BUFFALO, N.Y. -- "Serving Those Who Serve Others" was the theme of the second annual Community Service Fair on Sept. 13 at the UB School of Management.

Black tie service, limousine transportation, a string quartet and chocolate gifts were among the amenities given to representatives of local community service organizations as they worked their information booths. The event was held to allow faculty, staff and students to learn more about the volunteer opportunities at participating agencies, and to sign up to help.

"We wanted to do something extra for the community service representatives to express our appreciation for what they do," said Cynthia Shore, assistant dean of corporate and community relations at the School of Management. "Our community is a better place thanks to these people and their organizations."

In addition to the royal treatment, one of the participating agencies, the Mental Health Association of Erie County, was selected by raffle to receive the proceeds of the annual MBA Date Auction to be held in early 2007. Last year's winner, Upstate New York Transplant Services, received nearly $2,800.

The fair was co-hosted by the Graduate Management Association and UB's Leadership Development Center. A number of community service organizations attended, including American Cancer Society-Erie County, Autistic Services, Big Brother Big Sister Program, Brighton Place, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, Buffalo Urban League, Central Referral Services, Inc., Cradle Beach Camp, Crisis Services, Erie County Dept. of Social Services, Erie County Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, Exotic Cat Rescue, Gilda's Club, Meals on Wheels of Buffalo & Erie County, Inc., Mental Health Association, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, Upstate New York Transplant Services, WNED and WNY Developmental Disabilities Services Office (WNYDDSO).

John M. Thomas, dean of the UB School of Management, recognized the public-service and community-engagement activities of the school's faculty, staff and students at a luncheon held in conjunction with the community service fair.

He also presented a Community Service Leadership Award to the Graduate Management Association (GMA) for their activities over the past year and discussed how the School of Management will continue to share its resources with the community.

"Community engagement has long been an important initiative of the School of Management," said School of Management Dean John M. Thomas. "And our commitment to public service mirrors the renewed commitment that has come out of the university's long-term strategic planning process, UB 2020."

The University at Buffalo School of Management is ranked as one of the world's "top business schools" by The Wall Street Journal. It also has been cited by Forbes for "best return on investment."