Erie County Legislator Joseph C. Lorigo announces that Cornell Cooperative Extension, in East Aurora, has received 2016 Primetime Funding for the first time. The organization will receive $7,500 to provide programming this summer.

Also approved was funding for the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Aurora and Holland. The funding was included in a package that was approved unanimously by the Legislature at session on Thursday, June 9, 2016. The Boys and Girls Club of East Aurora received $10,000 and the Boys and Girls Club of Holland received $8,750 for summer camp activities and other programming. 

“I am pleased that the county was once again able to fund programming for the Boys and Girls Clubs serving the greater East Aurora and Holland communities, as well as for Cornell Cooperative Extension to the Primetime Funding. The county was able to invest surplus from 2015 into programming for this summer, which is at large a great benefit for our youth. The Primetime Funding program has proven to be an excellent partnership between the county and the organizations,” said Legislator Lorigo.

Diane Held, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County, explained that the funding would be used for the Youth CAN (Community Action Network) program, providing civic engagement, college prep, and career readiness program for at risk youth.  Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Urban 4-H Youth Educator works with students in the program to develop and implement community projects.  

“We are extremely pleased to have received Primetime Funding this year to support Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Youth CAN program and to work with youth to complete community projects through internships with businesses, nonprofits, and other groups in areas of interest to the youth,” said Executive Director Held.  

Legislator Lorigo also notes the approval of funding for organizations that benefit the entire county, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts of WNY, and YMCA Buffalo-Niagara. Overall, 61 organizations received funding.

Determination of Summer Primetime funding is coordinated through the Department of Social Services and the final proposal is requested by the County Executive’s Office. For a complete list of organizations that receive funding, please CLICK HERE. 

For additional information, or to speak with Legislator Lorigo, please contact his Legislative Office at 858-8922; email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov; or visit www.erie.gov/legislature/district10.