Two orgs help drop the ball

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Tens of thousands of people will have a ball after all in downtown Buffalo to ring in the new year. Christmas cash comes in a nick of time to save the annual ball drop.

For the past few weeks, there's been a different kind of countdown because organizers were counting less cash from donors for the event.

"The event runs anywhere from 45 to 55 thousand dollars annually. The budget fluctuates," explained Sue Gonzalez, Director of the Buffalo Police Athletic League.

With only about half the money on hand, the event which attracts tens of thousands of people, was in jeopardy of being canceled.

Mayor Byron Brown said, "Many local organizations in the community have stepped forward to make sure the ball drop tradition in downtown Buffalo continues."

An early Christmas present for those looking forward to ringing in 2010 with the 22nd annual ball drop at the Electric Tower. One of the sponsors to the rescue is Upstate New York Transplant Services. For the organization, a chance to give back and get people thinking about a New Year's resolution.

"We're hopeful this year people enjoy this event they will make a resolution to give the gift of life. Talk about organ, tissue and eye donation with their families," said Mark Simon, President of Upstate New York Transplant Services.

The Buffalo Sabres Foundation also skated in to help make the save.

Mike Gilbert, Buffalo Sabres Spokesperson, said, "We can ring in the new year with a victory on the afternoon or evening of the first. So we can start off here on New Year's Eve and keep it rolling into that."

Larry Norton, 97 Rock personality, commented, "This is Buffalo coming together. And we welcome everyone to come downtown once again and celebrate Buffalo in true Buffalo fashion."