Renewal by Andersen of Western New York Wins 2020 Diamond Award for Community Leadership

Most anyone will tell you how important culture is to Renewal by Andersen employees. After all, the strength of Renewal by Andersen is its people: from the top to the bottom, they have a passion for the business, care deeply for the company and their fellow employees, and are empowered to make a difference — not just at work, but in their communities, as well.

And it isn’t just a single cause or a one-time donation here or there — Renewal by Andersen locations are truly adopting and investing in their communities, all year long, all across the country, and it is something the organization is very proud of.

Every year, at the Renewal by Andersen Retailer Summit Diamond Awards, the company names one location or group from the entire retail network across the country that embodies the spirit of making a difference. This year’s award went to Renewal by Andersen of Western New York, led by owner and General Manager Patricia Salamone.

In 2020, Patty Salamone, along with WNY's Operations Manager Christine Salamone made it their mission for the Western New York team to give back to their community.

“When you’re in the position to give back, you just do because it’s the right thing to do,” says Christine.

Their efforts last year were wide ranging, including raising $20,000 for the American Cancer Society; making donations to the Education Success Foundation, which helps local children be equipped with the skills to be successful in school, work and life; and contributing windows to Story of Hope Comfort Care, which is a local hospice center.

“I truly believe it’s the small things that make the difference. These are the things that are truly moving mountains today,” says Christine.

There was one moment, however, that sticks with the entire team: when they heard about Denny Wright, a local police officer. Wright was attacked while on duty and lost his sight in both eyes.

“Being totally blind is a life-altering occurrence,” says Wright.

The one thing that gave Wright comfort during his recovery, Christine says, was sunlight, so her team replaced all of the windows and doors in his home.

“We were very grateful. We weren’t expecting all of that,” Wright says. “Certainly, I can tell the difference. It got real quiet in here after the new windows got put in.”

Congratulations to this year's Difference Makers, Western NY, and thank you to all of the Renewal by Andersen locations across the network for continuing to give back to their communities.

Watch the video below to learn more about Western NY's work in 2020.