by Stephanie TABER
JoAnne Hudecki has been serving as the campaign Director of Kids Escaping Drugs since
1988, when it was a newly-established agencies foundation designed to raise money for
building treatment facilities for chemically-dependent Western New York adolescents. Since
then, the organization has grown along with JoAnne’s dedication to the WNY community.
Taking full advantage of the famous Buffalo weather, JoAnne served on the Buffalo
Chamber of Commerce Winterfest Committee. She also chaired the Children’s Hospital of
Buffalo Festival of Trees event for two years. A board member of Alcohol & Drug
Dependency Services, Inc., JoAnne volunteered extensively before coming to Kids Escaping
Drugs.
In 1993 JoAnne received the Director’s Community Leadership Award from the Federal
Bureau of Investigation Buffalo Field Office’s Citizen Academy. Other recognition
includes the Friend of Children Award from Gateway Youth and Family Services in 1993 and
the 1996 City of Buffalo Common Council Hero Award.
JoAnne’s diligent work with the All-America City Council helped Buffalo earn that
designation. Her service with the Civic Empowerment League earned recognition as well.
JoAnne’s biggest supporters are her husband Greg and sons James, 28, and Peter, 24.
Stephanie Taber is a freelance writer