Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro recently honored Andrew’s Army for their involvement in the community by supporting ConnectLife for over 10 years.

Andrew’s Army was created after Alden resident Andrew Gramza died and his heart valves were donated to ConnectLife in 2010. The non-profit raises money for ConnectLife to promote awareness of organ and tissue donation and transportation. The original goal of Andrew’s Army was to donate $100,000 to save lives in Andrew’s memory and to date the organization has donated over $150,000.

Andrew’s Army has also established a scholarship at Alden High School where three $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually.

Lori and Dale Gramza said, “We would like to thank our family, friends and the Alden community for their continued support over the last 10 plus years. The memory of Andrew lives on in the work we are able to do because of our neighbors in the Western New York community and for that we will forever be grateful.”

Legislator Todaro said, “Andrew’s Army has done so much for the local community and beyond in memory of Andrew Gramza who was taken from this world way too soon. Andrew’s Army has also collected enough blood to serve over 10,100 patients in local hospitals, far surpassing their goal. Thank you to everyone at the organization who works tirelessly for the betterment of everyone in the community and for supporting ConnectLife for a full decade.”

To learn more about Andrew’s Army click here.