NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund Chairman Daniel J. “Rusty” Staub and Stephen J. Dannhauser, Chairman of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and President and CEO of the Benefit Fund, will lead a tribute to New York City’s fallen first responders at the organization’s 24th annual Gala on October 8, 2009 in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton New York.
At the Gala, the Benefit Fund will honor New York City Mayors Michael Bloomberg, Rudolph Giuliani, David Dinkins and Ed Koch for their steadfast support throughout the years of the Benefit Fund and NYC’s first responders. This is the first time that all four mayors will be recognized together by a single cause.
The Gala comes less than one month after Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter sold-out Madison Square Garden for his 9/11 “Answer the Call” benefit concert and selected the Benefit Fund to be the sole beneficiary of the concert proceeds.
“It is an honor to be the first organization to host the past four mayors of New York City,” said Rusty Staub. “As legendary leaders in each of their own right, we are grateful for their support to those who have bravely served our city.”
“Since its inception 24 years ago, this important event has gained tremendous momentum, and it is a privilege to have the support of our city’s greatest cultural and industry leaders,” said Stephen Dannhauser. “We are particularly grateful to Jay-Z for generating further awareness of the Benefit Fund’s efforts and ongoing support of the family members of New York City’s finest and bravest heroes.”
New York Rangers fan favorite and Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Messier, last year’s Gala honoree, will be also in attendance in his capacity as one of the Benefit Fund’s newest board members.
The Gala will include a live auction led by George Whipple of NY1 News, as well as a newly added silent auction. Notable items that are being donated this year include a FDNY Memorial “343” Honorary Fire Chief’s helmet, complete with signatures from all four mayors, along with special items donated by the Police Department and Port Authority. The Benefit Fund will begin accepting bids on these items on its website beginning October 1 (visit www.answerthecall.org).
The cocktail reception begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner and program at 7:30 p.m. Individual tickets begin at $750 and include a commemorative gift. For sponsorship/ticket information contact: Linda Giammona, 212.735.4505 or linda.giammona@answerthecall.org.
