Community support helps Tops & Allen Family Farms raise nearly $10,000

Tops Friendly Markets Press Release & Photo

Thanks to the incredible support of customers across Western New York, Tops Friendly Markets’ recent partnership with Allen Family Farms proved to be a winning season both on and off the field. The campaign, which featured Allen Family Farms cantaloupes and honeydew melons in participating Tops stores, helped raise nearly $10,000 for the Patricia Allen Fund at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.

Throughout the campaign, shoppers found the fresh, flavorful melons displayed in the iconic JA17 boxes in Tops produce departments. With each purchase, customers directly contributed to pediatric care initiatives that support children and families throughout the region.

A family tradition in every melon

For more than three decades, the Allen family has cultivated melons in California’s Central Valley, continuing a proud family tradition rooted in quality, perseverance and care for the land. Joel and Lavonne Allen raised their children among the rows, instilling values that are reflected today in the JA17 Allen Family Farms label – a brand that honors both agricultural heritage and excellence on the field through their son, Buffalo’s own No. 17.

More than a label – a community impact

The JA17 label represents more than premium produce. It stands as a symbol of purpose and giving back. Through this campaign, Tops customers helped generate nearly $10,000 for the Patricia Allen Fund, which supports advanced equipment, family-centered programs, and access to top-tier pediatric care at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.

“The entire Allen Family has been incredibly generous in supporting our children’s hospital in any way they can since Josh has been in Buffalo, and especially since the Patricia Allen Fund was established in his grandmother’s honor,” said Stephen Turkovich, M.D., president of Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. “We are thrilled to have Westside Produce incorporating a donation to the fund. Contributions like these help ensure our teams have the equipment, technology and programs needed to care for the children and families we serve.”

A shared commitment to health & wellness

Tops is proud to have partnered in an initiative that connected farm-fresh produce with a cause deeply meaningful to the Western New York community. The campaign also reflects a shared commitment to health and wellness, aligning with Buffalo’s favorite quarterback’s broader advocacy for nutritious lifestyles.

“Seeing our customers come together to support this cause was truly inspiring,” said Jeff Cady, vice president of produce and floral for Tops Markets. “This campaign was about more than great-tasting melons – it was about making a real difference for children and families right here in our community.”

Headquartered in Williamsville, Tops Markets operates a robust network of 151 grocery stores spanning New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, including one franchise location in Lewiston. It is one of Western New York’s largest employers, with over 14,000 associates across its entire footprint. Discover more at www.topsmarkets.com.