An unprecedented level of Hall of Fame talent will gather in Western New York this weekend.

The Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation's annual alumni weekend will host 16 players from the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of "Legends of the Gridiron." The three-day event features a VIP Gala at the Seneca Niagara Casino on Saturday, a tailgate party before the Bills' home opener against Miami on Sunday and the alumni foundation's annual Celebrity Charity Golf Classic next Monday at Hickory Stick Golf Club in Lewiston.

"I think the only gathering that could rival this one is the one at Canton," said event coordinator Charlie Ferguson, who also serves as treasurer for the Bills Alumni Foundation.

The alumni weekend is traditionally the foundation's marquee fundraiser. In the past 20 years, the group has raised more than $1 million for numerous local charities.

This year, the major beneficiary will be Buffalo Prep, a charitable organization whose mission is to prepare motivated, economically disadvantaged minority students for success in high school and college. Buffalo Prep's goal is to provide students with the resources necessary to become lifelong learners.

"Education is something all of our kids need, so this is something that is near to our hearts," said alumni foundation President Booker Edgerson.

Hall of Famers scheduled to attend include former Bills Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Billy Shaw and Joe DeLamielleure.

The rest of the list includes guard Larry Little (San Diego Chargers/Miami Dolphins), safety Ken Houston (Houston Oilers/Washington Redskins), cornerback Roger Wehrli (St. Louis Cardinals), defensive end Elvin Bethea (Houston Oilers), safety Paul Krause (Minnesota Vikings), linebacker Ted Hendricks (Baltimore Colts/Green Bay Packers and Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders), cornerback Lem Barney (Detroit Lions), defensive end Jack Youngblood (Los Angeles Rams), cornerback Mel Renfro (Dallas Cowboys), running back Leroy Kelly (Cleveland Browns) and running back Jim Taylor (Green Bay Packers/New Orleans Saints).

"All the guys are excited about coming," said DeLamielleure, before joking, "Little's the only Dolphin coming in, so I told him we've got some fans in the front row who will have some tomatoes for him."

DeLamielleure, who will travel from his home in Charlotte for the event, was instrumental in setting up the weekend, both because of his relationship with fellow Hall of Famers and the work he does with the Seneca Niagara Casino.

DeLamielleure said he's looking forward to giving his guests a taste of the gameday experience of a Bills fan.

"These guys will see for the first time real tailgating," he said. "I'm looking forward to introducing them to Buffalo fans."

Of course, some Bills fans may choose to forget the players coming into town. The 12 Hall of Famers who didn't play for the Bills delighted in playing against them. They compiled a record of 59-9-2 against Buffalo. Little alone went 24-2, including the 20-0 streak the Dolphins owned over the Bills in the 1970s.

"I told Joe I expect some boos when I get introduced, but I'll be ready for it," Little said.

Prior to the game Sunday, the 16 Hall of Famers will participate in a tailgate party behind the fieldhouse.

Ferguson said Bills owner Ralph Wilson, himself a Hall of Famer, is expected to attend.

"The Bills have been great in supporting this, and I think Mr. Wilson is excited to see some of the guys," Ferguson said.

Before kickoff, the group will be introduced to the crowd at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Ferguson said because of the economic downturn, sponsorship support for the foundation has become increasingly difficult to obtain. That's why the organization has pulled out all the stops for this weekend.

For ticket information on all of the events, including the golf tournament, contact JRC Promotions at 694-7867. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available.

jskurski@buffnews.comnull