PRESIDENT & CEO

Dear Friends, Sponsors and Community Partners:

It is my hope that this letter finds you and your family

doing well. The year 2020 has certainly been one of great

challenge but also one of great innovation.

BUF was founded 50 years ago as a movement in the

aftermath of the historical Detroit 1967 insurrection. At

that time, BUF took a proactive approach to empowering

our community with the foundational principles of self-

empowerment, helping others and giving back.

In 2015, BUF made a strategic and relevant move to make

a significant impact on youth by developing the E.Y.E.S. (Empowering Youth for Everyday Success) initiative. Through positive youth programming, we could

impact future generations by empowering them to help themselves, their families, communities and

For the year 2020 the E.Y.E.S initiative was implemented virtually. BUF served over 1,000 youth

through virtual programs including a Medical explorer’s academy, an Aviation academy, out of school

tutorials, Financial Literacy trainings and Health and Wellness workshops.

BUF is dedicated to findings ways to be relevant and bring value to our community. Our methods and

engagement may change, but our commitment will remain steadfast.

As BUF transitions into 2021, the organization will continue to thrive and innovate with new and

impactful youth programming. It is our hope that we will return to in-person youth programming and

fundraising events. We look forward to seeing you on October 22, 2021 to celebrate BUF’s 50 th

anniversary. Please mark your calendar.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of our 2020 volunteers and supporters.

May you find joy, peace and comfort as we close out this historical year.

Kenneth Donaldson President & CEO

BOARD CHAIR

Dear BUF Supporters,

For 50 years BUF has been strong, resilient and committed

to improving lives in our community. This year, faced with

challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, modifications

were made to continue delivering high quality programs

to youth. BUF’s technology presence was heightened to

include a virtual platform for instructional support. Guest

speakers were connected to youth virtually to continue

providing support and sharing positive messages of

hope. Through it all, BUF remained focused on its mission

... Empowering Youth for Everyday Success.

BUF continues to connect youth through our programs and partnerships, i.e., aviation, medical, entrepreneurship, reading and financial literacy just to name

a few. We constantly strive to address the needs of youth including at-risk and the underserved

throughout metro Detroit and the state of Michigan at large. With our partnerships, we provide

impactful tools and resources to help them succeed academically, financially and socially. BUF

realizes that we must have a vision for the future of our city and state. That vision starts with our

youth being afforded more opportunities to reach their dreams and become productive citizens.

In closing, sincere THANKS are extended to you for your unwavering support of BUF. Please continue

to stand with us as we work to prepare the next generation for success. Together, we will make a

difference!

Rosalind Denning

Chairperson BUF Board of Directors