PEF members' Day of Golf raises $5,000 for American Heart Association

COLONIE, NY (08/05/2010)(readMedia)-- Members of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) are donating $5,000 today to the American Heart Association (AHA) in the memory of the late PEF Vice President Lou Matrazzo. The check was presented to the AHA during a meeting of PEF's Executive Board this morning at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Colonie.

One hundred thirty-six PEF members and retirees raised the $5,000 when they participated in the union's first Lou Matrazzo Golf Tournament, held June 30 at the Mohawk River Country Club in Rexford. The union members used their vacation time to attend the event.

"This donation represents our commitment to fighting our nation's number one killer – heart disease," said PEF President Kenneth Brynien. "Members from a wide range of state agencies came together in memory of our late vice president Lou Matrazzo, creating a real sense of community and a shared goal of making a difference," Brynien said.

"We are honored to accept this donation from the members of PEF. These funds will help us carry out our mission to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke," said Ashley Edwards, regional executive director of the American Heart Association.

At the golf tournament, PEF member Patty Mason who works at the State Insurance Fund, won the 50/50 drawing and donated the $250 prize to the AHA.

Lou Matrazzo was a beloved leader of PEF and a fixture at the union over the last decade as a steward, Executive Board member, Albany-area regional coordinator, vice president and chair of the PEF Contract Committee. Lou suffered from heart disease and died suddenly in March 2009.

PEF is the state's second-largest state-employee union, representing 58,000 professional, scientific and technical employees.