TABLE MAGAZINE, SPRING 2022

Turning Ambitions Into Reality With Say Yes Buffalo

With support from the community, the nonprofit is helping students level the playing field.

A good education is often considered the foundation of success. But for those living in under-resourced communities, the path to a good education can be complicated. To help them overcome the financial, academic, social, and health obstacles in their way, public school students in the City of Buffalo are getting a boost from a local organization. 

Since 2012, Say Yes Buffalo has partnered with the Buffalo Public School system to increase graduation rates by providing students with a comprehensive support system and postsecondary tuition scholarships. Since its launch, Say Yes Buffalo has supported more than 8,000 students, including more than 2,000 college-bound Say Yes scholars. 

Part of Say Yes Buffalo’s success is the steadfast support it receives from the community. Families, individuals, and local businesses and organizations all play a role in helping the nonprofit continue to empower students. Among them is Rich Products. 

Having partnered with Say Yes Buffalo since 2015, Rich Family Foundation recently pledged $1 million to support its continued efforts.

“Building the next generation of leaders in Buffalo is among Rich Products’ core values, and I can think of no better way to live our purpose than through our ongoing partnership with Say Yes Buffalo.”

“Building the next generation of leaders in Buffalo is among Rich Products’ core values, and I can think of no better way to live our purpose than through our ongoing partnership with Say Yes Buffalo,” said Bill Gisel, executive vice chair of Rich Holdings.

“Building the next generation of leaders in Buffalo is among Rich Products’ core values, and I can think of no better way to live our purpose than through our ongoing partnership with Say Yes Buffalo.”

But Rich’s support goes beyond just a single donation. Moving forward, it will continue to invest in the future of Buffalo Public School students, not only through funding but also mentoring and on-the-job experiences at the company’s Buffalo headquarters. 

“We are honored to have such a wonderful partner in Rich Family Foundation,” said David Rust, Say Yes Buffalo’s CEO. “They wholeheartedly support the mission of our organization and have done so for many years. Not only do they support us with their financial contributions, they double down by investing an even more valuable resource of time.” 

It’s this kind of full-spectrum support that is helping level the playing field for Buffalo’s youth and usher in a more diverse future. Together, Say Yes Buffalo and Rich Products are breaking down barriers to success.