Honoring a Legacy. Investing in Buffalo.
Walter C. Hobson Community Outreach Foundation
Established in 2019 in memory of Walter C. Hobson—affectionately known as the “Doctor of Dry Cleaning”—the Foundation carries forward his commitment to service, opportunity, and the Buffalo community.
Our Mission
Opportunity grows when a community invests in its own.
Walter C. Hobson built his life around hard work, entrepreneurship, and giving people a chance. The Foundation continues that example by helping young people pursue their education and by supporting partnerships that make Buffalo neighborhoods stronger.
Every scholarship, neighborhood project, and community collaboration is part of one larger story: carrying forward a legacy of service by creating opportunity for others.
How We Serve
Our Focus
Education
Scholarships
Recognizing outstanding students at P.S. 197 Math, Science & Technology Preparatory School and helping them take the next step toward their goals.
Neighborhoods
Community Partnerships
Working beside residents, volunteers, schools, businesses, and local organizations to improve shared spaces and expand opportunity throughout Buffalo.
Service
Legacy & Leadership
Preserving Walter C. Hobson’s example of entrepreneurship, generosity, honest work, and opening doors for the people around him.
Featured Community Work
Small spaces can become powerful signs of possibility.
Transforming a Corner, Strengthening a Community
At East Delavan and Wyoming avenues, a once-overlooked corner has become a welcoming green space that reflects neighborhood care, pride, and possibility. Residents, volunteers, local organizations, and community partners worked together to create a place the neighborhood can enjoy and be proud of.
The Foundation was honored to support this transformation alongside the Norfolk Block Club and the Tool Library.
More Ways We’ve Helped
Community in Action
Each project is different, but the purpose remains the same: bring people together, invest in potential, and leave the community stronger than we found it.
William L. Gaiter Parkway
More than 30 neighbors, volunteers, organizations, and businesses came together to plant bulbs, remove litter, care for trees, and improve shared public spaces along the Parkway.
Empowering Students Through Resilience
In partnership with author Duncan Kirkwood, the Foundation donated 100 copies of Rerouting: Resilience Tools and Tactics to students at Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School.
The Story Behind the Mission
A legacy built through work, opportunity, and service.
“I was taught, ‘Boy, get your own business.’”
Walter C. Hobson
An Army medic, entrepreneur, and longtime Buffalo business owner, Walter C. Hobson became known as the “Doctor of Dry Cleaning.” Through Hobson’s Dry Cleaners, he created jobs, encouraged young people, and gave many members of the community an opportunity to get started.
On February 2, 2019, officials from Erie County, the City of Buffalo, and Western New York declared Walter C. Hobson Day. The Foundation carries that recognition forward through action—helping the next generation build futures of their own.
Stay Connected
Follow the work. Be part of what comes next.
Visit our Community Outreach page for new projects and past events, or contact the Foundation to learn more about scholarships, partnerships, volunteering, and future opportunities.
Help Carry the Legacy Forward
Support the Mission
Your contribution helps fund scholarships, community partnerships, and programs that strengthen Buffalo.