Last week, we spent a fantastic spring evening at the Cabanas at the Maritime Hotel for the summer kick-off event of the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund.

As we walked up the stairs to check-in, a line of Marines greeted guests and handed out miniature American flags, which we waved enthusiastically. The evening was attended by police officers, firefighters, members of the military, and lots of family and friends willing to support a fantastic cause.

The New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund provide financial assistance and a network of support and special events for the families of New York City Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Port Authority Police and EMS Personnel who have been killed in the line of duty. The cause is clearly an important one, given by the sheer number of attendees at the sold out event.

Mark Sanchez 0f the New York Jets is an honorary chairman and gave a brief speech at the event. As his father was a firefighter, Sanchez grew up with the sense of community found within tight-knit firefigher families, and he showed much appreciate those who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect others.

New York City Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano also took to the microphone to tell guests about his experience, the dedication of his fellow people, and about the importance of the organization that works to take care of the families of those who are killed in duty.

Music was spun by DJ Raffael Deluca while guests continued to enjoy the three-hour open bar, passed hor d’oeuvres, and a gift bags from sponsors such as Double Cross Vodka, Physique 57, ZICO Water, Stella Artois, Robert Graham, JOE Fresh, Home Polish, and more.

Even after the event officially ended, guests still did not feel like returning home. While we were mustering energy for our second wind, Valducci’s Pizza was waiting outside, where guests received a ticket to redeem for a slice of deliciously hot pizza fresh out of the oven.

We can’t thank our service men and women enough. Give thanks and “Answer the Call” to help those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect us. For more information, please visit: www.answerthecall.org.

Thank you, heroes!

Yours,
Von

About the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund

The Benefit Fund’s mission is to provide financial assistance and a network of support and special events for the families of New York City Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Port Authority Police and EMS Personnel who have been killed in the line of duty.  The Benefit Fund gives financial assistance to grieving families immediately after they lose their loved one.  Our goal is to raise enough funds to provide meaningful annual distributions to our beneficiaries for the remainder of their lives.

“The Benefit Fund was founded in 1985 by Daniel J. “Rusty” Staub (former New York Mets player). Since its inception, the Benefit Fund has distributed over $126 million to the families of New York City Police Officers, Firefighters, Port Authority Police and EMS Personnel who have been killed in the line of duty. In 1987, our organization provided 320 families with annual financial assistance and today, our organization has made the same commitment to over 600 families. Our need has certainly grown, but our mission remains pure: NEVER FORGET those that put the safety of others before their own.

Photos via the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund and by Socially Superlative