Let’s face it. When Buffalo was really down an out, a lot of people moved away. While we do have expats moving back, there are still a lot of Buffalonians living all over the world. We can’t expect them to move back, but we can expect them to be formidable liaisons to this city. Whether that is in the realm of Buffalo Bills and Sabres’ bars located in Boston, Chicago, etc., or faithful former Buffalonians wearing hometown clothing and ordering hometown food for barbecues.
I recently learned about one former Buffalonian who is currently living in Sarasota, Florida. Tim Mitten moved to Sarasota in 2003. Since that time, he has been watching Buffalo rebound from the sidelines. Eventually, he decided that he wanted to be involved, though he was not in a position to move back.
One of the businesses that Tim is involved in is event production and marketing. His event company, Full Moon Promotions, has been organizing successful events and parties around Sarasota. As an ode to Buffalo, Tim decided to branch out and create an event that is dedicated to his hometown. That event, called ‘Everything Buffalo’, takes place today. After talking to Tim, he was pretty sure that the event was going to be a success, but he wasn’t quite sure how many tickets he would sell. That’s why it was such a surprise when the event sold out the event (750 tickets and over 30 sponsors). The result is the “the largest Buffalo-themed event in Sarasota history.” To add to the excitement, the event is being held at the “regional-favorite White Buffalo Saloon.”
“I am amazed at the level of interest in Sarasota for Buffalo-themed foods and entertainment,” said Mitten. “When developing ‘Everything Buffalo’ I didn’t realize just how large the Western New York contingent is in our gulf coast region, and the response has been amazing and heartening. We’re looking forward to sharing the tastes and sounds of my original hometown with new and old friends here on March first. We are deep into planning our next cultural exchange and are working with sponsors and entertainers now to take a Sarasota-style Chillounge Night upscale outdoor themed event to Buffalo this summer on August 19, 2017.”
“The benefiting charity for ‘Everything Buffalo’ was created by a dear friend from Buffalo, Jackie Fanara, in her late husbands’ name – the Joe Fanara Music Foundation – which will support music education for children in Buffalo and Sarasota,” Mitten concluded.
The entertainment line-up for ‘Everything Buffalo’ includes `Fishbowl Lulu’ led by Matthew Facciolla, Eric Van Houten and Frankie Scinta; and ‘Busted Stuff’ with David Abbatoy & Cynthia McCaffrey; and athletes including Steve Christie, former kicker for the Buffalo Bills and Dave Andreychuk, former Buffalo Sabre, Hall of Famer and Stanley Cup Champion.
Buffalo food and beverage sponsors include Anchor Bar, Home of the Buffalo Chicken Wing; Rosina Food Products Authentic NY Italian Pastas; Chef’s Restaurant of Buffalo NY; Sahlen’s Hot Dogs; Casa Di Pizza; Charlie The Butcher’s Restaurants -Beef on Weck; Labatt USA; Wardynski Meats; Bison Dip and Platter’s Chocolate – Sponge Candy.
Corporate sponsors to date include Largo Capital, Inc., Wagner Realty – Florida Real Estate, Dunn Tire, New Era Cap, Green Revolution Products, Inc., Carubba Collision Buffalo, HUNT Mortgage Buffalo, Next-Mark, LLC, AP Professionals – WNY, Back II Back Entertainment, Comfort Suites Sarasota, Perception Management and Derek the Salon.
While I would rather have Tim and friends back home, living in Buffalo, this is the next best thing. Tim is a self-proclaimed “tireless and dedicated Buffalo booster.” HE has also decided that he wants to throw one of his next upcoming events in Buffalo (stay tuned). In the meantime, here’s hoping that everyone enjoys themselves at the celebration, and the end result continues to enhance the positive ripple effect that continues to build year after year.