BUFFALO, N.Y., March 13, 2019—M&T Bank and the Buffalo Bills have launched their 12th annual Touchdown for Teachers competition, which recognizes local educators for outstanding contributions to their students, schools and communities. The nomination process is now open.

 

“Great teachers change lives. They strengthen our communities, and they brighten our future,” said Jim Jarosz, group vice president for retail banking for M&T Bank in Western New York. “Considering the impact they make every day, we’re excited to celebrate our region’s top educators and share their powerful stories, which we hope will inspire others to consider careers in education. We’re grateful to the Buffalo Bills for their longstanding partnership on this special program for local educators.”

 

“Many of us can look back and remember educators who helped make us the people we are today. They instilled lessons that went beyond the classroom and stuck with us long after we graduated,” said Dan Misko, Pegula Sports & Entertainment’s senior vice president of business development. “Touchdown for Teachers recognizes the hard work that these men and women do to mold our community’s future leaders. With M&T Bank, we’re proud to honor educators who are delivering lessons today that will be a big part of who their students become tomorrow.”

 

Nominations can be made online through March 30 at buffalobills.com/teachers. 

 

From the nominations submitted, two finalists will be chosen based on involvement in their school and community, degree of positive impact and their demonstrated commitment to education. One nominee will be awarded the grand prize, a surprise visit from a Buffalo Bills player or Bills legend and a $5,000 grant for their school. The runner-up will receive a $1,000 grant for his or her school.

 

Educators at schools in the following counties are eligible: 

• Buffalo-area: Erie, Niagara, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee

• Rochester-area: Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates

• Beyond Buffalo and Rochester: McKean County, Pennsylvania

 

All nominated educators will receive a certificate of recognition from the Bills and M&T Bank. The finalists will be selected by a committee of Bills and M&T Bank staff members.

 

Since the program was first launched, Touchdown for Teachers has recognized 43 outstanding educators and awarded about $30,000 to schools across Western New York.

 

M&T Bank is the “Official Bank of the Buffalo Bills.” Fans can engage with M&T and the Bills and learn more about fan contests and promotions at www.facebook.com/mybillscard. 

 

M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE:MTB)(“M&T”) is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York.  M&T’s principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, operates banking offices in New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.  Trust-related services are provided by M&T’s Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank.

 

Pegula Sports & Entertainment (PSE) streamlines key business areas across all Pegula family-owned sports and entertainment properties including the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, Rochester Americans, Harborcenter, Black River Entertainment, ADPRO Sports, PicSix Creative agency and numerous hospitality properties. PSE aims to be a leader in the sports and entertainment industry by bringing together the individual resources, capabilities and talents of each of its entities to create a cohesive and sustainable brand that together represents the Pegula family’s interest. PSE’s mission is exemplified by its One Buffalo initiative, which unites Western New York and serves as a representation of teamwork through a deeper connection between Buffalo sports teams, fans and the community.

 

Julia Berchou, (716) 842-5385, jberchou@mtb.com

 

© 2020 M&T Bank. Member FDIC.