Cross‑Docking for a Cause: How WNYFTZ Helped Raise $735K at IceCycle Buffalo 2025
Each March, Buffalo’s frozen RiverWorks rink transforms into a vibrant hub of hope as stationary bikes replace trucks and forklifts for a weekend of fundraising.
In 2025, IceCycle Buffalo celebrated its fifth anniversary by raising a record‑breaking $735,000 for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center—and Western New York Foreign Trade Zone (WNYFTZ) proudly joined the effort as a check‑in table sponsor.
Under the leadership of President Tim Palisano, WNYFTZ leveraged its logistics expertise and cross‑docking ethos to support Buffalo’s fight against cancer.
What Is IceCycle Buffalo?
Launched in 2021, IceCycle Buffalo has quickly become Western New York’s signature winter fitness fundraiser.
Over two days (March 7–8, 2025), more than 1,400 riders pedaled through nine 45‑minute cycling sessions on stationary bikes set directly on the ice at Buffalo RiverWorks.
Participants committed to raising at least $200 per session (or $400 for multiple rides), channeling their energy into tangible support for Roswell Park’s research and patient‑care programs.
This year’s event introduced a sold‑out “In Our Swiftie Era” theme ride and broke previous fundraising records, bringing the total raised to $735,000.
Western New York Foreign Trade Zone at a Glance
Founded in 1914 as part of the Lincoln Companies family, WNYFTZ is Buffalo’s only federally designated foreign trade zone.
Headquartered ten minutes from the Peace Bridge, WNYFTZ specializes in cross‑docking, customs clearing, freight brokerage, and warehouse fulfillment—helping regional businesses cut costs, accelerate delivery times, and navigate complex trade regulations.
President Tim Palisano oversees all aspects of WNYFTZ’s operations, championing both efficient supply‑chain solutions and community engagement initiatives.
Sponsorship Role & Logistics Synergies
As the official check‑in table sponsor, WNYFTZ provided the critical first point of contact for every IceCycle participant.
The company’s branded tent served as a centralized hub for rider registration, packet pick‑up, and fundraising verification—mirroring cross‑docking principles by streamlining the flow of people rather than pallets.
“Our team excels at organizing complex logistics under tight timelines,” says Palisano. “Translating that expertise to support IceCycle was a natural fit for WNYFTZ’s mission of moving more than goods—we move community impact.”
On‑Ice Impact: Volunteers & Operations
More than 20 WNYFTZ employees volunteered over the weekend, staffing check‑in shifts, distributing rider bags, and cheering on participants.
Among them was warehouse manager Dan Arbutina, who helped ring the event’s Victory Bell each time a cancer survivor crossed the finish line.
These moments underscored how WNYFTZ’s “hands‑on” culture extends beyond warehouse doors into Buffalo’s broader health ecosystem.
Fundraising Outcomes & Community Benefits
IceCycle Buffalo’s $735,000 haul will directly fuel Roswell Park’s clinical trials, survivorship programs, and community outreach efforts—accelerating breakthroughs that benefit patients locally and globally.
The event also cultivated an atmosphere of solidarity, as riders and volunteers alike experienced firsthand the power of collective action against cancer.
WNYFTZ’s Long‑Term Commitment to Buffalo
Supporting IceCycle Buffalo reflects WNYFTZ’s broader corporate social responsibility strategy: invest where employees live, work, and play.
Palisano confirms that WNYFTZ will return as a sponsor for IceCycle 2026 and continue exploring partnerships with area nonprofits.
“We believe strong communities underpin strong businesses,” he notes. “By aligning our logistics expertise with causes that matter, WNYFTZ helps build a healthier, more resilient Buffalo.”
Conclusion
From cross‑docking docks to cycling sessions, WNYFTZ demonstrated that logistics know‑how can power life‑changing outcomes.
Under Tim Palisano’s leadership, WNYFTZ’s sponsorship of IceCycle Buffalo not only ensured a seamless event experience but also reinforced the company’s commitment to moving Buffalo toward a cancer‑free future—one pedal stroke at a time.
