The American Institute of Architects Buffalo/WNY Chapter (AIA) awards this honor to an individual and a group who has performed outstanding volunteer service on behalf of, or relating to the built environment. The award was presented at the AIA Design Award Gala, held November 18, 2010 at The Mansion on Delaware.

The nominating letter stated, "Garden Walk Buffalo has been dedicated to the promotion of the City of Buffalo and WNY and to encouraging neighborhood beautification and to promoting community pride. Through these efforts, the group has changed the way many people view the built environment...and is therefore deserving of this award."

Garden Walk Buffalo graciously accepts this award on behalf of the Garden Walk committee members, past and present; Marvin Lunenfeld & Gail McCarthy, its founders; and especially its 350+ generous gardeners that present their gardens each year.

The nominating letter goes on to read:

"Garden Walk Buffalo began in 1995 by Marvin Lunenfeld and Gail McCarthy. That first event showcased 29 gardens in the area enclosed by West Ferry Street, Richmond Avenue, Summer Street, and Elmwood Avenue. Then, as now, the event was open to anyone in the area who wanted to participate, with no prior judging. Since that time, the event has grown to 355 participants, expanding its borders to include Allentown, the Elmwood Village and the Delaware District and is now one of the largest events of its kind in the United States. Anyone who attends Garden Walk Buffalo can attest that the event attracts visitors from all over the U.S. and beyond. The committee of volunteers works hard with the Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau to advertise the event far and wide and have garnered attention from most of the national gardening magazines including Better Homes & Gardens and Martha Stewart Living magazine. They have inspired other communities in the area to hold their own garden tours. The Parkside Neighborhood and the Towns of Lewiston, Grand Island and Lockport all have their own garden walk -- 18 communities in all. The success of garden Walk Buffalo inspired a five-week-long, regional festival of garden events, the National Buffalo Garden Festival. All of this work and revenue and publicity to the local community come at no cost to participants or the tax payer. In addition, Garden Walk Buffalo has raised $26,000 to offer beautification grants to block clubs, neighborhood associations and not-for-profit organizations...This is the type of work that directly impacts the public’s perception of urban design, architecture and the built environment and is therefore a well deserving candidate for this award.

The recipient of the AIA "Friends of Architecture" Community Service Award for an individual is NY State Assemblymember Sam Hoyt. For the 11th year in a row, Buffalo Business First produced a special insert featuring all Design Awards entries, showcasing the talent and professional commitment that our members offer to the Buffalo and Western New York community. The event and awards are sponsored by Buffalo Business First.