SABAH’s Hall of Fame honors the legacy of those exceptional individuals or organizations which have provided unparalleled support and commitment to SABAH. The Hall of Fame was established to annually recognize those who, for at least a decade, have worked tirelessly to promote the values of the organization; have dedicated their time and/or financial resources; and have sought to educate the public regarding the needs of those in our community challenged by disability.
For over two decades, the Koessler family has been an integral part of SABAH. Their support was initiated by their love and devotion for Jared Smith, son of Ron and Mary Clare Koessler-Smith, who was born with Down Syndrome. Jared began skating with SABAH when he was just 4 years old. As a tightly knit family, the Koesslers rallied around Jared as he began participating in the Hamburg Evening program more than 26 years ago.
After watching Jared’s progress, Mary Clare took a greater role in the organization by agreeing to serve on the Board of Directors in 2003. After serving on the Board for several years, Mary Clare was voted President of the Board in 2006 and continues in that position. During her tenure as President, the organization has grown from one which provided adaptive ice skating over the winter months to one which offers seven adaptive recreational and physical education programs, on ice and on turf, all twelve months of the year.
The Koessler family’s involvement with SABAH continued to grow when the Riverside Evening program welcomed Emily White, daughter of Chris and Gretchen (Koessler) White. Emily joined SABAH in 2010 when she was just 4 years old. Her cousins, Joe and Jack Lana, enthusiastically joined in support for Emily by volunteering for SABAH at the Riverside Rink. Accomplished SABAH veteran, Jared Smith, also eagerly served as her volunteer partner over the past three years.
The Koessler’s support for SABAH is also indicative of their greater efforts in the Western New York community. The family has internalized a philanthropic spirit which was handed down from the earlier patriarchs of the family, John W. and Paul J. Koessler. Both brothers graciously shared their business success through the creation of two foundations, the John W. and Mary M. Koessler Foundation and the Paul J. Koessler Foundation. The two family foundations, along with the steadfast support of individual family members, have cumulatively provided SABAH with over a half million dollars. Executive Director Sheila O’Brien states, “Our growth and success is largely attributed to the support of the entire Koessler family. Not only have they graciously dedicated their time and resources in support of Jared and Emily, but they remain wholeheartedly committed to the advancement of all of SABAH’s athletes.”
