It was a little over a year ago that Sweet Buffalo Rocks, a Facebook group and project that encouraged the WNY community to paint and hide rocks to bring joy to others, was founded. The group has grown to more than 30,000 members with more and more people joining each day.
But the rocks group took a different form than just painting rocks. It supported several children at a time they needed it most and raised funds for their families.
“When we received the rocks and the donation at the benefit it brought tears to my eyes,” said Krystal Hayden, whose 3-year-old son Bentley has been battling cancer. “The fact that so many people who don’t even know Bentley or my family can come together and make such beautiful rocks that fit Bentley perfectly is amazing!”
The Sweet Buffalo Rocks group raised more than $5,000 for Bentley’s family over time, which started a ripple effect to help other families. Rock auctions were held in the group with the recipient donating the funds to a child in need. Then members held their own Easter Egg hunt event to raise money for TJ Ackley, an Alden boy battling cancer; T-shirt sales helped raise funds for 2-year-old Anastasia Rafter of Niagara Falls who is battling a brain tumor; and most recently $1,000 was raised for a North Tonawanda family in need of emergency housing.
Now Sweet Buffalo Rocks will continue its efforts by officially becoming a nonprofit organization, Sweet Buffalo Rocks Inc., where funds will be raised to do more for children facing hardship. The goal will be to help bring smiles to children who need it most. Whether it be surprising a child with painted rocks and gifts to make them smile, planning a fun event for them to enjoy, or just donating funds to help a family caring for a sick child to alleviate some stress…Sweet Buffalo Rocks is on a mission to make a difference.
If you’d like to make a donation to Sweet Buffalo Rocks, you may do so here: www.paypal.com/donate.
or to learn about Sweet Buffalo Rocks, visit www.sweetbuffalorocks.com.
Sweet Buffalo Rocks Inc. is in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) status.