Vive, the Buffalo-based organization whose primary mission is to assist those seeking asylum in Canada and the United States, will host a recognition dinner for its supporters on Feb. 24 at Salvatore's Italian Gardens in Depew. The dinner will be held at 6 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.

The focus of the event will be to recognize and thank supporters, volunteers and donors of the 30-year-old organization. The Vive Legacy Fund will also be introduced as a way for the community to continue to support the work done on behalf of those who enter the United States through Buffalo seeking asylum. Vive has historically provided services to asylum seekers as they seek protection from persecution or imprisonment due to personal beliefs or practices. The organization has assisted more than 90,000 clients from across the globe who have sought help here.  

"The city of Buffalo, and Vive in particular, is known throughout the world as a place of refuge for those fleeing their countries and seeking asylum," said Shelly Schratz, Vive board president. "Our supporters have been generous in supporting the organization, ensuing the availability of short-term housing, food and clothing, as well as specialized legal services. The dinner is our way of offering our sincere appreciation to donors and volunteers for their dedication to our mission."

Vive operates a 118-bed, short-term housing facility for men, women and children, located at 50 Wyoming Ave. on Buffalo's East Side, and is the only short-term housing available to asylum seekers. Buffalo is one of the few locations in the U.S. that possesses key legal expertise and experience in guiding recent arrivals through the asylum process.

Tickets for the event are $100 or $900 for a table of 10.

For more information and reservations contact Shelly Schratz at 716-998-4007.