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Pictured, from left: Steve Fry of the Niagara-Orleans BOCES welding school, is joined by Mary Beth and Paul Kupiec.
Pictured, from left: Steve Fry of the Niagara-Orleans BOCES welding school, is joined by Mary Beth and Paul Kupiec.

Unyts, DeGraff to host 2nd annual 'Brandon Kupiec Memorial' community blood drive and raffle

by jmaloni

Submitted

Mon, Jul 28th 2014 10:05 pm

After their son's sudden passing at the age of 20 in 2013, Paul and Mary Beth Kupiec were compelled to keep Brandon's legacy going in a way they knew would reflect his caring and giving life. He was avid blood donor from the age of 16. Now, those in the community can mirror Brandon's action and give at a Unyts blood drive named in his memory.

The second annual 'Brandon Kupiec Memorial' blood drive and basket raffle will be held Thursday, Aug. 7, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. at DeGraff Memorial Hospital, 445 Tremont St., North Tonawanda.

Last year, 105 good units of blood were collected with the addition of 47 first-time donors.

In addition to the many lives saved through blood donations, the Kupiec family has established a scholarship to be awarded to an Orleans/Niagara BOCES welding school student who has set himself apart by his ability, effort and attitude - much like Brandon. This scholarship was created to carry out one of Brandon's passions, which was helping young adults who took an interest in welding trades.

All proceeds from the event basket raffle will support this scholarship.

The need for blood in Western New York is a critical reality. All collected blood stays in Western New York, helping local friends and families.

Each donor who presents will receive a hot dog lunch, two flex pass vouchers for a Buffalo Bisons baseball game, and Anderson's ice cream. For an appointment or more information, call 716-690-2088. Drop-ins are welcome.

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