CDS Wolf Foundation Holds Third Annual Gala
The fundraising event in downtown Rochester supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by CDS Life Transitions.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The CDS Wolf Foundation held its third annual gala Friday night at Arbor Midtown in downtown Rochester, themed "Building Tomorrow's Possibility Today." The event featured dinner, a silent auction and an awards ceremony.
Why it matters
The gala aims to raise awareness and funding for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Rochester area. It highlights the work of CDS Life Transitions, which has supported this population since 1977.
CDS Life Transitions reports serving more than 17,000 people across the region since 1977. The gala's fundraising total was not disclosed in the available reporting.
The players
CDS Wolf Foundation
The philanthropic arm supporting the mission of CDS Life Transitions through fundraising and community awareness events in the Rochester area.
CDS Life Transitions
A Rochester-area nonprofit that has supported people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1977 and now also serves seniors, veterans and families.
Abby Fridmann
A anchor at 13WHAM in Rochester, New York, who served as emcee of the gala for the third consecutive year.
The details
The event combined dinner, a silent auction and an awards ceremony, with 13WHAM anchor Abby Fridmann serving as emcee for the third consecutive year. Awards were presented to individuals recognized for generosity, advocacy, leadership and efforts to foster a culture of caring and compassion, and CDS employees shared stories about the impact of their work.
Timeline
1977: CDS Life Transitions began supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Friday night: The third annual CDS Wolf Foundation gala was held at Arbor Midtown.
Philanthropy Track
The third annual gala continues a recurring fundraising series launched by the CDS Wolf Foundation, extending its effort to build awareness and donor support over multiple years. Its theme, "Building Tomorrow's Possibility Today," frames the event as part of a sustained commitment rather than a one-time campaign.
Residents interested in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can consider attending future CDS Wolf Foundation events or contributing to CDS Life Transitions. The gala demonstrates one local avenue for direct charitable giving in the Rochester area.
The takeaway
Local nonprofits such as CDS Life Transitions rely on community events like galas to sustain services that now reach more than 17,000 people. Supporting these organizations directly helps extend their reach across the region.
Further reading
Explore more Rochester philanthropy coverage to see how local nonprofits are funding community services.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WHAM.
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