![From L-R Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, Denise Beehag, Fire Chief William Renaldo members of the Turkish Community/Buffalo Up who were hosts.](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Iftar-Dinner-04-12-2023-e1681413112952.jpg")
From Left to Right- IIB’s Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, Hulya Gokcek, Dr. Mustafa Gökçek, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, IIB’s Denise Beehag, Fire Chief William Renaldo. The Gokceks are members of the Turkish Community/Buffalo United for Peace who were hosts.
Recently, Executive Director Jenny Rizzo-Choi and New American Integration Director Denise Beehag attended an invitation-only Ramadan Friendship Dinner at the Erie County Hall hosted by County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz and Judge Kevin M. Carter. This was the 13th such annual dinner organized by Buffalo United for Peace.
A traditional Turkish dinner took place in the Old County Hall Ceremonial Courtroom. This Iftar dinner (breaking of the fast during Ramadan) dinner brought together elected officials from all levels of government and community leaders from the Greater Buffalo Area.
This year’s theme was Embracing Cultural Diversity, Sustaining Peace in Our Community.’ Speakers addressed how the community can appreciate diversity as a cultural value and serve our communities by promoting peace.