Skip Navigation

  1. Hearing
    1. Adults
    2. Children
    3. Hearing Aids
    4. On Line Store
    5. Cochlear Implant Program
    6. Services
    7. Ask the Specialist
    8. Self-Test
  2. Early Childhood Program
    1. Evaluations
    2. Early Intervention
    3. Pre-School Services
    4. Oral Deaf Education Preschool Program
    5. Ask the Specialist
  3. Parents
    1. Parenting Books
    2. Parent Websites
    3. Parent Newsletter
  4. General
    1. Directory
    2. Mission
    3. Accreditations
    4. Employment Opportunities
      1. Aide – Classroom or One-on-One
      2. Physical Therapist
      3. Social Worker
      4. Occupational Therapist
      5. Speech Language Pathologist
      6. Special EducationTeacher
      7. School Psychologist
      8. COTA
    5. Volunteer Opportunities
    6. General Questions
    7. Continuing Education
    8. Board of Directors
    9. Contact
    10. Success Stories
      1. Alex T
      2. Sienna
    11. Locations & Directions
      1. Buffalo
      2. Amherst
      3. Southtowns
      4. Fredonia
    12. Staff Email Page
    13. News & Events
      1. Press
      2. 2008 National Literacy Conference
      3. Autism Article
      4. Black Tie Gala
      5. Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center's 6th Annual Golf Classic
      6. Art Speaks Poster For Sale
      7. Dress Down Day
      8. Ethan Allen Community Challenge
      9. Media Kit
      10. Literacy Conference
    14. Photo Journal
    15. eProviderPlus
    16. 1 more items...

Home » General » News & Events » Black Tie Gala

Black Tie Gala - May 3, 2008

On Saturday, May 3, 2008 Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center will honor Gretchen and Gordon Gross at the 2nd Annual Black Tie Celebration.

For more than 35 years Gretchen Gross has demonstrated her total devotion to providing quality education and a caring atmosphere at her Early Childhood Center, Audubon in College Park. Each day Gretchen pours her heart, soul and love into each child that walks through the door.

She is an advocate for each child and helps them strive to reach their goals.

As one Mom said, "Gretchen and her educators are exceptional! The program is geared towards kindergarten readiness and the children are ready… there is not a more enriching, inviting or accommodating school in the area."

Gordon Gross’s enthusiasm and personality is that of "let’s get it done." There is nothing that can slow this man down or stop him when his goal has been determined and his mind has been set. Whether it’s riding over 3,200 miles on a bike to raise money for cancer or calling every person in his rolodex to raise money for new hearing aid equipment -- he gets it done.

Gordon’s journey has been a long one and it began on the road to Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center. Gordon suffered from a hearing loss for several years and frustrated with his hearing aids not working well, Gordon decided to become involved in an FDA Study conducted at the University of Iowa Hospital, where he received his cochlear implant and was able to benefit from the latest state-of-the-art equipment to adjust his hearing aids. Seeing the limitless possibilities of having such equipment, Gordon immediately called Joseph J. Cozzo, President and CEO of Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center and said "Joe, we need to get you this new, state-of-the-art audiology computer equipment. I love your staff but we need to get them the tools they need. Now we will soon be able to improve the digital hearing aids of hundreds of additional people in WNY with the latestest state of the art audology computer equipment" It was then that the wheels were set in motion, the plan had been made and the fundraising began.

Gordon continues to be an advocate for hearing impaired individuals, both young and old. When he walks into the Center the young kids with hearing aids and Cochlear Implants smile, point to his implant and say "Look, he has one too!" It gives them a feeling of what their future holds, they too will grow up to be strong dedicated community leaders -- a hearing loss will not stop them and it most definitely did not stop Gordon.

The impact of the Cochlear implant has changed his life. He now enjoys dinner dates with Gretchen, social gatherings and living a life full of sound, promise, and hope.

Gordon and Gretchen both took the time to listen, learn and speak and because they did just that, Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center is proud to honor this dynamic, energetic couple who give back on a daily basis to their community in ways that have touched us all.

Please join us in honoring them at our Black Tie Celebration on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at ECC City Campus at 6 pm.

Click to view a sponsorship packet.