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Beyond Support Network supports over 1,200 individuals with learning and /or developmental disabilities in Western New York. Thanks to the support of our community we have been able to provide educational advocacy for students, assist adults with gaining employment, and provide an art studio for artists to express their creativity, to just name a few.
Each tax deductible donation towards Beyond Support Network will go directly towards enhancing and developing services that support the dreams and needs of the individuals we serve. We know that together we can make a difference in the lives of those who mean the most to us.
There are lots of easy ways to support Beyond Support Network programs and services including Starlight Studio & Art Gallery:
Don't want to donate online? Here are other ways to support Starlight Studio:
Donate by mail:
Checks can be made payable and sent to:
Starlight Studio & Art Gallery
340 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
Donate via PayPal:
Leave a note to specify that your donation is for Starlight Studio & Art Gallery!
* You do not need PayPal to donate. Click the Donate button above, and scroll to the bottom of the payment screen to the Don’t have PayPal? link.
Shop on Amazon using AmazonSmile!
You can also choose the Learning Disabilities Association of WNY has your designated charity for AmazonSmile! You shop – Amazon Donates!
Click this link to shop on Amazon and 0.5% of your purchase will be donated towards our programs and services.
Workplace Giving & Matching Gifts
Check with your employer to determine if workplace giving is an option for you. Contribution options may include payroll deductions or internal fundraising events, like dress-down days. Many companies also encourage their employees to donate by matching their contributions. Ask to find out if yours does!
Sponsorships
Corporate sponsorship of Beyond Support Network provides you or your company with widespread visibility in the Western New York community. Please email us or call (716) 874-7200 for details.
Gifts Made in Someone’s Honor
Today more than ever people are showing their appreciation for a loved one celebrating a special occasion by donating to a special cause. This is a meaningful way to commemorate a special occasion, honor a loved one, or celebrate someone you know.
Memorial Gifts
A tribute gift is a meaningful way to commemorate the memory of a loved one who has touched your life.
Estate Planning
When deciding on your estate-planning strategies, consider a charitable contribution option, which can help Beyond Support Network. There are numerous options for setting up a charitable contribution in your estate plan. Please contact your estate planner for more information.
THANK YOU to all of our donors and supporters!
Your support helps maintain Starlight Studio & Art Gallery as a place for artists to grow and shine within our community.
THANK YOU JOE FISCHER!
Art Educator and Painter Gives Generous Gift to Starlight Studio & Art Gallery
Joe Fischer of Longview, Washington, generously donated $50,000 to Starlight Studio & Art Gallery, a vibrant art studio in downtown Buffalo that supports adults with disabilities in their artistic development.
Joe Fischer served in the United States Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller and Graphic Artist in the 1950’s and received his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Oregon in 1963. Fischer has educated and created opportunities for artists across the country including during his almost 30-year tenure as the Director of the Creative Craft Center at the State University of NY at Buffalo from 1965 to 1994.
The Creative Craft Center was the largest Non-academic / Academic craft center in the country. University at Buffalo students and community members studied weaving, pottery, metals, stained glass and photography; Fischer’s focus of instruction was drawing and painting. Jim Puglisi, the next director of the Craft Center added, “Joe was great, I was fortunate to have him as my mentor and friend. He created deep bonds with his students; some he continues to instruct and advise today from 3,000 miles away”.
Mr. Fischer has exhibited his paintings in many galleries in New York State and in the Pacific Northwest; his artwork is in collections across the globe including Canada, Ecuador, Norway, and Sweden. As an educator, he taught at Empire State College from 1975-1994 and at the University of Buffalo from 1970-1994.
Marc Hennig, CEO of Learning Disabilities Association of WNY of which Starlight Studio is a program, says, “Starlight Studio & Art Gallery will use this gift to expand its program and create new opportunities for artists with disabilities in the Buffalo community.”
Starlight will be creating an enhanced ceramics studio within the space at 340 Delaware Avenue as well as refreshing other areas for greater usability and comfort of the artists. Carrie Marcotte, the program director of Starlight Studio and Art Gallery was thrilled to learn of the donation and Mr. Fischer’s deep involvement in the arts in Buffalo, “We are forever grateful for Joe Fischer’s gift to us. It was fun to also realize that we had a connection to Joe Fischer through one of our first teaching artists, Carrianne Hendrickson. Carrianne taught for-credit classes in ceramics at the Creative Craft Center and put us on Jim Puglisi’s radar. Jim has continued to be a supporter of our sales and fundraising initiatives. Now with this gift from Joe Fischer we can expand what Carrianne started here back in 2005; we are thankful for this full circle of support!”
Joe Fischer and his dog
A recent painting of twins by Joe Fischer
Starlight Artist, Kelly Evans with her portrait of
Joe Fischer and his dog!