William Lia Jr. Named 2015 Man of the Year

LATHAM – Earlier this year, William Lia Jr., co-president of Lia Auto Group and VENT Fitness, embarked on a 10 week mission to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. He was one of nine candidates to compete in the LLS 2015 Man & Woman of the Year. On Friday, May 8, 2015 at the grand finale celebration held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy, Bill was named Man of the Year for personally raising a record $133,000 for the organization.

“I am forever grateful for the generosity and support during this campaign. I thank every individual and business who contributed to the cause to help bring an end to blood cancers. I also thank my family and planning committee who dedicated countless hours to help me accomplish my goal; together we exceeded our own expectations,” said William Lia, Jr.

The money was raised through coordinated events that included a dodgeball tournament, Zumba-thon, 3-on-3 basketball tournament at VENT Fitness, Final Four celebration, Derby Day sponsorship at Saratoga National, fashion show and more. Major sponsors of Team Lia included SEFCU, BBL, M&T Bank, Peter Luizzi & Bros. Contracting Inc., MarEle Boutique, Mazzone Hospitality, Hannoush Jewelers, M3 Technology and Integrated Liner Technologies.

BurgerFi International LLC, based in Delray Beach, FL was the presenting sponsor for the event.

Bill, along with his brothers, Michael and Vincent, and partner Angelo Mazzone of Mazzone Hospitality are opening two franchised BurgerFi eateries this summer under Burger Ventures, LLC.

Corey Winograd, CEO of Burgerfi International LLC, stated “part of what excites us about BurgerFi is our ability to reach out and help communities and organizations that work so hard to do the right things for less-fortunate, others. Our participation with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is our attempt to say thank you for all that they do.”  

In March this year, the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce awarded Bill the Arthur R. Kapner Spirit of the Chamber Award.