Sweet Buffalo Rocks celebrates one year anniversary of painting and hiding rocks across Western New York and beyond

It was one year ago this week that I started a rock painting adventure that turned into something I could never have imagined.

It was one year ago this week that I started a rock painting adventure that turned into something I could never have imagined. My best friend, Michelle, texted me and told me about a rock painting group in Florida and asked me if we had one in Buffalo. She knew I loved to share good news stories and promote kindness with my blog, Sweet Buffalo, and she thought the City of Good Neighbors deserved this kind of activity, too.

So, I did my research, saw what an impact rock painting and hiding rocks could have on a community, and got to work. I created a Facebook group called Sweet Buffalo Rocks and my son and I started painting and hiding rocks all over Western New York, writing “Sweet Buffalo Rocks on Facebook” on the bottom of each rock. The first rock I ever hid was at La Nova Pizza in Buffalo. I remember that day like it was yesterday. It was so exciting to leave the rock and hope someone found it. I’ll admit, it did feel a little strange, but that’s normal for a first-timer.

Pretty soon after hiding enough rocks and explaining to others the concept of painting rocks to make someone else’s day, more and more people started to join the group. The local media picked up our story and helped us get the word out, but what really made an impact was the amazing people who shared their story after finding a rock. Sick children in need of a smile, families who just lost a loved one, young people who needed some words of encouragement, those who needed to see a sign of goodness, and so much more. It’s not just about rocks… it’s about the time and effort people make to spread joy.

The Sweet Buffalo Rocks group went from one member to almost 27,000 members in one year. We’ve all made so many friends and got to know our neighbors better. We’ve helped with local benefits, brought smiles to children in need, and even raised money for families with rock auctions in the group. There are so many amazing artists with such kind hearts in the group who dedicate their time for no other reason than to do something nice.

Our rocks have traveled all across Western New York, to other states, and even other countries (Thanks, DJ RanKan.) This was the most amazing year and I can’t wait to see what the future brings because one thing is for sure, Sweet Buffalo Rocks is here to stay. -Kimberly LaRussa, founder of Sweet Buffalo