You know what summer means. It means it’s time for sunshine, fun and concerts and why not throw a little giving back into the mix while we’re at? Batavia Downs’ annual “Rockin’ the Downs” Concert Series is back and helping to raise funds for Make-A-Wish WNY!
Last year throughout the concert series, volunteers at the Make-A-Wish chair-rental booth rented out chairs and sold glow jewelry and Make-A-Wish branded can coolers. The chairs were adorned with the Make-A-Wish logo and the message: “The person sitting in this chair is helping to transform lives.”
Each chair rented out was $5 with proceeds going straight to Make-A-Wish. More than $9,300 was raised last year to grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Make-A-Wish has fulfilled the wishes of more than 3,700 children in the Western New York area and counting.
“Make-A-Wish is incredibly appreciative of our partnership with Batavia Downs for the Rockin’ the Downs’ Summer Concert Series to raise both awareness and crucial funds to help support children and families fighting critical illnesses, not only in the Batavia community but throughout this 17-county region,” said a spokesperson for Make-A-Wish.
“As a good news platform that helps children and families battling cancer and life-threatening illnesses, we know the importance a wish can have on a child and their family to brighten their spirits at the most difficult time of their life. We are so happy to see that Batavia Downs utilizes their summer concert series for good to help Make-A-Wish continue the incredible work that they do for children,” said Kimberly LaRussa, founder of Sweet Buffalo.
A recent wish came true for wish kid Tommy Parzymieso who announced the Buffalo Bills first round pick at the 2025 NFL Draft.
Make-A-Wish says it is only through vitally important partnerships such as Batavia Downs that they are able to continue to serve their essential mission.
So come on down to the Batavia Downs “Rockin’ the Downs” Concert Series every Friday this summer and help support this amazing cause!
To get your tickets to the Rockin’ the Downs Concert Series or a season pass, visit BataviaConcerts.com.
For more information on Make-A-Wish WNY visit, wny.wish.org.
Here’s the lineup!
Queensrÿche: June 20
The Allman Betts Band: June 27
Almost Queen: A Tribute to Queen: July 11
The Machine Performs Pink Floyd: July 18
Little River Band w/ Special Guest Ambrosia: July 25
Lou Gramm The Original Voice of Foreigner Aug. 1
The Commodores Aug. 8
Kansas Aug. 15
