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• Thursday, July 18, 2024

  Erie County’s Balbierz Honored for Publicity-Generating Outreach

  

  Ted Balbierz addresses the convention after receiving the Department Public Relations Award.

  NIAGARA FALLS — Legionnaire Ted Balbierz of Milton J. Brounshidle Post 205 in Kenmore is known for his outreach efforts to the community, which have generated a stream of positive publicity for The American Legion.

  That’s why he is receiving the Department of New York Award for Public Relations Excellence, Media and Communications Chair Robert Stronach announced on the second day of the 106th Annual Department Convention.

  “It started when he was commander of Brounshidle Post 205 and continued during the 2023-2024 year as Erie County commander,” Stronach said.

  One of the standout projects as Post commander was providing 100 boxes of groceries for a new food pantry that was helping families with children during the pandemic. He also made sure articles were published in the local newspaper as he reinvigorated his Post.

  Among the efforts as Erie County commander, Balbierz:

  — raised $6,000 for a local telethon that primarily supports a Children’s Hospital.

  — reached out to disenfranchised Posts and reenergized their involvement in the County and created a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion position.

  — worked with a local Homeless Veterans Housing Group, with the Department of New York awarding a $15,000 grant for new bedding.