Published: October 22, 2007 01:20 pm            

PEOPLE PROFILE: Chamber of Commerce's citizen of the year is selected

Even though she’s being honored as Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas, Donna Burgio has a tough time talking about herself.

Burgio would instead prefer to chat about the various organizations she helps around the city, including the Young Women’s Christian Association of the Tonawandas and Project Pride.

Burgio has been involved with North Tonawanda’s Project Pride beautification program since 1998. She sits on the board for the program, which aims to clean up North Tonawanda.

“We work together with the city,” Burgio said. “But it’s our job to seek more volunteers.”

Burgio is also the chairwoman of fundraising for the YWCA, where she has been on the organization’s board for five years. The YWCA is seeking more volunteers, she said.

“We can use a lot more help,” she said.

Burgio is also in charge of donations for the annual Winter Walk for the Downtown Merchant’s Association of North Tonawanda.

Despite all her work in the community, Burgio was surprised to earn the distinction.

“I was so shocked,” she said. “I didn’t even know I was nominated.”

Burgio’s husband, former North Tonawanda Mayor David Burgio who is currently serving as president of the chamber, though he abstained from voting for citizen of the year and left the room during the vote, Donna Burgio said.

Donna helps her husband with lots of projects, but also does a great deal of work independently, she said.

Burgio’s honor is well-deserved, considering all the work she does in the Tonawandas, chamber Executive Director Joyce Santiago said.

“Her selflessness has led to the betterment of the organizations that she donates her time to,” Santiago said.

Burgio wants more people to rediscover North Tonawanda’s improving downtown area, she said.

“I like doing things in the city to make it better,” Burgio said. “All the work is rewarding.”

Contact reporter Phil Dzikiy at 693-1000, ext. 114.

        

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