The hunt is officially on!

We’re thrilled to announce that the search for the 2027 Decorators’ Show House has begun—and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.

A special thank you to The Buffalo News for helping spread the word and kick off the excitement!

Design visionaries, historic gem lovers, and dreamers alike… this is your moment. We’re looking for a space with character, charm, and endless potential to be transformed into a one-of-a-kind design showcase.

Know a home with a story to tell? Or one ready for its next chapter?

Let us know—you just might help shape the most inspiring show house yet!

If you have a lead or would like to learn more, please reach out to us at jlb@jlbuffalo.org or call (716) 884-8865.

Stay tuned as the journey unfolds… this is where creativity meets possibility.

Check out The Buffalo News article for more information: https://ow.ly/CHrX50Z8VVr

The post Announcing the Search for the 2027 Decorators’ Show House appeared first on The Junior League of Buffalo.

$250,000 of Grant Funding Available to Non-profits from the Junior League of Buffalo & the Buffalo News Decorators’ Show House

Buffalo, NY – November 19, 2025 – The Junior League of Buffalo, in partnership with The Buffalo News, are seeking proposals for the 2025 Decorators’ Show House Proceeds.  Qualified 501(c)(3) not-for-profit agencies in Buffalo and Western New York are encouraged to apply.  Only one agency will be selected through a competitive process.  The recipient of the $250,000 award will be announced in April 2026.

The George Urban Mansion was the 23^rd Decorators’ Show House and was located at 280 Pine Ridge Road, Buffalo, NY. The mansion holds a deep-rooted history within the community. Constructed in 1869, this impressive 7,200-square-foot home rests on a 1.4-acre property that was originally part of the Urban-Winspear Estate, a parcel of land dedicated to farming, vineyards, and the breeding of racehorses. Once the residence of George Urban, Jr., a distinguished flour mill owner who is credited with bringing electricity to Buffalo, the mansion is celebrated as the launching site of Grover Cleveland’s 1884 Presidential Campaign

Since 1981, the Junior League of Buffalo has proudly collaborated with The Buffalo News in presenting its largest fundraiser, the Decorators’ Show House.  The biennial event has raised more than $4.8 million to date.  A few of the previous Show House proceeds recipients include:  The Tool Library, Providence Farm Collective, A Playground for All at Chestnut Ridge Park, Gerard Place, the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House, Jericho Road Ministries, Massachusetts Avenue Project, Torn Space Theatre, and many others.

A preliminary application is required and must be delivered to the Junior League of Buffalo via email to jlbproceedschair@gmail.com by 5:00 p.m. on December 19, 2025.  Final proposals will be sought from invited applicants only and will be due in January 2026. Agencies must complete the preliminary application to be eligible for funding.

To download your application and review guidelines, click here.

Questions regarding 2025 Decorators’ Show House Proceeds may be directed to Show House Proceeds Chair, Rachel Giardina via headquarters at (716) 884-8865 or at jlbproceedschair@gmail.com.  Please include “Proceeds” in the subject line of any email sent to this address.

The Junior League of Buffalo is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and to improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

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For Immediate Release:

June 1, 2025

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BUFFALO ANNOUNCES 2024 HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Three Area High School Students Receive Awards

BUFFALO, NY – The Junior League of Buffalo is pleased to announce that the following students have each been awarded a $2,000 scholarship:

·         Trinity Rose Chatwood of  Nichols School

·         Isabelle Reaska of  Mount Mercy Academy

·         Arianna Carrion of Global Concepts Charter High School

·         Jacqueline Thompson of Wilson High School

Each student is a graduating female high school senior who has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and volunteerism in the Western New York Community. The scholarships are given to the post-high school institution to assist the student in defraying expenses for tuition, books, fees, or housing. The scholarships are awarded based on evidence of demonstrated community service and volunteerism within their school and community. Additionally, the students’ backgrounds show strong evidence of being well-rounded in personal and academic endeavors.

“Empowering young women to reach their potential is at the heart of what we do,” said Rita Stevens, Junior League of Buffalo Scholarship Committee Chair. “This year’s scholarship recipients have demonstrated remarkable dedication to their academics and communities, and we are proud to support them as they take the next step in their journeys. ”

About the Junior League of Buffalo:
The Junior League of Buffalo is an organization of women committed to voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Buffalo is located at 45 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14201, 716-884-8865, buffalo.jl.org

The post THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BUFFALO ANNOUNCES 2025 HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS appeared first on The Junior League of Buffalo.

For Immediate Release:

September 24, 2024

The Junior League of Buffalo and The Buffalo News Select the George Urban Mansion as 2025 Decorators’ Show House

BUFFALO, NY – The Junior League of Buffalo and The Buffalo News are pleased to announce that the George Urban Mansion has been selected as the location of the 2025 Decorators’ Show House.  The George Urban Mansion is located at 280 Pine Ridge Road, Buffalo, NY 14225. The mansion is 7,200 square feet and was built in 1827.

“We are excited to once again give an old house new life through a collaborative effort of many talented local designers and artists.” said Eileen Hall, Show House Chair. “The George Urban Mansion will be a unique and impressive home for the public to experience this Spring.”

The George Urban Mansion will be open for public viewing from April 26 – May 18, 2025.  More information on the 2025 Decorators’ Show House will be available on the Junior League of Buffalo’s website at buffalo.jl.org

Area decorators will be invited to a “bidding day” at the Show House on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 to start the process of submitting design proposals for rooms and spaces.  Decorators interested in participating may contact Tanya Gunzburger, Decorator Chair at jlbshowhousedecorators@gmail.com.

The George Urban Mansion will be the 23^rd Decorators’ Show House sponsored by the Junior League of Buffalo and The Buffalo News. To date, the Decorators’ Show Houses have yielded proceeds totaling over $5 million, allowing 24 cultural and human service organizations to receive significant funding for high-impact programs benefiting Buffalo and Erie County.  Applications for the grant proceeds of the 23rd Decorators’ Show House will be available in 2025.

The Tool Library was chosen as the recipient of the 2023 Show House proceeds totaling $175,000.  These funds have allowed the Tool Library to purchase it’s new home at 2626 Main Street and establish a vital civic campus that empowers the community, grows programs and impact, and continues to build out Western New York’s sharing and repairing economy.

The Junior League of Buffalo is an organization of women committed to voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

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May 2, 2024

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BUFFALO ANNOUNCES 2024 HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Three Area High School Students Receive Awards

BUFFALO, NY – The Junior League of Buffalo is pleased to announce that the following students have each been awarded a $2,000 scholarship:

• Gracie Amore of Allegheny Limestone Central School
• Quinn Flaherty of Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart
• Ekene Ezenwa of Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart

Each student is a graduating female high school senior who has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and volunteerism in the Western New York Community. The scholarships are given to the post-high school institution to assist the student in defraying expenses for tuition, books, fees, or housing. The scholarships are awarded based on evidence of demonstrated community service and volunteerism within their school and community. Additionally, the students’ backgrounds show strong evidence of being well-rounded in personal and academic endeavors.

“We are thrilled to award these very deserving students with a scholarship that we hope will make a difference in their post-high school endeavors,” said Stephanie Wilkinson, Junior League of Buffalo Scholarship Committee Chair. “Each year we are happy to continue to be able to offer young women an opportunity to be rewarded for their commitment to their community.”

About the Junior League of Buffalo:
The Junior League of Buffalo is an organization of women committed to voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Buffalo is located at 45 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14201, 716-884-8865, buffalo.jl.org

The post THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BUFFALO ANNOUNCES 2024 HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS appeared first on The Junior League of Buffalo.

The Junior League of Buffalo and The Buffalo News are pleased to present The Tool Library with $175,000 in proceeds from the 22nd Decorators’ Show House, The St. Patrick’s Friary. The show house was open to the public from June 3-24 2023 and raised a total of $175,000 in grant money.

The Tool Library shares the tools our neighbors need to create the change they want. At The Tool Library, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to fixing up your home, growing your own food, and improving your community. As a community-driven non-profit, a membership to the Tool Library gives community members access to thousands of tools, free educational programming, and a community of doers and makers. Since 2011, The Tool Library has grown from a small storefront helping neighbors fix up their homes to a region-wide resource center helping individuals and organizations make a significant impact in their community through the power of sharing. The Tool Library will use the Show House proceeds to purchase its new home at 2626 Main Street and establish a vital civic campus that empowers the community, grows our programs and impact, and continues to build out Western New York’s sharing and repairing economy.

“After 13 years of renting, we can finally plant our roots at 2626 Main Street and build a space that truly meets our needs and the needs of our community thanks to this transformative funding from the Junior League of Buffalo and the Buffalo News” said Darren Cotton, the founder and executive director of The Tool Library. “More than four times the size of our previous location, this is more than just a building — it is our home — and a springboard to help realize a world where sharing tools, repairing our things, and caring for our public spaces is the norm and not the exception.”

Since 1981, the Junior League of Buffalo has proudly collaborated with the Buffalo News in presenting its largest fundraiser, the Decorators’ Show House. The semiannual event has raised more than $5 million to date. A few of the previous Show House proceeds recipients include: Providence Farm Collective, A Playground for All at Chestnut Ridge Park, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House, Jericho Road Ministries, Massachusetts Avenue Project, Torn Space Theatre, and many others.

“The Junior League of Buffalo has a proud history of acting as catalysts for change and serving diverse communities in WNY” said Stephanie Wilkinson, Junior League of Buffalo President. “We are thrilled to provide this funding to The Tool Library to achieve their goal of building ownership in order to further their mission. We look forward to our new partnership with their organization.”

About the Junior League of Buffalo:

The Junior League of Buffalo is an organization of women committed to voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Buffalo is located at 45 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14201, 716-884-8865, buffalo.jl.org

The post THE TOOL LIBRARY AWARDED $175,000 FROM 2023 DECORATORS’ SHOW HOUSE FUNDS appeared first on The Junior League of Buffalo.

The Junior League of Buffalo Community Assistance Small Grant program seeks to support not-for-profit organizations who are directly engaged in Western New York addressing a demonstrated need in the community, has the potential to impact a significant number of community members and will contribute in a substantial way to the quality of life in Western New York. The Small Grants program is pleased to award the grant to Project Mona’s House.

Project Mona’s House exists to shed light on the terrible crime of Human Trafficking, restore those who have been victimized, and prevent it from ever happening again through education, legislation, and amplifying our voice.

The $7,000 grant will be used to help fund living expenses for six women escaping a human trafficking situation.

The Junior League of Buffalo is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and to improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

The post PROJECT MONA’S HOUSE RECEIVES COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE GRANT FROM JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BUFFALO appeared first on The Junior League of Buffalo.

• Tiffany Nguyen of Cheektowaga Central High School
• Aisha Makama of Niagara Falls High School
• Macey Blum of Hamburg High School

Each student is a graduating female high school senior who has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and volunteerism in the Western New York Community. The scholarships are given to the post-high school institution to assist the student in defraying expenses for tuition, books, fees, or housing. The scholarships are awarded based on evidence of demonstrated community service and volunteerism within their school and community. Additionally, the students’ backgrounds show strong evidence of being well-rounded in personal and academic endeavors.

“We are thrilled to award these very deserving students with a scholarship that we hope will make a difference in their post-high school endeavors,” said Stephanie Wilkinson, Junior League of Buffalo Scholarship Committee Chair. “Each year we are happy to continue to be able to offer young women an opportunity to be rewarded for their commitment to their community.”

About the Junior League of Buffalo:

The Junior League of Buffalo is an organization of women committed to voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Buffalo is located at 45 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14201, 716-884-8865, buffalo.jl.org

The post THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BUFFALO ANNOUNCES 2023 HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS appeared first on The Junior League of Buffalo.

The Junior League of Buffalo and The Buffalo News are pleased to present Providence Farm Collective  with $315,000 in proceeds from the 21^st Decorators’ Show House, The Grace Millard Knox House. The show house was open to the public from Aug 21 – Sept 18, 2021 and raised a total of $315,000 in grant money.

Providence Farm Collective is a local organization with a mission of cultivating farmer-led and community-rooted agriculture and food systems to actualize the rights of under-resourced peoples.  The organization, through a joint campaign with the WNY Land Conservancy, is purchasing 37 acres of prime agricultural land in Orchard Park that is the farm’s home, so it can protect the land forever and build needed infrastructure to support the education of PFC farmers, the diversification of their businesses, and increase the farmers’ profitability.  PFC will use the show house proceeds to construct a new barn that will house year-round administrative and educational space, cold storage, and a wash-and-pack area, and also provide expanded space for a year-round market store, flower station, and for partnering agencies.

“We are ecstatic and honored to receive this tremendous grant from the Junior League of Buffalo and the Buffalo News,” said Kristin Heltman-Weiss, PFC’s Executive Director.  “These funds will be crucial to allowing us to better serve the many individuals in our community in need of food security while also providing opportunities for immigrant and Black farmers to preserve cultural farming traditions.”

Since 1981, the Junior League of Buffalo has proudly collaborated with the Buffalo News in presenting its largest fundraiser, the Decorators’ Show House.  The semiannual event has raised more than $4.4 million to date.  A few of the previous Show House proceeds recipients include: A Playground for All at Chestnut Ridge Park, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House, Jericho Road Ministries, Massachusetts Avenue Project, Torn Space Theatre, and many others.

“The Junior League of Buffalo has a proud history of acting as catalysts for change and serving communities at risk in WNY” said Rebecca Gandour, Junior League of Buffalo President.  “We are happy to provide the financial assistance to Providence Farm Collective to help them fulfill their own mission within the underserved communities of our region.”

The Junior League of Buffalo is an organization of women committed to voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

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The Hydraulics District is Buffalo’s oldest industrial district. The Hydraulics’ boasted several churches that served the area residents’ spiritual needs. The Friary was once part of a larger complex of buildings that sat adjacent to St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church (now demolished), a parish largely made up of Irish immigrants. The Friary stands tall in the neighborhood with 3 ½ stories built of Medina sandstone. Original stained-glass windows and architectural details remain throughout the building.

“We are thrilled to breathe new life into this historic piece of property located in Buffalo’s Hydraulic district,” said Cindi McEachon, Show House Chair. “Our many talented local decorators and artists are sure to give visitors a Show House they will not soon forget.”

St. Patrick’s Friary House will be open for public viewing from June 3 – 24, 2023.  A “sneak peek” of the undecorated home will occur on March 4 – 5 and March 11 – 12, 2023. More information on the 2023 Decorators’ Show House will be available on the Junior League of Buffalo’s website at buffalo.jl.org.

Area decorators will be invited to a “bidding day” at the Show House on Friday, November 4, 2022, to start the process of submitting design proposals for rooms and spaces.  Decorators interested in participating may contact Kelsey Habermehl at Kelcd21@gmail.com or Eileen Hall at Eileenbhall@gmail.com.

The St. Patrick’s Friary House will be the 22^nd Decorators’ Show House sponsored by the Junior League of Buffalo and The Buffalo News. To date, the Decorators’ Show Houses have yielded proceeds totaling over $4 million, allowing 23 cultural and human service organizations to receive significant funding for high-impact programs benefiting Buffalo and Erie County.  Applications for the grant proceeds of the 22^nd Decorators’ Show House will be available in 2024.

The Chestnut Ridge Conservancy was chosen as the recipient of the 2019 Show House proceeds totaling $215,000.  The proceeds helped to build a Playground for All, located at the top of the famous sledding hill and next to the casino at Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park, NY.  The 2021 Decorators’ Show House raised $315,000, which will be awarded to a community organization later this year.

The Junior League of Buffalo is an organization of women committed to voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

The post The Junior League of Buffalo and The Buffalo News Select the St. Patrick’s Friary as 2023 Decorators’ Show House appeared first on The Junior League of Buffalo.