AAA Western and Central New York hosted a special food drive with Offensive Tackle Dion Dawkins that had football fans lining up to show their support. The exclusive AAA Member event was held at AAA’s Headquarters at 100 International Drive in Amherst on Wednesday evening, June 10.

As part of AAA's national Fuel Hope, Fight Hunger initiative with Feeding America®, AAA is collecting non-perishable food donations to support local families in need throughout the region. The campaign kicked off with the football star signing autographs in exchange for non-perishable food donations.

“We’re so excited to have our brand ambassador The Shnowman Dion Dawkins joining us at our AAA headquarters,” said Charlie Fashana, Director of Marketing at AAA WCNY. “This is a national initiative to support and combat the hunger problem that we have in the United States. We thought there was no better way than to bring in Dion!”

“Thank you all for being here, for everyone that donated and for everyone that contributed to this great cause,” Dawkins said. “I’m just one man, but together we are an army. Together, we’re Buffalo.”

This marks the second year that AAA has partnered with Feeding America®, the nation’s largest hunger relief organization, including FeedMore WNY, Foodlink in Rochester, and the Food Bank of CNY.

FeedMore WNY was on hand at the event to collect generous donations at a critical time. “We see a decline in food donations each spring and summer season, but the food insecurity doesn’t stop – it actually increases,” explains Cait Evans, Chief Development Officer at FeedMore WNY, who noted that Dawkins’ commitment to the community helps raise awareness of essential needs. “That type of allyship and advocacy in the community promotes the underlying issues of food insecurity. The mission of FeedMore is to alleviate that food insecurity in our community.”

This year, the focus of Dawkins’ foundation, Dion’s Dreamers, is second chances and workforce development, which aligns with FeedMore’s RISE program that is dedicated to workforce training for those who are economically disadvantaged. Students from the program were on hand at the event to help with the drive and collect food donations.

Fans who waited in line enjoyed complimentary “shnow” cones in honor of the Shnowman himself while a DJ spun tunes including the “Shout!” song.  Dawkins, who has partnered with AAA for the past four years, is encouraging fans to join in the Fuel Hope, Fight Hunger campaign this summer. “Come and help, we need your help,” he said. Food and monetary donations will be accepted at any AAA WCNY location through August 31.