Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County and Media Sponsor, Kiss 98.5 are excited to honor Breanna Pugh as this week’s Women Who Move the City Wednesday Honoree!
Breanna, a Marketing Manager at Ivoclar Vivadent in Amherst, dedicates countless hours of her free time to supporting local charities. As a member of B Team Buffalo, a group that focuses on improving the city of Buffalo and surrounding communities through volunteer opportunities, she has helped on projects with multiple community organizations. This year, Breanna served as a committee member for the B Team’s City of Light project. This committee organizes teams of volunteers to decorate the streets and houses in a Buffalo neighborhood during the winter holidays. The group also hosts a winter carnival, providing the neighborhood children with gifts, games, prizes, crafts, and other activities throughout the day. Breanna was very active in helping the committee to secure sponsorships and donations to make the event possible and the 2014 holiday season a bit brighter for a inner-city neighborhood.
Although Breanna enjoys making a difference with various organizations in need, her main passion is for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of WNY, which provides a “home away from home” for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. She is currently the youngest member on the charities’ Board of Directors, serves on their Marketing and PR committee, and most importantly is the President of their Young Professionals Group (YPG). Breanna and her fellow YPG co-founders began the group because they recognized the importance of encouraging and inspiring fellow young professionals to get involved in the community and strive to do it in a way that is fun, affordable, and relevant for the younger generations. YPG supports the organization by volunteering at Ronald McDonald House fundraisers such as the 5K Run and the Cooks for Kids program. Additionally, YPG also hosts their own events such as a “Sail into Fall” boat cruise and “Brunching with Benefits.” These efforts have had a significant impact in raising awareness and donations for Ronald McDonald House Charities of WNY and thus, making a difference for families during a very difficult time.
Breanna, who resides in the City of Buffalo, received a BA and MBA from Canisius College. She enjoys traveling, exploring Buffalo’s restaurants and, in addition to her countless hours as a volunteer, is currently busy planning her upcoming wedding in September.