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Don Pupke will complete his 700-plus mile journey this week as he raises money to renovate Post 44 in Malverne.

As Don Pupke puts it, if it weren’t for American Legion Post 44 in Malverne, N.Y., he might not be here today.

It was at the post hall in 1947 where Pupke’s parents met at a school dance. Nearly 80 years later, Pupke is doing what he can to raise funds to renovate the post.

Pupke will complete a fundraising walk across New York state this Friday, having walked some 750-plus miles in just over a month.

“I’ve always wanted to walk across New York state, just as a tribute to the soldiers and people who, in the old days … (you had to walk to get where you want),” Pupke said. “(I decided) I’d love to do this just as a way to show my love for the state and make it a fundraiser for the Legion.”

Beyond his parents’ fortuitous meeting at the post, Pupke said the Legion and Post 44 have been a big part of his family. They helped his grandparents after his uncle was killed in World War II, then welcomed his father into the Legion after he served in Korea when other veterans service organizations would not admit him because of eligibility.

“The Legion’s always been part of our lives. It’s been an important part of our village (of Malverne),” he said.

As Pupke noted, the post has served as Malverne’s only meeting hall for years. “It’s been the site of countless birthday parties, dances, elections, shows and public meetings,” Pupke wrote on the website he created for the fundraiser, .

While serving as a poll worker at the post during the 2024 presidential election, Pupke noted the building’s poor lighting. He and Legionnaire Dan Kerning approached post leadership to ask what they could do to help with renovating the nearly century-old building, which needed new lighting, kitchen upgrades and more.

That’s where the idea to raise money through donations via the statewide walk came from. Pupke began walking the Empire State Trail in Buffalo on July 3. He plans to finish on Long Island on Aug. 7.

Pupke’s goal is to raise $25,000 for the post, with all the proceeds he raises going to Post 44’s general fund. Those interested in donating can access his GiveSendGo page via empirestatewalk.org.

“We’re all part of the Legion, and we’re trying to make something happen,” Pupke said.