East Side Excellence Awards coming December 10th
Dewitt Lee III, posing with Deacon Hayward Patterson’s suit.
Nominations are now open for churches on the East Side of Buffalo to present one of their Deacons for recognition as a St. Brian Clothiers Deacon of the Year at the inaugural East Side Excellence Awards, brought to you by King Urban Life Centre. The awards ceremony is happening on Dec 10th, 2025 at 8 am at the Social Hall, Campbell Student Union at Buffalo State University at 1300 Elmwood Ave. Tickets are free; RSVP at tinyurl.com/eastsideawards.
St. Brian Clothiers, which is named after the late Deacon Brian Woods of New Direction Christian Fellowship. Dewitt Lee, who is Brian Woods’ uncle, is the founder of the free men’s suit resource in WNY and is driven to ensure the Deacons of the community are celebrated. This commitment grew after 5/14, when we suffered the loss of 10 beloved members of the community, including the popular and always serving, Deacon Hayward Patterson of State Tabernacle Church of God. After the tragedy, his family donated his clothing to St. Brian Clothiers and entrusted them with making sure it went to men in need. One of the suits has been set aside for display in our future storefront as a reminder of his service and sacrifice.
Churches are encouraged to go to tinyurl.com/deaconsoftheyear to nominate a Deacon from their church, all members of the churches are invited to the East Side Excellence Awards’ Free Gala and Breakfast to witness them being recognized and enjoy a day dedicated to honoring champions of the East Side.
A “Dress The Deacons” event hosted by St. Brian Clothiers, King Urban Life Center and Helping All The People Inc. is scheduled for Dec 11th at 6pm - 8pm at the King Urban Life Center 938 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY Free suits, shirts, ties, jackets and shoes will be given away to all Deacons of churches from all across of WNY.
For more info, contact Dewitt Lee III - 716-349-7809 or email stbrianclothiers@gmail. com