EDUCATE. EQUIP. EMPOWER.

The Buffalo Strong Story

Catalyzed by the Allina Crossroads Clinic tragedy on February 9, 2021…

… the Buffalo Strong campaign & website emerged as an online hub and a rallying cry for a community in shock. Created by Buffalo citizens, the effort included support from the mayor, chamber of commerce, police department, Allina, local mental health and religious organizations; Buffalo Strong was built to be a central resource to find information on donations, fundraisers, events, and projects designed to bring healing to the community of Buffalo.

As businesses, churches, and citizens responded with beautiful projects to support those directly affected by the clinic shooting, Buffalo Strong received over 45,000 unique visitors to the site which resulted in:

75,000+ click-throughs to victim Go Fund Me’s- raising over $450,000
Unprecedented community fundraisers, facilitating donations in excess of $150,000 to the Buffalo Hospital Foundation
Direct donations to victims, facilitated by Buffalo Strong from private individuals & fundraisers
Buffalo Strong raising nearly $30,000 through t-shirt, light bulb, and tote sales, which was then distributed to the physically injured victims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Due to the outpouring of donations directed our way, Buffalo Strong became a 501(c)(3) designated charity to facilitate donations received for the Allina shooting victims.
Looking toward the future, Buffalo Strong will be a community foundation to facilitate mental health and wellness resources that allow Buffalo to Care, Connect & Continue to be #BuffaloStrong.
The majority of small businesses who held fundraisers donated to the Buffalo Hospital Foundation. A few individuals and businesses desired to write checks directly to victims, which Buffalo Strong helped to facilitate. A few of the fundraisers donated to Buffalo Strong and those funds were split evenly among the 5 victims harmed in the Crossroads shooting.
All individuals responsible for Buffalo Strong have operated as volunteers and have not received any money for their services.
In response for our law enforcement, health care, and community leaders’ concerns- Buffalo Strong will continue to exist as a community foundation dedicated to serving mental health and wellness needs. Buffalo Strong will facilitate events, projects, classes and resources that will support the mental well being and connectedness of all Buffalo Citizens- starting with Buffalo Strong Day on February 9th, 2022.
Buffalo Strong is currently run by a volunteer board of directors and one employee.
Teri Lachermeier- Board Member
Sue Olmscheid- Buffalo Chamber of Commerce President
Lindsay Hourscht- Small Business Owner & Community Member
Dani Palmer- Founder, Small Business owner & community member
Dana Broadhead - Buffalo Strong Operations Director & Coalition Lead
Yes. Buffalo Strong is happy to serve as the 501(c)(3) partner for community events and initiatives as long as they serve the goal of bringing the community together, fostering mental health, and individual wellness. Projects will be considered on an individual basis.
Email info@buffalostrong.care with questions.

DONATE HERE

Reinventing the “Manly Man”
Buffalo Strong Coalition -
*Suicide Awareness and Prevention*

The Buffalo Strong Coalition is a community partnership focused on reducing suicide risk and strengthening mental well-being among middle-aged men (ages 40–65) in the City of Buffalo and surrounding rural areas.
Why This Matters
Between 2018–2023, Wright County experienced 110 suicide deaths — nearly 75% were men. Men ages 40–65 face the highest risk, particularly those in construction, manufacturing, transportation, and farming.
Join our coalition today!

Coalition Application

We are now accepting applications for the Buffalo Strong Mental Health Grant!

Thank you for your interest in applying for the Buffalo Strong community grant!

Buffalo Strong’s mission is to support the mental health and wellness needs of Buffalo, Minnesota community members. Our hope is that through this grant, local organizations that are serving the people of Buffalo can use these funds to improve mental health and wellness in our community.

Funding is available for organizations (request up to $3500). Grants will be awarded based on availability of funds.

Organizations seeking financial assistance for supporting mental health and wellness initiatives focused on the people in Buffalo.
Individuals or organizations located outside the Buffalo, MN community
Political activities
For-profit business start-up
Personal expenses (rent, groceries etc)
Endowment funds
Retroactive expenses
We are currently accepting applications.
Approved grants will be notified June 15th, and funds disbursed quickly thereafter.
Organization grant recipients will be publicly acknowledged on our website and at the 2026 Street Party of Hope.
Funding for the mental health grants comes from the community. Funds are raised by local businesses, individuals, and events that donate proceeds to Buffalo Strong.
The 2025 Street Party of Hope was able to raise over $20,000 for these grants and Buffalo Strong Initiatives.
If you have questions, please email info@buffalostrong.care

Organization Grant Apply Here

Online store now open!

We are excited to share our online store partnership with **J&J Athletics!** Click on the link below to shop Buffalo Strong wearables. As you browse, simply select the “*Buffalo Strong*” logo option on your items.

Shop Buffalo Strong

Care | Connect | Continue

Allina Crossroads lit up in purple honoring the victims and employees #BuffaloStrong

Allina Hospital lit up in purple on 2/16 #BuffaloStrong

Tonight, the I-35W Bridge will glow purple in honor of the victims of the Buffalo clinic attack and in solidarity with the entire Buffalo community. #BuffaloStrong

#BuffaloStrong from the CentraCare Hospital in Monticello

Hanson Dental rocking our purple masks! #BuffaloStrong

We are very proud to support and be a part of this amazing community. Our hearts break and warmest thoughts continue for each and every individual and family affected last Tuesday - Coldwell Banker Realty

Thinking of all those affected by the Allina tragedy - Buffalo Dental Group

Evelyn's Wine Bar - #BuffaloStrong #SupportAllinaClinic

Posted by Kaden S - Took photos from the U of M campus. Buildings in downtown Minneapolis lit up with purple.

With a heart full of support from the heart center to you Buffalo - St. Cloud Hospital Cardiac Care Unit

Virginia Piper Cancer Center - Buffalo Hospital

Buffalo Allina Hospital lit up purple for #BuffaloStrong

Much love and support from our team at Good Samaritan in Howard Lake.

Love and support for Buffalo from Moon Donuts

Buffalo City Center employees show their support for #BuffaloStrong. Buffalo Connects! Buffalo Cares! Buffalo Continues On!

More support from from Twin Cities Orthopedic.

Wearing our purple today at Papa Murhpy's!

InMotion Chiropractic - honoring the Allina health care workers and our community first responders

We are Buffalo Strong at the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce.

Annandale Clinic showing support for Buffalo

DeZiel Heating & Air is proud to support Buffalo!

The Buffalo PRCA Championship Rodeo Association stands in solidarity with the community of Buffalo, our health care workers, and the first responders on scene last Tuesday.

Many of the members at Twin Cities Orthopedics showing their support for Buffalo.

Fitness Evolution Buffalo showing off their support

Stellis Health Business Office supports Buffalo.

Community photo supporting #BuffaloStrong

The kids in Preschool 4 & 5 at Kids Haven loved showing their love & support for the community today!

Woodside Family Dental - We are proud to support our neighboring community of Buffalo!

Brenner Dental Group - We are #BuffaloStrong! We are so proud to be a part of this community!

Posted by Alena G - Edina Hockey provided helmet stickers for all players and fans at a hockey tournament over the weekend.

Posted by Mary S. - A Willmar youth hockey team made this poster and hung it by the Buffalo team bench.

Posted by Angela K - At the Edina Hockey tournament over the weekend, Edina had helmet stickers made and handed them out to all teams and fans.

Posted by Mary D. - "For our community - light of continued hope"

The Sign Man made stickers and dropped them off at local businesses for residents to take.

Buffalo Kites on Ice event held on Buffalo Lake

St. Francis Xavier donation collection that brought in personal items as well as monetary donations.

KFC donated a hot lunch for all Law Enforcement working at WCSO on Thursday.

Donations from community members helped to provide snacks for the employees at the Allina Ambulance location.

Community donations helped provide a lunch from BJs Deli to workers at Allina.

What's the Scoop donated ice cream samplers to go along with a meal from Subway for all agents working at the WCSO on Friday. Community donations helped cover the costs of the meal.

Buffalo Food Shelf supports the Buffalo Community

Buffalo Hospital Med/Surg #BuffaloStrong

Mental Health Resources.

Adults

Wright County Mental Health Resource Page
Four County Crisis Response Team 320-253-5555
- Toll-Free Mental Health Crisis Response Line (24 hours a day/365 days a year) 800-635-8008
National Suicide Hopeline Hotline 800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
SAVE Suicide Hotline 888-511-SAVE (7283)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255)
- Press “1” for Veterans
Crisis Text Line
- Text “MN” to 741 741
Veterans Homeless Line 877-4- AID –VET (877-424-3838)
Any and all will be received with dignity & support in the Buffalo Faith Community.