Empower Wellness NY and Hearts of Champions announced
today that the annual Buffalo Youth Gala, sponsored by Mobile Counseling of New York, will
return for a second year to bring community leaders, educators, and families together for an
evening focused on youth mental health, wellness, and leadership development at The Westin
Buffalo from 6:00–9:00 p.m. on 12/6/25
The evening will feature a cocktail hour beginning at 6:00 p.m., followed by guest speakers at
7:00 p.m. and a youth-focused award presentation at 8:30 p.m. Proceeds from the event will
benefit Empower Wellness NY and Hearts of Champions, supporting programs that increase
access to mental health resources, physical wellness opportunities, and positive youth
development across Western New York.
Two distinguished community leaders will serve as guest speakers for the 2025 Buffalo Youth
Gala:
• Dr. Marie Cannon, President & CEO, Community Action Organization of WNY, who
will speak on “Building Stronger Communities Through Youth Empowerment.”
• Dr. Kathy Evans-Brown, President, Buffalo Board of Education, who will deliver
remarks on “The Power of Wellness and Resilience in Youth Development.”
“As a community, we are at our strongest when we invest in the wellness and potential of our
young people,” said Dr. Pablo Hurtado, Director at Mobile Counseling of New York. “The
Buffalo Youth Gala is more than a celebration—it’s a commitment to ensuring that every child
has access to support, encouragement, and opportunities to thrive”
The event will also recognize local champions who go above and beyond to support youth
mental health, holistic wellness, and positive development, including educators and community
partners who embody hope, inclusion, and empowerment in their daily work.
Mobile Counseling of New York is the event sponsor, underscoring its mission to “meet clients
where they are” and expand access to counseling and wellness supports in schools, homes, and
communities across New York State.