Alex Tuch's Holiday Toy Drive
supports 60+ families |
Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch partnered with 97 Rock to host his annual AT9 Foundation Holiday Toy Drive. The drive supported The Summit Center's Holiday Cheer campaign, an annual initiative to help Summit families in need of extra financial assistance during the holidays. More than 60 families, including 170 children, are enrolled. “The holidays are about community and we have so many families right here in Western New York that are in need,” said Alex Tuch, founder of the AT9 Foundation. “The Summit Center plays a significant role in supporting families facing challenges in our city, and I am honored to be part of this initiative.” Delta Sonic and Dave & Adam’s Card World participated as drop-off locations for unwrapped donations. Thanks to our generous community, more than 400 toys were donated as well as over $2,500 in monetary gifts.
On December 18, Alex Tuch made a special appearance at Summit Academy – Stahl to meet some of our students, hand out gifts, and take photos with families.
“We are stunned by the community’s heartfelt response to the AT9 Foundation Holiday Toy Drive,” said Lisa Foti, CEO of The Summit Center. “The financial toll of caring for a child with autism can be a burden for so many families. We’re beyond grateful to Alex, the Sabres, and 97 Rock for raising awareness about their needs.” View photo gallery provided by the Buffalo Sabres |
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Dalton Kincaid chooses Summit
for My Cause My Cleats |
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For the second consecutive year, Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid has chosen The Summit Center as his charity of choice for My Cause My Cleats.
My Cause My Cleats launched in 2016 and aims to celebrate the positive impact NFL players make in their communities by highlighting different causes. Players wear specially designed cleats supporting their cause of choice during Weeks 13 and 14 of the NFL season.
Dalton has been a strong advocate for The Summit Center since joining the Bills in 2023. He is donating a portion of the proceeds from his collaboration with luxury blanket brand Minky Couture. Sales from his “DK Bros” t-shirt, available through Queen City Vintage, are also benefiting The Summit Center.
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Students participate
in gingerbread house contest |
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Students at Summit Academy – Creekside got into the holiday spirit by participating in a gingerbread house contest. Classrooms worked together to design, build, and decorate their gingerbread houses using sweet and savory treats. Each house was put on display at the school this week for staff and students to cast their vote for their favorite design. While some classrooms created traditional houses, others made scenes like the Snack Shack and a house that had been hit by a paper tornado. |
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Support individuals in realizing
their full potential |
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Navigating life with autism can be overwhelming for individuals and families. Individuals may have difficulty with daily tasks or face communication barriers. They may have sensory sensitivities to bright lights or loud sounds that impact their well-being.
The Summit Center exists to help people reach their utmost potential, no matter how significant their needs.
Brothers Aaron and Alijah began their journeys with Summit at the age of 3. Both received one-on-one therapy in the Early Autism Program. Alijah made amazing progress, so much so that he transitioned to kindergarten at his local public school. Today, he is pursuing his college degree.
Aaron, who has limited verbal language, attended Summit Academy through age 21. He developed important communication and daily living skills and achieved greater independence through the support of his teachers, aides, and therapists.
Your generous gift helps the individuals we serve find support and hope in our educational and therapeutic programs. Please donate today to invest in their future and provide opportunities that help them realize their full potential. |
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Summit Foundation Board
elects new member |
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The Summit Center Foundation Board welcomed its newest member, Michael Carter.
Michael is a school business administrator for Barker Central School District. He brings extensive knowledge of school leadership and operations to the board. As a parent of a daughter with autism, he understands the needs of the individuals we serve.
The Foundation Board assists with planning for the long-term sustainability and growth of The Summit Center by promoting fundraising activities and managing investments. We are fortunate to have Michael’s expertise and are grateful for his commitment to advancing Summit’s work! |
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Employee Spotlight - Presented by West Herr |
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Meet Kelly Burnham!
What is your role at Summit?
I am a teacher at Summit Academy - Hazelwood. I teach secondary and post secondary students. I am currently in my second year here at Summit. My career with children and adults with special needs goes back to when I began volunteering at the age of 16 at a school back in Canada where I am originally from. What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love that in teaching special education we are lifelong learners! As teachers we learn daily life lessons from our students. I love that I'm always busy, meaning we are always doing something with our students. I also love that we are able to advocate for our students and for the students' families. We form a relationship with both student and their families. Together, they teach us empathy, patience, and appreciation for differences and most importantly how best to connect to our students. Summit is excellent at making a positive impact on the lives of the students and families we teach and serve.
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What are you most proud of professionally?
Professionally, I am most proud of my work with a young gentleman I taught a few years ago. I worked with him for a whole year, and with patience, trust, and mutual respect and empathy for each other, I created a bond and an environment that he could feel safe in. Having a relationship with his mother also helped guide me and provide me with everything I needed to succeed with him. Within that year, he was able to be a part of the classroom as well as class outings, and staff and students saw him as he should be seen.
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DK Bros shirt to benefit two charities |
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Two of our favorite Bills players have teamed up with Queen City Vintage to give back to the charities of their choice.
Tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox wore their “DK Bros” t-shirt created by Queen City Vintage heading into the Bills game against the Miami Dolphins on November 3.
Now you can own the same shirt and a portion of the proceeds will benefit The Summit Center and P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative. Visit Queen City Vintage to purchase your shirt today.
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January 13: Free Family Swim Night
Time: 7:35-8:35 p.m. Location: Goldish Swim School, 7950 Transit Rd, Williamsville, NY 14221 Summit families can swim for free every second Monday of the month. For more information or to register, contact the Goldfish Swim School at 716-427-6200. May 10: The Summit Center 2025 Autism Walk
Time: Check-in opens at 8 a.m.
Location: 150 Stahl Road, Getzville, NY 14068
Save the date for the 2025 Autism Walk! Registration opens on March 1. More information to come. |
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Penguin pebbling is a common way neurodivergent people express affection. It's a way of saying "I saw this and thought of you." Neurodivergent people may give small gifts like rocks, flowers, or drawings as a meaningful way to build connections. |
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Our Mission
Guided by evidence-based practice, we maximize life success for people facing developmental, social, and behavioral challenges. |
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