Step into a world where everyday heroes are wearing colorful capes and masks, where smiles are the currency of change, and where the spirit of giving knows no bounds. Meet Mark Mendola, the visionary behind WNY Superheroes and Cosplayers (WNYSAC), whose extraordinary journey from inspiration to action has touched countless lives across Western NY. From hospital wards to charity galas, Mendola and his band of merry cosplayers bring joy, hope, and a dash of whimsy wherever they go. The power of imagination meets the love of compassion, all in the name of making the world a brighter place, one heroic costume at a time.
Mark Mendola's journey with WNY Superheroes and Cosplayers (WNYSAC) began in 1984, inspired by his sister's joy when her favorite player, Gilbert Perreault, visited her in the hospital during her battle with cancer. Despite her passing the following year, Mark cherished that memory, and in retirement, he founded WNYSAC to bring joy to children in hospitals and to support various causes through cosplay and fundraising events across Western NY.
WNY Superheroes and Cosplayers, an all-volunteer non-profit, brightens the lives of individuals facing challenges, from children battling cancer to families rebuilding after tragedies. They refuse payment for visits, instead encouraging donations to charities. WNYSAC supports numerous local charities, including the Variety Club, Fantastic Friends, Snuggled and Loved, and the WNY Perinatal Bereavement Support Network, and has a vast list of regular organizations they support each year.
Thirty-five members strong, with some 70 different costumes between them, designed and/or approved through their costume committee (these aren’t your average Halloween costumes!), WNYSAC is an inclusive organization, and Mendola says members come together to put smiles on people’s faces. Members spread joy as they welcome people at event doors, help serve food or sell raffle tickets, or simply pose for photographs with kids, young and old. He laughs that adults seem to enjoy photo opps in his Mario Kart even more than the kids do. 😊
“Everyone lights up when they see Captain America,” Mendola laughs. “The smiles are worth it all. When I do an event, I feel thirty years younger. It’s an amazing feeling knowing you’re helping somebody. I’m in it for the pleasure and the joy it brings to that sick kid’s face like my sister got.”
Mendola insists everyone can make a difference in their community, no matter how big or small the effort. He says one of their members even dresses up in character to pick up trash around Niagara Falls (though he notes she is sure to wash the costume before other events). Mendola says, “You help someone and they’ll help other people. And through them, you’ll make connections with other people to help. The reward you feel when you help another is just wonderful.”
Meet Mark Mendola, President of WNYSAC
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Invulnerability because I have so many aches and pains at my age. To be able to walk into a situation and resolve anything like Superman, take care of everything, that would be great.
Who is your favorite superhero, and how does their character inspire you personally? Batman because he has no powers but uses his wits and intelligence to affect change. My favorite superhero is Captain Marvel (known today as Shazam).
What characters do you play? What’s your favorite to play? Mario, The Shadow (1930s radio anti-hero), The Skipper (Gilligan's Island), The Red Skull, Cobra Commander, Nurse Joker (Heath Ledger), Santa Claus, Bebop (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Gandalf the White (Lord of the Rings), Man-Thing, Mr. Freeze, The Penguin (Burgess Meridith version), Super Mario, Pikachu, Captain Obi (from the anime Fire Force), a Dragonborn mage (Dungeons and Dragons), the Dread Pirate Roberts (The Princess Bride) and King Richard the Lionheart. My favorite is both The Penguin and Super Mario.
What's the most challenging part of dressing up as a superhero for events? The weather. I can’t wear the Penguin’s full tuxedo in the heat of the summer. Even Mario gets very warm with the long red sleeves. You learn tricks to make it work, like wicking undershirts. One time, we were in the back of a trailer in a parade in the snow and we were freezing, but the show must go on. The most challenging part is movement restrictions of costumes, the expense (I'm on my third tux for Penguin), and rude people in the public.
What's the most heartwarming reaction you've received from a child during one of your appearances? The first time I cosplayed was as the Shadow, nobody knew who I was, then a young girl with downs syndrome ran up to me and gave me a big hug and said "I love you". My heart melted and I knew I had to do this.
Meet Anthony Provolone, Vice President of WNYSAC
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? The power to heal someone of whatever infliction they may have.
Who is your favorite superhero, and how does their character inspire you personally, not necessarily in cosplay? Spider-Man was always a favorite. He was always a light-hearted character that could joke in serious situations.
What characters do you play? What’s your favorite to play? I play several characters, such as Robin GO!, Rocksteady, Deathstroke, Luigi, and The Mad Hatter. I love all the characters I play, but The Mad Hatter is a fun and whimsical character that seems to appeal to all ages. Luigi is extremely well received and seems to be a favorite no matter what event I’m at.
What inspires you to participate with WNY Superheroes and Cosplayers? I really enjoy putting smiles on people's faces. Life is difficult and to have people forget their troubles, even for as little as a few minutes, it is completely worth it.
What is the most challenging part of dressing up as a superhero for events? Most of the time there isn't an area to dress up. I usually bring a changing tent so I can change outside in the parking lot. It is extremely difficult at times because you don't want kids seeing you without your mask or helmet on because it breaks the illusion of what they perceive as real.
What’s the most heartwarming reaction you’ve received from a child during an appearance? Usually it's when a small child says something extremely sweet or wants to hug your legs. It's such a kind gesture that sometimes makes you break character because you truly feel how sincere they are.
Meet Roselyn Kasemire
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Teleportation. It would make traveling so much easier, and I could explore the world in an instant.
What characters do you play? The Cosplay superhero of my choice is Supergirl. She's a fantastic role model for young girls for several reasons: She's incredibly powerful, which empowers young girls to see themselves as capable of anything; she's compassionate and stands up for justice, teaching important values like kindness and fairness; her journey often involves overcoming obstacles and embracing her uniqueness, which can resonate deeply with young girls navigating their own identities and challenges.
What inspires you to participate with WNY Superheroes and Cosplayers? The opportunity to bring joy and positivity to others, especially children. Seeing their faces light up when they see their favorite superheroes come to life is incredibly rewarding. Making them smile and helping them forget any challenges they might be facing, even just for a moment, is truly special.
What is the most challenging part of dressing up as a superhero for events? Probably the physical discomfort that comes with wearing elaborate costumes for extended periods. From dealing with heat and restricted movement to ensuring everything stays in place, it takes dedication to maintain the illusion of being a superhero while also staying comfortable and safe during events. But the joy seeing the impact we have on people's lives makes it all worth it.
What’s the most heartwarming reaction you’ve received from a child during an appearance? I don't have a special moment that comes to mind. I feel every moment is special and unique in every event we attend. The children touch my heart and that is why I love dressing up for cosplay for a cause.
