Therese Forton-Barnes
Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Therese Forton-Barnes is an accomplished event planner and entrepreneur, as well as a past President of the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame and the founder of the rapidly growing Water Buffalo Club 716.
Dedicated to enhancing, uniting, and supporting Buffalo through her work and community service, Therese has played a crucial role in honoring and preserving the area's rich sports heritage, bringing significant attention to the achievements of local athletes and sports organizations while fostering pride and camaraderie in the region for over two decades.
In 2021, Forton-Barnes established the Water Buffalo Club 716, building an international community of supporters for WNY sports organizations and non-profit initiatives, with a particular focus on celebrating the NFL's Buffalo Bills. The Water Buffalo Club 716 family spans the globe, including thousands of fans and dozens of notable athletes, sportscasters, and celebrities, whom she personally rallies to join her in celebrating Buffalo. She developed signature memorabilia and hats that honor the herd, family-first mentality of the team, while working with local immigrant artisans to produce the deluxe hats through Stitch Buffalo.
Her love of Buffalo and the Buffalo Bills runs deep in her veins, with game-day experiences beginning with visits to the Rockpile as a little girl. "I love my city - Buffalo, where the spirit of community rises with the sun, every snowfall blankets us in memories, and every corner tells a story of resilience and warmth."