Innaugural Passport to Possibility Gala 2025

Our second annual gala and the debut of the Donation Moment, honoring three Western New York nonprofits.

Passport to Possibility is Trusted Gives’ annual fundraising gala and the organization’s initial and primary fundraising event of the year.

The gala invites guests to embark on a global journey, unlocking the endless potential that arises when compassionate minds and benevolent organizations unite for community betterment. Held at the historic Buffalo Club in Buffalo, NY, the 2025 event showcased the theme of boundless possibilities, with rooms transformed into distinct global havens representing Spain, Greece, Poland, Thailand, and France. Guests experienced an “around the world” style celebration complete with an open bar, station-style cuisine, décor, and culture drawn from each featured country, creating a dynamic atmosphere that fostered collaboration and goodwill throughout the evening. Every guest’s presence contributed to the collective effort of making a positive impact in our local community, exploring the world of giving together.

At the Gala, held on March 13, 2025, Trusted Gives honored three Western New York organizations as Donation Moment recipients, making their work a central highlight of the evening. This marked the first year of the Donation Moment, a new tradition introduced to spotlight organizations leading direct, hands-on action in our community and to reaffirm Trusted Gives’ commitment to uplifting the local nonprofits doing this work every day.

Buffalo City Mission was recognized for over a century of service to men, women, and families experiencing homelessness and poverty across Western New York. Through the Alfiero Family Center of Hope and Promise, the Mission provides emergency shelter, meals, and recuperative care to men in crisis, while Cornerstone Manor offers women and mothers with children a safe haven and pathway through the Mission’s transitional housing program. Residents receive case management, life skills and financial literacy training, job-skills training, substance abuse recovery services, and early childhood care, while the Mission’s Community Services department connects neighbors to medical care, legal aid, mental health services, and employment support through a network of more than 80 community partners.

The Family Justice Center of Erie County was honored for its life-saving, one-stop model serving survivors of domestic violence and their children. Open to anyone affected by domestic violence or abuse regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, or disability, the Family Justice Center brings together more than a dozen partner agencies under one roof, offering safety planning, crisis intervention, forensic medical care, court accompaniment, and legal assistance with criminal and civil matters. Its Forensic Medical Unit, essential item boutique, and shelter referral services help survivors move from crisis to stability, while its free, confidential, and language-accessible services ensure that no one is turned away from the support they need to heal.

Felician Community Services, a program of Hopebound Ministries based on the Villa Maria College campus, was celebrated for its work meeting basic needs and nurturing potential on Buffalo’s East Side and in Cheektowaga. Through the Sister Mary Josette Food Pantry, the Wear ‘n Share Clothing Closet, a pet pantry, and a diaper bank operated in partnership with Every Bottom Covered, Felician Community Services addresses food insecurity and essential needs for local families. Its Villa Maria Youth Program also provides personalized academic support and engaging after-school programming for elementary students in grades two through four, carrying forward the Felician-Franciscan tradition of promoting growth and well-being through respect and compassion.

Through the Donation Moment, gala guests gave directly in support of each organization’s mission, reflecting Trusted Gives’ commitment to amplifying the work already being done by trusted, frontline nonprofits across our region.

Donation Moment Recipients

  • Buffalo City Mission
  • Family Justice Center of Erie County
  • Felician Community Services

Sponsors

Legends

  • Donohue Law Offices
  • Allient
  • 500 Seneca
  • Big L
  • Fat Bob’s
  • Paramax

Silver

  • Bonadio
  • Buffalo Sabres
  • KeyBank
  • Highmark
  • T-Mark

Bronze

  • Woods Oviatt Gilman
  • Queen City Family Dentistry
  • Rec Room
  • Stang Insurance
  • Roswell Park
  • Melissa Liberatore
  • Sage Rutty
  • Atwal Eyecare
  • Cornell Capital Holdings
  • DH Paving
  • Gallagher Insurance
  • Hope Rises
  • Stahlka Agency
  • Pyramid Brokerage
  • Raymond James
  • Lippes Mathias
  • Trusted Locums Staffing
  • East Leaf Dispensary

Supporter

  • Oxford Pennant
  • Seal & Design
  • Wiretek
  • Shane Stickle — Aflac WNY
  • Guardian
  • Niagara National
  • Boston Valley Investments
  • Zoetek Medical

Valet Sponsor

  • Built by Bacon