HJ471: Commending Nischelle Buffalow.
WHEREAS, for 10 years, Nischelle Buffalow, the founder of the nonprofit organization Buffalow Family and Friends Community Days, has helped feed hundreds of Chesapeake residents through an annual Thanksgiving dinner and supported the community with many other programs; and
WHEREAS, a native of the Chesapeake area and graduate of Norfolk State University, Nischelle Buffalow began her yearly Thanksgiving dinner in 2010 for members of the community in need after learning that soup kitchens and churches typically did not serve meals on Thanksgiving; and
WHEREAS, after rallying the support of her family and friends, Nischelle Buffalow served around 30 people at her first Thanksgiving dinner, which took place in her back yard; the event has grown significantly since then, serving more than 500 individuals in 2019; and
WHEREAS, as her Thanksgiving dinner has increased in popularity, Nischelle Buffalow has added new programs to further benefit the community; she started offering free donated clothing to diners, and in 2014, she added Thanksgiving meal deliveries for the elderly; and
WHEREAS, in preparation for each Thanksgiving dinner, Nischelle Buffalow, her family, and her hardworking volunteers spend several days gathering food and preparing meals; while donations cover some of the costs, members of the Buffalow family still generously contribute their own money to support the dinner each year; and
WHEREAS, in 2015, Nischelle Buffalow expanded her philanthropic efforts by founding the Buffalow Family and Friends Community Days organization; the group’s activities include a summer meals program for children and the Warm and Fuzzy Program, which has distributed blankets, winter clothing, and food baskets to more than 800 children; and
WHEREAS, Buffalow Family and Friends Community Days has spearheaded community outreach events, such as a back-to-school fair with immunizations and dental and health screenings, serving 900 children, and established a mobile pantry in South Norfolk that delivers fresh food to 200 households once a month; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Nischelle Buffalow for her 10 years of service to individuals and families in Hampton Roads; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Nischelle Buffalow, founder of Buffalow Family and Friends Community Days, as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for her generosity and servant leadership.