional Board members, they are an ever growing, passionate group of young professionals in the area who are helping to shape Buffalo's future. 

I've gotten to "know" Liz from the few events we have worked at together and by following her Twitter feed. She is committed to making a difference in Buffalo and is always spreading the word about other community events. Liz is also involved in the committee for TedX Buffalo. 

Over the next few months, B Team-ers will be serving dinner at The Ronald MacDonald House, assisting with clean ups at The Central Terminal, volunteering at Pop Up Parks, and planning for their summer carnival event. More events continue to be added each month!  

"I fell in love with B Team because they are not limited to one event or one cause; they champion all of Buffalo and different events going on in the city." Liz said. "In addition to the volunteer aspect of the group, I've found it to be a great way to meet people and network."

Members have the opportunity to pick and choose which events they are able to volunteer for and can be as active as their schedules allow. Members are involved in suggesting future projects and can join committees for different events. B Team will typically send out e-mails every few weeks with upcoming volunteer opportunities. Members just respond to the appropriate person and receive their assignment. Anyone with an interest in volunteering is encouraged to join!

“We are a group of young professionals who are interested in making a difference in Buffalo. If you have an interest volunteering your time and resources, then you should get involved.”  You can reach out to Liz for more information by e-mail at liz@bteambuffalo.com. You can also find B Team on Facebook and Twitter!  

Liz is 3rd from the left at City of Light 2012. 

1 comment:

  1. Great profile! I enjoy following Liz's updates on Twitter as well, and look forwarding to volunteering with B Team Buffalo soon. :)

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