The General Pulaski Association Inc. recently honored 18 “Unsung Heroes” in the Polish-American community.

All funds raised from the dinner went toward the Pulaski Day Parade, which costs thousands of dollars per year. The Pulaski Parade Banquet took place earlier this month at the Creekside Banquet Facility in Cheektowaga.

The honorees included the Rev. Richard Augustyn, diocesan director of hospital ministry; Robert Narkiewicz, supporter of the disabled; Betty Jane Urbanski, parishioner of the former St. Barnabas Church; Dorothy Wrazin Poole, parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Church; James Makowski, former Buffalo Streets Commissioner (posthumous); David P. Lipinoga, president of the Angry Patriots and Pinheads; William Skretny Sr., active member of Pulaski Association (posthumous); Lisa Florczak, Huminski's Angels Inc.; Gerald Bielawski, Cheektowaga Patriotic Commission (posthumous); and Jackie Schmid, executive assistant to U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins (posthumous).

Also honored were Philip Smolinski, former commissioner of the Erie County Board of Elections; Dr. Kenneth D. Anthone, chairman of the Eyes On America Foundation; Theresa Gonciarz and Noreen Lewandowski, parishioners of St. Stanislaus Church; John Mills, minority leader of the Erie County Legislature representing District 11, which includes Orchard Park; Karen Karalus Karamanoukian, advocate for veterans and executive vice president of the Vein Treatment Centers; Norbert C. Czosek, the Knights of Columbus; and Donna Zellner Neal, director of the North Tonawanda History Museum.

"Thank you to the General Pulaski Association for the honor of being named an Unsung Hero. It is a privilege to be included among this year's other honorees who give so much back to the community day in and out. I am lucky to have the opportunity to serve the people of Erie County," said Minority Leader Mills.