×

Brothers of the Road help others through donations

OBSERVER Photo by Diane R. Chodan Brothers of the Road President Mike Murray presents Chris Kreiger, President and Co-Founder of WNYHeroes, Inc. with a check for $1700. Those who attended the presentation are pictured left to right. Front: Joe Mallaber, Road Captain; Murray; Kreiger; Sam Gerace, Secretary; Jay Epolito, Treasurer; and Lou Delmonte. Second row: Jeannie Browning, Kelly Murray, Sam Restivo, past president and oldest member; David Kelly, Michelle Kelly, and Keith Newman, Chaplain. Third row: Don Richards, Life member; Lynn Magistrale, Program Coordinator WNYHeroes; Larry Borkowski, Sharon Borkowski, Kathy and Woody Woodward. Last row: Representative from WNYHeroes Joe Mather, Brian Sugden, Todd and Marlene Orr, and Ken Youngberg.

By DIANE R. CHODAN

OBSERVER Correspondent

SHERIDAN–Brothers of the Road, a motorcycle riding and social club, now has a new home at the former Marine Corps Club on the corner of Route 5 and Center Road. But its new home has not eclipsed one of its original missions, giving back to the community through fundraisers.

Founded by Charles Farley and Dionne Kane 14 years ago, the organization consists mostly of ex-military and first responders from Chautauqua County to the Buffalo area. It conducts one to three fundraisers a year to help local people in need. In the past, monies have assisted flood victims, victims of crimes and Western New York anti-domestic violence programs.

This year the group chose WNYHeroes, Inc. as its charity of choice. Mike Murray, current president of Brothers of the Road, recently presented a check for $1,700 to Chris Kreiger, president/co-founder of WNYHeroes which assists disabled and needy war veterans and service members, their dependents, and the widows and children of deceased veterans.

Kreiger, a veteran who served during the war in Iraq said, “One hundred percent of the money (donated) goes to veterans in the Western New York area.”

Lynn Magistrale, also a veteran of Iraq, serves as the program coordinator for WNYHeroes. She said, “We would like to get the word out about our programs to people in this area. These include a service dog program; Bridging Hearts which helps when rent, mortgage, or utilities are in arrears; backpack supplies for veterans’ children up to college age; scholarships for veterans, those still serving and dependents; Operation B.O.O.T.S. (Battle buddies on our troops’ side) during which veterans meet once a month in a non-clinical setting for activities such as bowling, and Kids are Heroes Too which will help children of veterans afford activities such as sports or dance.”

Those interested in learning more about what WNYHeroes has to offer can check the organization’s website www.wnyheroes.org. Contact can be made through this website. The organization has an office at 8205 Main Street, Suite #1, Williamsville, NY 14221. Its phone number is 630-5020 and the cellphone number is 598-1258.

Magistrale said, “We are available 24/7 and we intervene as much as possible.” Sometimes this is a referral to another agency; sometimes WNYHeroes itself can fill the need quickly.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today