Tis The Season: A Thru-Hiker’s Gift To One Local Non-Profit | Community Spirit

Buffalo, NY December 1, 2011- The Belle Center staff and other stakeholders in the community took some time out to celebrate the successful completion of a unique fundraising endeavor at the Dan Cross-Viola: Hiker Event on November 30th, 2011 at Allen Street Hardware.

In March 2011, Dan Cross-Viola contacted The Belle Center from Chicago, IL to propose a fundraiser; Dan is a youth advocate and thru-hiker who planned to hike along the Pacific Crest trail. His goal was to raise a dollar for every mile that he hiked and donate all proceeds to the Center for its programs and services.

Dan accomplished his fundraising mission garnering half of his desired amount before even beginning the hike. Ultimately, he went on to exceed his fundraising goal as he hiked and raised $2,675 for the organization.  

Dan is long-time worker in the field of youth development and is a very passionate youth advocate. He is a recent graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago with a M.Ed. with a focus in Youth Development. He recently relocated from Chicago to his native Buffalo. When we asked Dan why he chose to do this for The Belle Center he stated: “Out of the many agencies that he had encountered, he found the work done at The Belle Center to be the most innovative and comprehensive.” Dan truly embodies what it means to be a citizen of the “City of Good Neighbors,” especially at time when non-profits are faced with a growing problem of acquiring funding sources.

We thank and honor Dan not only for his altruism, but also for his commitment to youth. Dan embodies The Belle Center slogan and is indeed living “Life in a positive light.”