Valley Community Association Executive Director Margaret “Peg” Overdorf has dedicated 40 years to the organization and surrounding community. Most recently, she has secured 17 grants worth over $5 million to build Buffalo River Fest Park, located at 249 Ohio Street on the Buffalo River. The park contains boat docks, a lodge with public restrooms, and a band shell. In addition, with then NYS Assemblyman, who is now City of Buffalo Comptroller, Mark Schroeder, the VCA was able to negotiate the construction of Mutual Riverfront Park at 41 Hamburg Street.

Peg has distinguished herself as a tireless community advocate and her many accomplishments are well known throughout Buffalo and Western New York. She works diligently to ensure that programs, services, and opportunities are made available to enable all people to reach their highest potential.

In addition, Peg devotes countless hours of her time and energy to promoting community togetherness, neighborhood spirit, and ethnic pride. She is the founder of the renowned “Old Neighborhood” St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Buffalo and is responsible for developing the Buffalo River Fest, a region-wide event that focuses on the restoration and beautification of the Buffalo River Front. She also led the effort to turn what was once a polluted dumping ground into the Valley Nature Park and Habitat Trail.

Over the years, Peg has received many awards including the Erie County Council on the Prevention of Alcohol & Substance Abuse Award; the Friends of the Buffalo River Award; the Goin South Civic Pride Award; the All America Cities Civic Empowerment Award; the Greater South Buffalo Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award; the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper Green Key Award; and has been honored by the Buffalo Police Department.