Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas to host annual holiday party

Will honor WWII veteran Bill Gosch

Press Release

The Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas invites the community to its annual holiday party at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, inside the Elks Lodge, 55 Main St, Tonawanda. This festive gathering will celebrate the season and honor North Tonawanda’s own World War II hometown hero, William “Bill” Gosch, who turns 101 in December.

Newly elected Chamber President Maggie Higgins stated, “This holiday party is truly a time for us to come together in the spirit of unity and appreciation. Honoring Bill is a meaningful way to remind us all of the values he represents – service, courage and commitment to the community.”

A graduate of North Tonawanda High School’s Class of 1942, Bill answered the call to serve during World War II, enlisting in the Marine Corps shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served in the Pacific Theater, where he participated in four combat missions.

Bill’s dedication to civic leadership is equally remarkable. At the age of 97, he was appointed as an interim member of the North Tonawanda City Council, continuing his lifetime of public service. Bill also played an integral role in community celebrations, including Dyngus Day, Canal Fest, and the annual 4th of July Bike Parade.

"We are grateful to have Bill not only as our guest of honor, but as a treasured member of our community," said Joe Marranca, chair of the holiday party committee. “With his birthday in the same week, it felt like the perfect opportunity to show our appreciation for his service and to celebrate this incredible milestone.”

Guests can enjoy delicious food, a complimentary drink, a cash bar, and the opportunity to get a photo taken with jolly old St. Nick, making this a celebration not to miss. Tickets to the event are $25 for chamber members, and $35 for non-members.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to support the “Rockin' with Santa Toy Drive” for a chance to win a special gift sponsored by District 37 Kitchen & Taphouse.

Additionally, a large community birthday card for Bill, donated by the NT Neighborhood Watch, is available for signing at the Chamber of Commerce office, at 254 Sweeney St., giving everyone a chance to personally share their well wishes.

Executive Director Jeff Ross expressed, “The holiday season is fast-approaching and, like all Chamber events, the holiday party is a fantastic time for us to come together as a community and celebrate.”

Tickets for the event are available to purchase using this link. For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce office at 716-692-5120 or email [email protected].