By Jeannine Alsous
Marketing Specialist
This summer has been unpredictable in terms of weather. However, on Aug. 13, the weather could not have been any more perfect. It was a fun-filled, successful day, too, as the Precious Plate and Precision Process annual company family picnic raised funds for WNY Heroes.
The picnic is geared to bring the families from both Niagara Falls companies together to raise money for a favorite and honorable charity of choice.
Founded in 2007 by U.S. Army veteran Chris M. Krieger and community activist Dionne Kane, WNY Heroes is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving the needs of Western New York's veterans and their families. The mission of WNY Heroes is to provide veterans, members of the armed services, and the widows and children of deceased veterans with access to essential services, financial assistance and resources that support their lives and sustain their dignity.
It is the vision of WNY Heroes to create a centralized resource to meet the needs of veterans and their families through collaborations with partnering community organizations. Companion organizations will provide direct support or serve as bridge organization for physical and mental health, as well as financial, legal and workforce development opportunities.
Eric Hutcheson accepted a check of $4,000 at the picnic from Precious Plate and Precision Process Human Resources Director John McKinney, and President Scott Law.
Krieger was unable to attend, but said, "The amazing outpour of support in the community is simply amazing. Precious Plate has been a big sponsor, donor of WNYHeroes since 2008. Without their support and the support of so many in WNY, we would not be able to assist the amount of veterans we do every year. Visit
www.wnyheroes.org to make a donation or to learn more about WNY's local heroes."
The picnic included food catered from the Gratwick Fire Co.; dessert from the Village Bake Shoppe in Lewiston; caricature stylings by Sal Anello, owner of Canvas Crashers in Niagara Falls; a bounce house, rockwall, inflatable maze, face-painting, an employee-run cornhole tournament and a dunk tank; and an extensive basket auction with more than 90 baskets and certificates.
The company also raffled off large prizes, such as Buffalo Bills home-opener tickets, a signed Jim Kelly jersey, a 55-inch flat-screen television and two mountain bikes.