Russell Salvatore gifts diocese with new delivery van

Russell J. Salvatore, who has made a name for himself in both fine dining and philanthropy, has gifted the Diocese of Buffalo with a new delivery van. The Ram Promaster 2500 High Roof will provide great assistance to the diocesan Purchasing Department to offer greater efficiency and timeliness when making deliveries.

“We’re very grateful to Mr. Salvatore for his generosity for the diocese and to the people of the diocese,” said Bishop Michael J. Fisher, shortly before receiving the keys from Russell Salvatore himself. “This van will be a wonderful resource and help to us, and allows us to provide services to all our different parishes. On our Road to Renewal, we’re trying to consolidate our resources and do things more efficiently and effectively. So, this van will certainly help us to deliver candles and Communion bread to all our parishes, and anything else they need.”

Nancy Gugino, director of the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, approached Salvatore asking for a new delivery van to be used primarily by the diocesan Purchasing Division to deliver parish and liturgical supplies to the 161 parishes and 13 high schools of the diocese.

“I said, Nancy, how many vans do you need? She said one. It was the easiest thing I ever did to say yes. One van? That’s not a hard job to do,” Salvatore said. “I hate to say no, and if I can do it, I’ll say yes to any possible charity thing I can do for the city of Buffalo.”

Luckily, the rain cleared out before the reception began outside of the Catholic Center on Main Street in downtown Buffalo on Aug. 8. Inside the Catholic Center, a short video tribute highlighted the donations Salvatore has made to build ball parks, support hospitals, and enhance education.

“There is no question that there is no one else in Western New York who has given back so much to charity than Russell,” said Gugino. “From the bottom of our hearts, we collectively say thank you for this gift and for all the gifts in Western New York that we may all benefit from someday. You are leaving a legacy that will live on forever in our great city – a city we know that you love as exemplified by all of your philanthropy.”

Salvatore  himself, seemed impressed by the attention. “I am so proud to be Catholic and I am so lucky the Lord made me the individual I am,” he said. “Thank you. Thank you for your respect.”