The devastating racially motivated mass shooting at Tops Friendly Markets on Buffalo’s east side earlier this year exposed many lingering challenges for the Buffalo-Niagara community.

Leaders from across the Buffalo-Niagara area, including partners in the Harris Beach Buffalo office, gathered at the 2022 Urban League of Buffalo Annual Gala at the Buffalo Convention Center to demonstrate the community’s “resolve and commitment to restoration and rebuilding in the face of adversity.” The gala’s theme was “Resilience: Celebrating the Power of Love and Humanity.” Representing Harris Beach were Office Managing Partner Bob Murray and partners Melanie Marotto, Pietra Zaffram, Jeff Weiss and Tracie Lopardi.

Funds raised from the gala support the Urban League’s scholarship program, and a host of other programs, which include foster care, senior centers, youth centers and crisis counseling at different locations. The Urban League also provides support for housing and workforce training initiatives, including a partnership with the Northland Workforce Training Center.