Grocery Manufacturers' Representatives of Western New York Donate $7,000 to Buffalo's Homespace

BUFFALO, NY--(Marketwire - February 18, 2009) - Homespace received a check for more than $7,000 from the Grocery Manufacturers' Representatives to fund housing and supportive services for single parents -- ages 14 to 21 -- and their children residing on the Buffalo-based non-profit's campus. This year marks the third, consecutive year that GMR has presented a check to Homespace, and, according to GMR, it is the largest, single donation the Western New York trade group has made each year since 2006.

"We believe in Homespace's approach because over the years we've seen how the program has helped young, single parents finish their education, find good jobs and learn to be great parents," said Gary Maybach, chairman of the GMR of Western New York. "GMR's involvement with Homespace began when two of GMR's board members, who were also on the Homespace board, told us about the good work going on there."

After his fellow GMR board members offered their views about Homespace, Maybach and his colleagues took a careful look at the Buffalo non-profit and agreed its work was a worthy cause.

Since then, GMR has generated money for its annual Homespace donation from dinner events throughout the year as well as its annual Charity Golf Outing, which includes area business executives and Buffalo Sabres alumni such as Rick Martin and René Robert.

"The GMR Charity Golf Outing is an important way for us to fund the education, mentoring and structured lifestyle that puts our residents on a path to self-sufficiency," said Kim Morris, executive director of Homespace. "The staff, board members, volunteers and residents of Homespace are able to give their best because groups like GMR have donated so generously, year after year."

According to the GMR, the 2008 GMR check presented to Homespace exceeds the 2007 donation by 16 percent.

About Homespace Corporation

Homespace Corporation is a non-profit organization that provides housing and supportive services to single parents, between the ages of 14-21, and their children who are in the foster care system. The goal of Homespace is to empower parents to develop and use their talents and abilities to become self-sufficient and successful. Learn more about Homespace at www.homespace.org. To make a financial contribution to Homespace or inquire how you can donate your time, please call 716-881-4600.

Contact Information: Contact: Bill Perry Phone: 716 652 1762 Email: