Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center (BHSC) is proud to announce Mary Wilson as the recipient of
the 2025 Community Impact Award. This prestigious honor celebrates individuals, organizations,
and foundations that have made transformative contributions to the Western New York
community. Mrs. Wilson will be formally recognized at BHSC’s “Great Gatsby Gala,” scheduled
for October 18, 2025, at the Hyatt Hotel in Buffalo, New York.
The BHSC Community Impact Award acknowledges exceptional commitment, leadership, and
support to improving the quality of life for individuals and fostering a vibrant, inclusive
community. Past awardees include Lou and MaryBeth Billittier (2023) and Scott Bieler (2024).
This year, BHSC is thrilled to recognize Mary Wilson for her extraordinary philanthropic efforts
and lasting impact on the region.
Mary Wilson’s dedication to Western New York shines through her work with the Ralph C.
Wilson, Jr. Foundation and her personal support of numerous organizations. Her contributions
have benefited the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Burchfield Penney Art Center, Buffalo
Philharmonic Orchestra, Hospice of Western New York, First Tee, Oishei Children’s Hospital,
SPCA Serving Erie County, FeedMore WNY, and many others. Among her proudest
achievements is the development of Ralph Wilson Park on Buffalo’s waterfront, a project that
reflects her deep love for the community and her late husband’s legacy. Mrs. Wilson was most recently
honored by the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County as the 2024 Philanthropist of the
Year.
“Through her leadership in the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and her passion for Buffalo,
Mary has left an indelible mark on the region,” said Todd Tevens, Chairman of the BHSC Board
of Directors. “We are honored to celebrate her exceptional contributions with the 2025
Community Impact Award.”
As one of three Life Trustees of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Mary Wilson has helped
guide the foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life in Southeast Michigan and Western
New York. Established in 2015 with a grant making capacity of $1.2 billion over 20 years, the
foundation has issued over 1,000 grants to date, supporting active lifestyles, youth success,
economic development, caregiver support, and nonprofit innovation. Mary’s visionary leadership
has ensured that Ralph Wilson’s legacy continues to transform communities.
About Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center
Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing
comprehensive diagnostic, therapeutic, and educational services to individuals of all ages. BHSC
specializes in speech-language therapy, audiology, early childhood education, and specialized
programs for individuals with developmental, learning, and communication challenges.
In addition to its core services, BHSC has expanded its offerings to include new services and
ECP classroom programs aimed primarily at special education academic and therapeutic
programming for neurodiverse children. These programs also include specialized services for
deaf and hard of hearing children, as well as vision-impaired children, ensuring tailored support
for their unique needs. With a mission to empower individuals and enrich lives, BHSC serves
thousands of children and adults annually across Western New York.
For more information about Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center and the upcoming Great Gatsby
Gala, visit askbhsc.org. To purchase tickets for the Gala, click here.
