BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — On Thursday night the Buffalo Sabres hosted the organization's fourth annual Pride Night.
The team said it's a night to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and reinforce its commitment to building an inclusive fanbase.
The Sabres partnered with the following Western New York pride organizations as part of the night — GLYS of WNY, Niagara Pride, Pride Center of WNY, and Upstate NY Black & Latino Pride.
Memorabilia is being auctioned off on the team's website through March 21 and the proceeds will benefit those organizations.
Niagara Pride, Pride Center of WNY, and Upstate NY Black & Latino Pride all had tables in the concourse as well and there were giveaways and other activities throughout the night.
Alexandre Burgos, a community leader, said he’s grateful for the partnership that he has with the Sabres Foundation.
“Tonight's event is so significant because around the country you see strides to erase LGBTQ folks not only from history,” he said. “But from our presence, the Sabres tonight are taking a stance and saying that they support our community while giving back to the organizations that work year-round.”
Taje Jenkins-Jones, the chair of the Upstate NY Black & Latino Pride, said the annual donation from the Sabres, and other organizations, has been an instrumental part of growing their programs.
“We’ve been able to grow to what we become and the programs we have been developing year-round as well as pride,” he said. “And it has been able to happen because of the generous donations that we have received from organizations like the Sabres.
Others said they feel it’s important for organizations like the Sabres to partner with the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Over the last few years, we’ve seen a lot of attacks and a lot of negative stories about the LGBTQ community,” said Ronald Piaseczny, president of Niagara Pride. "So when there are events like this that bring us together and celebrate diversity and make us part of the community, it is absolutely wonderful to see.”
Some said this opportunity gives the younger generations a chance to discover themselves.
“I feel like organizations like the Sabres need to have this kind of partnership, especially for our young people who are in any phase of their life related to self-discovery,” said Kelly Craig (She/Her), an executive director of Pride Center of WNY.
Meanwhile, these organizations will be looking forward to the ongoing partnership with the Sabres.
“We’re very very grateful to be here,” Burgos said. “And I have a lot of love for the Buffalo Sabres. Go Sabres!
