NEW YORK, NY (October 4, 2011) – New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund Chairman, Stephen J. Dannhauser of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and President, Kevin Parker of Deutsche Asset Management will host the charity’s 26th Annual Benefit Gala with a tribute to New York City’s fallen first responders on Thursday, October 13, 2011. The gala will be hosted at the Wade Thompson Drill Hall of the Park Avenue Armory in New York City.
This year’s Gala, marking the 10th Anniversary of “9‐11,” will honor Lloyd Blankfein, Chairman and CEO of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., for his ongoing support of the Benefit Fund and NYC’s first responders. The gala will be hosted by Brian Williams, Anchor and Managing Editor of NBC Nightly News.
Kevin Parker, Global Head of Deutsche Bank’s Asset Management division and President of the charity said, “The safety our City’s Fire and Police personnel provide us is something we should never take for granted. The emergency radio call of ‘10‐13’, which is also the date of the Gala, indicates that a First Responder is in need of assistance. Let this date, on the 10th anniversary of 9‐11 when so many of them gave their lives, be a reminder to all of us that our commitment to New York’s bravest and their families must not waiver.”
“It’s a privilege to honor Lloyd,” said Stephen Dannhauser, Chairman of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and Chairman of the charity’s Board of Directors. “The support that he and his colleagues at Goldman Sachs have shown to family members of New York’s finest and bravest heroes has been remarkable and has made a huge impact on their lives, providing help when and where it is most needed.”
“All New Yorkers owe a great deal not only to the City’s first responders but to their families,” said Lloyd C. Blankfein, Chairman and CEO of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. “It is an honor for our firm to help support the New York Police & Fire Widows & Children’s Benefit Fund.”
Special guests include Hockey Hall of Famer, former honoree and charity VP of Community Affairs, Mark Messier, NYC Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, and NYC Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano and
Port Authority Police Superintendent Michael Fedorko, Donnie Wahlberg (Blue Bloods), Jim Cramer (Mad Money) and many of New York’s movers and shakers will be milling amongst the 1200 guests.
Mark Messier said, “I chose to get involved with this charity, AnswertheCall.org because like all Americans and New Yorkers, I was profoundly affected by September 11, 2001. The courage and selflessness that was shown by New York’s Bravest and Finest was an inspiration to me. I feel deeply compelled to honor and remember all first responders who put the safety of others before their own by helping the families they leave behind.”
The event will also feature a performance by up and coming entertainer Duane McLaughlin, who will sing his new release “Ready to Live”.
Since its inception in 1985 by Daniel J. “Rusty” Staub, the Benefit Fund has distributed more than $123 million to the families of New York City Police and Fire Fighters who have been killed in the line of duty. Starting in 1987, the Benefit Fund provided 320 families with annual financial assistance. The commitment has since grown to nearly 700 families. With minimal overhead, the charity is able to give 95 cents of every dollar donated directly to the families who has suffered the loss of a loved one in the line of duty.
The Gala will include a live auction led by George McNeely of Christie’s. Notable items that are being donated this year include unique experience packages through the NYPD, FDNY and PAPD.
The cocktail reception begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and program at 7:30 p.m. Individual tickets begin at $1000.
For tickets and sponsorship/ticket information, contact: Linda Giammona, 212.735.4505 or
linda.giammona@answerthecall.org
Follow Us!