Aspire of WNY’s Holiday Spirit event, hosted at the agency’s Center for Learning, was a festive evening filled with local vendors, handmade goods, friendly faces, and joyful moments. From creative finds and festive touches to wagging tails and visits with Santa, the room was full of connection and community spirit.
With over 60 vendors and more than 300 guests in attendance, the room was filled with handmade goods and creative finds, each table offering something new to explore. Amazing items like jewelry, decorative spinners, and Buffalo-themed items made it easy for guests to find their perfect holiday gifts. Guests were encouraged to visit every table through a Vendor Scavenger Hunt, inviting them to explore what each vendor had to offer while also entering for a chance to win special prizes.
Children had plenty to enjoy throughout the evening, with free activities including face painting, temporary tattoos, balloon animals, cookie making, and more. Excitement carried through the space as kids moved from activity to activity, adding to the lively holiday atmosphere. There was also a dedicated photo area with Santa and Mrs. Claus that drew families throughout the evening, as kids posed for photos and parents captured the moment.
Nearby, adorable, adoptable four-legged guests from 716Paws happily soaked up the attention, earning hearty laughter and smiles from guests of all ages and quickly becoming one of the night’s most popular stops.
Guests also had the chance to participate in a basket raffle made up of generous donations from attending vendors, as well as enjoy snacks available for purchase and an impressive display of treats from Aspire of WNY’s Sweet Treat sale. All proceeds from the event directly support the programs and services Aspire of WNY provides to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), carrying the spirit of the season beyond the evening itself.
A heartfelt thank you to our volunteers for their support, to Mr. and Mrs. Claus for giving guests holly-jolly Christmas memories, to all the vendors for their time and wares, and to everyone who joined us to make Holiday Spirit a success. We hope to see you next year!
