Relay aid innovative gift program

By JED NITZBERG

Reporter Contributor

THE LEGEND GROUP of Buffalo is taking an innovative approach to its commitment for $34,000 to the UB Division of Athletics for scholarships. It is organizing a statewide high school track-and-field competition, "The Legend Relays." The annual competition, supervised by James L. Cecchini, draws about 3,000 participants from 102 high schools. More than $17,000 has been raised for UB in the event's first two years, and the company and Cecchini are committed to at least two more years of fund raising.

A portion of the fee paid by sponsors for the competition is set aside for UB scholarships, according to Cecchini, vice president of The Legend Group's Buffalo regional office. These payments make up about half of the annual payment to UB on the gift; the balance is provided by The Legend Group.

"Everyone is expecting great results from our program," said Nelson Townsend, UB director of athletics. "Jim and The Legend Group are setting a standard for active volunteer leadership."

"UB does a lot for Buffalo and it's a good chance for us as a company to give something back to the city," Cecchini says. Although he did not attend UB, Cecchini is an active volunteer who has been a member of the UB Athletics Advisory Committee for three years, and chaired the corporate season-ticket campaign. The Legend Group, specializing in financial planning for nonprofit organizations, colleges and hospitals/health-care organizations, has provided funds for scholarships at colleges and universities for 11 years.

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