Wels Receives Award for Excellence in Civic Responsibility

Elayne G. Wels has received the first annual Award for Excellence in Civic Responsibility in the City of Buffalo for her contributions to the Western New York Independent Living Project Inc. (ILP)

The award, sponsored by the Office of Public Service and Urban Affairs at the University at Buffalo, was presented to Wels at a reception held on Dec. 7.

A devoted community volunteer, Wels was honored for her exceptional leadership skills, as well as her commitment to helping persons with disabilities live more independently.

In addition to the ILP, Wels is a longtime volunteer with organizations that include the Blind Association of Western New York, the Friends of the Center for the Arts, Lakeland Camp, Planned Parenthood, the Women's Auxiliary of the Erie County Medical Society, the Community Welfare Council and Community Chest.

The award is given in memory of Mildred Francis Lockwood Lacey, a public benefactor who made significant contributions to area institutions and organizations on behalf of community health and welfare.