Allstate Agent Heroes help raise $436K for Make-a-Wish Foundation

Allstate agency owners David Bielski of Tonawanda, Lawrence Decker of Cheektowaga and Joel Holka of Lewiston were recently named Agent Heroes by Allstate Insurance Company's New York Region, and awarded $500 grants each for a local youth program.

The three agents donated their grants to the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Western New York, which makes wishes come true for children suffering from life threatening illness. The grants were part of their larger campaign on behalf of Make-a-Wish, as part of the Allstate Agents of WNY Charity Fund group, which runs an annual charity golf tournament benefiting Make-a-Wish. This year's tournament, the 18th to date, netted $50,000. This was enough to sponsor 10 wishes, according to the Allstate Agents of WNY Charity Fund committee, which also includes Joe "JR" Parlato of Amherst; Tony Gocella and Rocky Gocella of Cheektowaga, Wayne LeVan of East Amherst and Tom Finn of Kenmore. The group has cumulatively raised a total of $436,000 over the last 13 years, as revealed live by Holka on the 97 Rock (96.9 FM) Make-a-Wish RadioThon.

"As Allstate agents we believe it is our responsibility to demonstrate the Good Hands Promise in the community every single day," said Bielski, "It is an honor for us to be able to donate these grants to Make-a-Wish, and touch the lives of the kids who are involved."

In the photo (left to right), front row: 97 Rock DJ Larry Norton, Make-a-Wish recipient Greg; back row: Allstate agent Bielski, Make-a-Wish of WNY Executive Director Tracy Gray, Make-a-Wish board Chairman Ryan Erwin, Gocella and Holka.