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Edward Kennedy Memorial Service - "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling"
"It was nice to know that a man born in Buffalo in 1860, who spent summers in Saratoga, and who never forgot his Irish roots, contributed something to the passing of another Irish person. No matter what the political leanings, the song goes on as a part of the America/ Irish Heritage. Click play button above, turn on the sound, to hear the song and see the people who joined in.(Note - there is a carving of him at the Irish Center in South Buffalo,
see gallery) -
Chauncey Olcott Johnstone(Chauncey Olcott's grandson)
Thurman Thomas Statue Unveiled Outside Ralph Wilson Stadium during Buffalo Bills Pre-Game Event.
The latest carving, of NFL Hall of Famer and former Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas, was unveiled during pregame festivities outside Ralph Wilson stadium in Orchard Park, NY. Former Bills teammate and fellow NFL hall of famer, Jim Kelly, was on hand to help with the presentation.
The statue garnered international attention when it was mysteriously stolen and subsequently recovered and returned. See the Cutting Board column (left) for links to various media coverage.
Bowls/vases made from October Storm Wood featured on 7 News This Morning
Friday,October 10th, 2008 - Therese Forton-Barnes of Carvings for a Cause visited the local morning news program to spread the word about the October Storm Anniversary Party. She brought along some of the beautiful bowls and vases carved from October Storm wood.These and other beautifully crafted pieces were part of the silent auction at the party including: ....Pear Bowls from Soldiers Circle, Chinese Elm bowls from Delaware Park, Black Walnut from South Buffalo, Silver Maple from Burroughs/Audubon Drive! Prices range from $30 to $500.

Carvings for a Cause Premiere Night Fundraiser
Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 - Carvings for a Cause hosted a fundraiser on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at the Town Ballroom, in downtown Buffalo. The event centered around the “red carpet” premiere of a documentary film by the Canisius College Video Institute. Throughout the evening, actors inpersonating historical figures that have been featured as carvings interacted with the crowd. The lobby of the Town Ballroom was lined on one side with food stations from local restaurants including Tempo, Grille 620, J.P. Bullfeathers, Nektar, Ambrosia and Drew Cerza – Buffalo’s “Wing King”. The other side of the room was lined with distinctive auction items, many of them hand carved wooden items created from trees damaged in the October '06 storm. Live music was provided by Heard of Buffalo.
A special tribute was also made to the late Tim Russert. A promo he did for Carvings for a Cause was aired and as part of the dedication to Buffalo’s favorite son, "Judy Garland" sang two songs that Harold Arlen (carving #13) wrote. "The man that got away,” and "Somewhere over the rainbow.” The last song by Chauncey Olcott (carving #17), "When Irish Eyes are smiling" was played from the original recording cd of Olcott’s, and everyone sang along in the a special tribute to Russert's Irish/South Buffalo roots. The Band, Heard of Buffalo, then played a series of Bruce Springsteen songs.
The event raised funds and awareness for the project. we thank all those who came out that night in support of the Cause as well as the many businesses and individuals who donated their time and talents to the evening's success.
View photo gallery (photos by Joe Cascio) »

Carvings Unveiled
Monday , October 8th, 2007 - Tree trunk carvingsof former Buffalo Bill, Jim Kelly and ESPN commentator/ Buffalo supporter Chris Berman were unveiled to a huge crowd at the 97 Rock Tailgate Party before the Buffalo Bills Monday Night Football Game. Jim Kelly was in attendance and even struck a pose along side his statue. The two carvings have found a home, and have already become a familiar sight, in the parking lot of the Big Tree Inn at the corners of Abbott Rd. and RT. 20A in Orchard Park.

Article on Carvings Runs in NY Times April, 26 2007 - "Trees lost to a Buffalo Snowstorm Live as Objects of Art and Civic Pride," by reporter Ken Belson, chronicles the Carvings project. In early April, Ken visited the carvings and was quite impressed with the project. He was present with Times photographer, Jim Estrin, who took many photos of the four finished carvings. The article has been archived but can still be accessed by registering for a free membership to NYTimes.com. Click here to read the article (free member registration required) »

Carvings for a Cause Artist Donates Bench to Ryan Miller's Steadfast Foundation Charity Event
Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - Buffalo Sabres goalie, Ryan Miller, hosted the "Catwalk for Charity" Event in support of his charity, the Steadfast Foundation. A hand carved wooden bench was donated by Rick Pratt, the Carvings for a Cause Artist. The wood was used from a tree fallen in the October Storm, and had the Sabres logo carved on each arm rest. The bench was auctioned off for $4,000.
Carvings for a Cause visits Artscope television program
Saturday, January 20th, 6:30pm
Therese, Rick and Judy Pratt appeared in a pre-recorded segment of the program Artscope with host Marilyn Ciancio. Artscope, which features various art related subjects, runs locally on cable Channel 13.
Trees Marked for Cutting
Sunday January 14th Therese and Jeff Brett with Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy marked the trees that still need to come down. We will then know where the trees came from when we carve them. Picture 2 shows the oldest Hophornbeam tree in NYS.

Carvings for a Cause Featured on AM Buffalo
Friday, January 5th Rick Pratt and Therese spoke about the event and Rick carved an eagle in the one hour show. The host, Linda Pellegrino loved the project and wants us to keep her posted so we can come on the show again!
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