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Draft:Jordan James Moll-Vigrass

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Jordan James Moll Vigrass (born August 12, 1995), better known professionally as Jordan James, is an American television host,[1] producer, community advocate,[2] and founder of the social impact initiative Blood is Blood.[3] He is the creator and host of Good Deeds Buffalo[4] (a television program highlighting individuals and organizations making a positive impact across Western New York), and its successor, Good Deeds America.[5]

Early life and advocacy

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James is from the Buffalo, New York region and grew up in North Tonawanda.[1]

In 2015, after being deferred from donating blood under then-existing U.S. Food and Drug Administration policies affecting men who have sex with men, he founded Blood is Blood,[2] an advocacy campaign promoting equitable blood donation policies and encouraging blood donation within the LGBTQ+ community.[6][7]

Through Blood is Blood, James organized blood drives and awareness campaigns[8] throughout Western New York and worked with community organizations, elected officials,[9] and blood collection agencies to increase donor participation.[8]

Media career

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, James began creating content on TikTok, where he gained a following for posting positive messages and greetings to viewers. According to WGRZ, the popularity of his social media content inspired James to pitch Good Deeds Buffalo, a television program focused on highlighting individuals and organizations making positive contributions throughout Western New York.[10]

James has stated that the death of his mother in March of 2019 influenced the development of the program and its mission of sharing stories about community members and their contributions.[10]

In 2021, James created and launched Good Deeds Buffalo[11] on WBBZ-TV, a weekly television series focused on community service, charitable efforts, and positive stories from Buffalo and Western New York.[12] The program highlighted local "Good Deed Doers" and community change-makers and ran for nearly three seasons.

The show gained regional recognition fairly early and later in March 2022, James appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show,[4] where host Drew Barrymore highlighted his work with Good Deeds Buffalo.[13] The appearance brought national attention to the program[14] and its mission of celebrating community service.

In 2023, James announced the departure of ''Good Deeds Buffalo'' from WBBZ-TV following public criticism of comments made by station owner Phil Arno. James stated that the decision was made because he believed the remarks conflicted with the values and mission of the program. [15]

Following the departure of ''Good Deeds Buffalo'' from WBBZ-TV, James sought a new broadcast partner for the program.[15] After efforts to secure a new television home, he independently launched ''Good Deeds America'' in 2024, a national expansion and rebranding of the original series that extended its focus beyond Western New York.[16]

Public speaking and community involvement

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James[17] has served as a host, emcee, and speaker for nonprofit organizations like Variety Kids, Bark in the Park, community events, and fundraising initiatives. His work has focused on volunteerism, community engagement, blood donation awareness,[18][19] and highlighting positive stories often overlooked by traditional news coverage.[4]

Recognition

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James has been recognized for his contributions to community service,[4] media[12] and advocacy.[8] His work through Good Deeds Buffalo,[11] Good Deeds America,[5] and Blood is Blood[2] has been featured in regional[7] and national media outlets.[8]

References

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  1. ^ a b "North Tonawanda man creates his own talk show". WKBW 7 News Buffalo. 2021-04-14. Retrieved 2026-06-07.
  2. ^ a b c "'Blood is Blood' Effort Pushes to Allow Gay, Bisexual Men to Donate".
  3. ^ "The Red Cross partners with the Gay Alliance for blood drive".
  4. ^ a b c d "Drew Explains How Jordan James Became Host of Good Deeds Buffalo".
  5. ^ a b "Good Deeds America, A national movement started locally".
  6. ^ "Supporters of the "Blood is Blood" organization fight for right to donate blood". News 4 Buffalo. 2015-12-14. Archived from the original on 2020-12-14. Retrieved 2026-06-07.
  7. ^ a b Buffalo, TWC News Staff City of. "Buffalo Man Who Worked at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando is 'Horrified'". spectrumlocalnews.com. Retrieved 2026-06-11.
  8. ^ a b c d "Gay Man Stays Celibate in Order to Donate Blood | Advocate.com". www.advocate.com. Retrieved 2026-06-10.
  9. ^ PSG, ThreeSixty. "Higgins welcomes news FDA 'planning to end discriminatory blood donation policies'". Niagara Frontier Publications. Retrieved 2026-06-10.
  10. ^ a b "Good Deeds Buffalo highlighting good things people of Buffalo". WGRZ. 2021.
  11. ^ a b LaRussa, Kimberly (2021-04-11). "Local man creates 'Good Deeds Buffalo' talk show to lift spirit of others". Sweet Buffalo. Retrieved 2026-06-10.
  12. ^ a b Channel 2, WGRZ. "'Good Deeds Buffalo': Highlighting the good things and good people of Buffalo".{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ "Drew Sets Drew-Gooder Jordan James Up with a Mentor and $15,000". www.thedrewbarrymoreshow.comundefined. 2022-03-21. Retrieved 2026-06-10.
  14. ^ "Local man to appear on "The Drew Barrymore Show"". News 4 Buffalo. 2022-03-21. Archived from the original on 2022-05-12. Retrieved 2026-06-10.
  15. ^ a b Critic, Alan Pergament News TV (2023-04-14). "'Good Deeds' host pulls program from WBBZ-TV over station owner's Facebook post". Buffalo News. Retrieved 2026-06-11.
  16. ^ Daye, Kadie DayeKadie (2023-12-14). "Western New York TV Program Will Be Available Nationwide". 106.5 WYRK. Retrieved 2026-06-11.
  17. ^ "Meet Jordan James - Bold Journey Magazine". boldjourney.com. Archived from the original on 2025-12-08. Retrieved 2026-06-10.
  18. ^ ""Blood is Blood" drive hopes to curb Red Cross blood shortage". News 4 Buffalo. 2016-07-26. Archived from the original on 2022-11-09. Retrieved 2026-06-10.
  19. ^ Buffalo, Kaitlyn Lionti City of. "'Blood is Blood' Effort Pushes to Allow Gay, Bisexual Men to Donate". spectrumlocalnews.com. Retrieved 2026-06-11.
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