Our own One Buffalo Community Award Winner: Jess Kardashian

It started at a Buffalo Sabres game. Jess Kardashian was at KeyBank Center for a hockey game and struck up a conversation with the gentleman seated next to her. They discussed volunteering and her seatmate mentioned Kevin Guest House.

Jess had never heard of it.

Once home, she looked up the organization and immediately it felt like a good fit. After all, Jess had volunteered at Hope Lodge, the facility of the American Cancer Society, before it closed its doors in early 2017. She called to volunteer, not only for herself but as a place to bring her high school students from Silver Creek Central. 

On March 31, Jess was  back at a Sabres game in KeyBank Center, this time being recognized with the One Buffalo Community Award. The honor comes with a donation from Pegula Sports and Entertainment to the charity of her choice. Jess split the donation between Kevin Guest House and Animal Rescue.

“I just love the work Kevin Guest House does,” said Jess, whose students have helped cook weeknight dinners and also volunteered at the  Fall Fest fundraiser.

“The kids love the experience of not just cooking the meal, but of sitting with the guests. It’s important the kids have that interaction, talking with people who are going through a hard time.

“I wanted part of my donation to stay in Buffalo. We’re a community that’s passionate about helping other people and that’s what Kevin Guest House does.”

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