The Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation made $66,000 in donations to  Western New York not-for-profit organizations on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, during their Annual Charity Check Presentation Luncheon at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in downtown Buffalo.

The Alumni Foundation has given more than 1.5 million dollars to various charitable organizations over the past several years.

“This really is the highlight of the year for our Foundation,” stated Charley Ferguson, Bills Alumni Association treasurer.  “These organizations that receive this support from us are so very appreciative, and we are happy to help them out in any way possible so they may continue bringing those needed programs and services to our community.”

The organizations that were the recipients at this year’s luncheon included the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Olmsted Center for the Visually Impaired, Variety Club Telethon, Touching Base Special Olympic Foundation, Inc., Dan R. Acker Scholarship Program, F.A.T.H.E.R.S., Urban Christian Ministries, Food Bank of WNY, United Leukodystrophy Foundation Inc., Ilio DiPaolo Scholarship Program, Cross Training Football, Shaken Baby Syndrome Education Program, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, Nativity Miguel Middle School, Character Council of WNY, Making Precious Strides and Cape Ability Outrigger Ohana, Inc., “Wounded Warriors.”

The Bills Alumni’s primary charitable recipient of the 2011 year was the Wounded Warriors program (Cape Ability Outrigger Ohana, Inc.), and the Bills Alumni donated $15,000 to their group in honor of the wounded soldiers who have sacrificed so much for our country.

"This is a very significant contribution. I can honestly say it's the largest contribution our chapter has ever received in its history," said Jan Whitaker, Cape Ability Outrigger Ohana Inc., president.

The unique luncheon played host to both the not-for-profit recipients and also the Bills Alumni Association sponsors who helped make these donations possible.

Several members of the Buffalo Bills Alumni including Bills Wall of Fame cornerback Booker Edgerson, wide receiver Charley Ferguson, quarterback/wide receiver Ed Rutkowski, defensive back Jeff Nixon, wide receiver Lou Piccone, end Will Fowler, linebacker Marlo Perry and guard/long-snapper Adam Lingner were on hand for the luncheon.

The Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation was founded in 1999 and is comprised of past Bills players that have left an imprint on society during their football careers and want to continue molding society in a positive manner.  Not only have they changed the game, but they have touched and shaped Buffalo as we know it today.

For more information about the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation, visit buffalobillsalumni.com