Distinguished Women

Pearl Kibler

Pearl Harvey that is! Otherwise known as Mrs. Harvey E. Kibler of Tonawanda. "Just call me Pearl" is just another one of Pearl's special abilities to make strangers lifetime friends. Pearl has been contributing to this region for many years. Always with her husband Harvey at her side, they can be found working every hour of the day, physical labor and heartwarming good will for others on a year-round basis.

Running the Tonawanda-Kenmore Multiple Sclerosis Club for 38 years and counting, Pearl has as much energy today as she did when she started. Pearl is a true fund-raiser going back many years. She started with recycled newspapers and her favorite Claxton fruitcakes from Claxton, GA. Claiming having sold near 11.5 tons in a Buffalo Evening News article in 1971. Today she labors over truck loads of donated estates, packing in everything from furnishings to the collectable costume jewelry of yester-year. Loading her three barns, located on Ellicott Creek Road in the town of Tonawanda, for her good weather HUGE GARAGE SALE days. All the funds she receives, she gives back to her heartfelt mission, "It's a social therapy club built on love, so that they (victims of MS) can get out and socialize. It keeps everyone's outlook bright." Pearl talking about the Tonawanda-Kenmore Multiple Sclerosis Club. "A social club with others afflicted with MS, so that they can have a day of encouragement and a good old fashion meal." Which by the way is another of Pearl's labors of love. She will serve full coarse meals, coffees and teas, snacks, and provide raffles of merchandise, 50/50 raffles, and speakers at her meetings open to family members as well.

Pearl became involved in this mission like many of us that don't have the disease, but have had a loved one afflicted. "God has been good to me, I have had cancer twice, and other illness, and I am still capable." She has had two cousins and a niece who had this disease that attacks the central nervous system. "My cousin was diagnosed with MS at the age of 24 and lived to be 88 years old," she said. "I've also had neighbors on both sides of me with this dreadful disease."

Even though Pearl has her own idea as to the cause of the disease, strongly suggesting it is caused by a virus, she has spent many years bringing treasures to the families and victims of MS in this region. Western New York has a high count of Multiple Sclerosis and many of us know someone with this disease. WNYWOMEN.COM is dedicated to raising funds for research in a cure.

Pearl is one voice in our community, one more person to be treasured in our community for her relentless efforts to make a difference in the lives of others. Once having a membership level of 150 members, the club now has 70 members. Pearl wants everyone to know that she is looking for new members, which means.... Pearl intends to keep on going with her heartfelt mission to help others and you can still buy her Claxton fruitcakes, which one must admit.....sure are good!

We solute you Pearl for setting an example of womanhood in our community, making a positive difference in the lives of others.

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