Williamsville, N.Y. (WBEN) - Local entrepreneur Russell Salvatore donated seven vehicles to organizations benefiting disabled veterans at The Heroes & Patriots Park on Wednesday, outside Salvatore's Steaks, Chops, and More on Transit Road.
The donations from the event will replace the vehicles Salvatore donated eight years ago to these same organizations, and include four Ford Explorers and three Ford Transits.
The donated vehicles were presented to the VA Western New York Healthcare System and the WNY Disabled American Veterans.
"It's probably one of the happiest days of my life, and to give those vans, it wasn't planned that way. It's just that I had a couple of dollars left over, and I couldn't think of any better to give it," said Salvatore.
With being a Buffalo native and a veteran who served in the United States Army from 1954-to-1956, Salvatore has always expressed his care for veterans through donations and charitable acts for over eight years now. Salvatore's donations to these organizations for the year has already surpassed $450,000.
In 2017, Salvatore was first approached to raise funds for veteran transportation, and since then has continued to give back as a way of saying "thanks" to all veterans.
One of the two organizations Salvatore donated to was the VA Western New York Healthcare System. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Assistant Director, Danielle L. Bergman accepted the donations on behalf of the VA Healthcare Association.
"[The vans] will greatly enhance our ability to provide exceptional care and support to our veterans," said Bergman on Wednesday.
DAV executive director Michael Martin also touched on the improvement of care and service Salvatore's donation will bring to veterans.
"Mr. Salvatore’s contributions over the years have made a profound difference in the lives of countless veterans, helping them access reliable transportation to and from their VA appointments. His commitment to our mission ensures that those who have served our country receive the care and dignity they deserve," said Martin.
With the help of Salvatore's donations, both organizations look to improve and increase the care veterans of Western New York. With access to more vehicles, the DAV is seeking more volunteer drivers to aid in said care.
With the seven new vans and more volunteers, both the VA Western New York Healthcare System and the WNY Disabled American Veterans are bettering the care of all veterans.