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Duane McLaughlin Answers The Call® for the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund

Posted by Robert Allen on September 10, 2011 with 0 Comments

Duane donates a portion of the proceeds from “Ready to Live” iTunes download sales

Click Here to Download the Album.

Duane McLaughlin actor/philanthropist has put his mind; body and soul to the max into partnering up with the New York Police & Fire Widow’s & Children Benefit Fund with his upcoming album release “Ready To Live” on 9-10-11. Being a New Yorker all his life, while attending the Professional Children’s School, he witnessed the tragedy of 9/11 hit while seeing the heroes at work, putting their lives on the line and seeing some of those lives lost. From that point on he knew what he had to do.

“I named this record ready to live because I wanted people to know that no matter what obstacle might have come in your way or hardship you might have dealt with, that life is not over. You can have a second chance at happiness. You can have a second chance at love.” Said McLaughlin. “My passion lies in helping others. Help is what brought me to this point, and help is what will see me through. The New York City Police & Fire Widow’s & Children’s Benefit Fund relates not only to my album, but to my mission and my purpose. I believe that my partnership with this foundation brightens the beacon of hope and enhances the call for help. One day changed the lives of millions for a lifetime; there is still much work to be done.”

The New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund – founded in 1985 by Daniel J. Rusty Staub, is a volunteer based not for profit dedicated to helping the families of fallen New York Firefighters, Police Officers, EMS and Port Authority Police killed in the line of duty. For the past 26 years the benefit has maintained minimal overhead, with 95 cents of every dollar donated going directly to the families of fallen New York Police and Firefighters. “The proceeds of Duane McLaughlin’s song and video package on iTunes “Ready to Live” is a creative way to support our benefit while encouraging others to do the same” said Linda Giammona, Director of Development. “Few have the courage that is required to be a police officer or firefighter, but many can say “thank you” by joining Duane McLaughlin and supporting the Answerthecall.org campaign.” Ms. Giammona added, “We are thrilled to have his time and talent dedicated to help build awareness for our cause.”

Duane McLaughlin has starred in As The World Turns and has made guest appearances on televised programs Fringe, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Third Watch and White Collar. McLaughlin’s work in film includes All Falls Down, The Architect, Black & White, Chelsea Walls, The Emperor’s Club, Finding Buck Henry, and Oscar nominated Far From Heaven, Proud, Rivers Wash Over Me and The Runaway. “I believe that “Ready To Live” will help the families of the New York City Police & Fire Widow’s & Children’s Benefit Fund by enforcing the message of love, peace, self-worth and happiness, found within each one of my motivational and inspirational songs. This album “will” lift your spirit. For it has been a true gift in my life and I am grateful to have this opportunity and this platform in which to share it” says McLaughlin. When in need of answers, people will be able to download his music of inspiration and hope. A portion of the proceeds will help support the foundation. The music is a spiritual guide to help everyone, along with financially supporting the foundation. You can download “Ready To Live” at www.DuaneMclaughlin.com,

Filed Under: Fundraising

Article about Charitable Foundations Talks About The Benefit Fund

Posted by Robert Allen on September 6, 2011 with 0 Comments

Our Director of Development Linda Giammona was recently interviewed for an article that appeared on Pension & Investments website

Linda Giammona, director of development for the New York Police & Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund, said contributions to the 26-year-old charity spiked after 9/11, especially after getting a plug from President George W.Bush during a post-event visit to New York City. “It just opened up everyone’s eyes about the risk of being police officers and firefighters. It just provided such a connection between them and Wall Street, which really was the leader in doing that kind of charitable work. It said volumes.”

Filed Under: General

Mark Sanchez Supporting The Benefit Fund

Posted by Robert Allen on September 4, 2011 with 1 Comments

Click Here to Order Your Shirt Today.

Muze Clothing Launches Limited-Edition
Mark Sanchez “You Go, We Go” FDNY T-Shirt

Proceeds benefit The New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund and the FDNY Foundation

NEW YORK, August 29th, 2011 — Muze Clothing has announced a partnership with New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez to support the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund and the FDNY Foundation with an officially licensed, limited-edition T-shirt, featuring the line, “You Go, We Go.” Taken from the seminal firefighting film Backdraft, the vintage design pays homage to the first leather shoe bucket brigade, featuring Mark Sanchez’s #6 (the number on his Jets jersey, and also the number of his father’s fire station and fire truck).

“My father is a firefighter, so making a difference for widowed families of rescue workers and first responders is important to me,” noted Mark Sanchez. “I’m proud to partner with Muze on this shirt, donating all proceeds to the New York Police and Widow’s and Children’s Benefit Fund and the FDNY Foundation.”

Mark’s father, Nick Sanchez, is a 34-year veteran firefighter and part of the Orange County Fire Authority and Federal Emergency Management Agency task force. In 2005, the unit was deployed to the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina struck. Nick’s leadership has helped shape Mark’s life and has served as an indelible inspiration to his career.

“The FDNY Foundation is extremely grateful to the Muze Clothing and the entire Sanchez family for their continued support of the New York City Fire Department.” said Jean O’Shea, Executive Director for the FDNY Foundation. “This will be a great help in funding FDNY education and training needs.”

100% of the proceeds from sales of the T-Shirt, which is priced at $29, will benefit the FDNY Foundation and the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund.

The Benefit Fund provides assistance to 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 provides immediate financial assistance to each widow or widower after the loss of a loved one as well as annual financial distributions to help ease long term financial difficulties. With minimal overhead the charity has been able to make a meaningful difference for more than 26 years. For more information visit www.answerthecall.org

The FDNY Foundation is the official not-for-profit organization of the FDNY established to promote Fire Safety in New York City and fund professional development, training, and education programs for members of the FDNY. Learn more at FDNYFoundation.org

To purchase a limited-edition Mark Sanchez “You Go, We Go” FDNY T-shirt visit www.muzeclothing.com.

Muze Clothing is a lifestyle brand born out of an appreciation for classic movie quotes. A great movie line is the perfect means of personal expression, as is a great T-shirt, and the company has built a reputation for designer clothing with compelling graphics. Driven by a philanthropy-based business model with the belief that ‘to wear is human; to give, divine,’ Muze has partnered with several celebrity icons to leverage the power of the brand and empower consumers to make a philanthropic impact. Muze does not profit from the sale of these shirts, as all proceeds are donated to the celebrity’s preferred cause.

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Filed Under: Fundraising

New York Jets Quarterback Mark Sanchez to Raise Money for The Benefit Fund

Posted by Robert Allen on August 24, 2011 with 2 Comments

It was announced today at a press conference held at Jets training camp Mark Sanchez is selling an FDNY themed t-shirt and he is donating 50% of the net proceeds from sales of the T-Shirt to the New York Police and Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund and 50% of the net proceeds from sales of the T-Shirt to the FDNY Foundation. The Benefit Fund is dedicated to providing assistance to the families of New York City police and fire personnel (including Port Authority and EMS) who have been killed in the line of duty.

For more information about the The Benefit Fund:

Visit Answerthecall.org

Visit Mark’s Facebook Page for more information.

To order the shirt Click here

Filed Under: Fundraising

Great time at the 27th Annual Beneficiary Family Mets Game.

Posted by Robert Allen on June 23, 2011 with 0 Comments

A short rain delay did not deter the families of our Beneficiaries from having a great time at the game. Our guests arrived at the Bullpen Plaza entrance to be greeted by volunteers from our military. They picked up their tickets and t-shirts and headed inside to enjoy some hotdogs chips and beverages. There was a short rain delay before starting the game. That is when three of our children of our fallen heroes took the field for the ceremonial first pitch. Then our guests enjoyed a 14 inning game that ended close to 1:00 am. Thank you to everyone who made this event a success.

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Filed Under: Events

Board of Directors visits Port Authority Headquarters

Posted by Robert Allen on June 10, 2011 with 0 Comments

Yesterday some of the members of our Board of Directors had a chance to visit the headquarters of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Superintendent of Police Michael A. Fedorko and his team welcomed us and conducted a tour of their training facility. We had a chance to see a K-9 demonstration as well as getting a first hand look at a “high-risk” vehicle stop. We want to thank Superintendent Fedorko and all of the officers of the Port Authority Police force for their dedication to keeping us safe.

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Filed Under: Board of Directors

Beyonce’ Sings God Bless the USA Proceeds to The Benefit Fund

Posted by Robert Allen on May 5, 2011 with 0 Comments

Download God Bless the USA from iTunes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BEYONCÉ’S UNRELEASED RECORDING OF “GOD BLESS THE USA” NOW AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON THE iTunes STORE

ARTIST AND COLUMBIA RECORDS
TO DONATE THEIR PROCEEDS TO
NEW YORK POLICE & FIRE WIDOWS’ & CHILDREN’S BENEFIT FUND

*

TELEVISION DEBUT ON PIERS MORGAN TONIGHT
CNN TONIGHT AT 9:00 PM-EST/PST

(New York, NY; Columbia Records; Thursday, May 5, 2011)

Moved by recent news events and the re-opened wounds of 9/11 families, Beyoncé announced today the release of her recording of the Lee Greenwood-penned “God Bless The USA.” Both artists and Columbia Records are donating their proceeds to New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund. The single is available exclusively today on the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com).

Beyoncé was a performer at the Answer The Call concert at Madison Square Garden on September 11, 2009, which also benefitted New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund.

“I cannot think about anything more appropriate to do to help these families,” said the entertainer. “Almost ten years later, it is still so painful for all Americans, especially those who lost loved ones.”

“On behalf of New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund’s Board of Directors and the families of our fallen heroes, we are truly grateful for Beyonce’s choice to support our charity and ‘answer the call’,” said Stephen J. Dannhauser, Chairman of the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund.

Beyoncé’s recording of “God Bless The USA,” can be heard tonight on Piers Morgan Tonight on CNN during the 9:00 PM/EST program. The broadcast repeats at Midnight.

Filed Under: Events

Sponsor a Family for the Annual Met’s Game at Citifield

Posted by Robert Allen on April 26, 2011 with 0 Comments

It is that time of year again – The New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund will have its 27th Annual Family Day & Game on Wednesday, June 22nd.  

This is always a great day out for the spouses, children and grandchildren of our fallen heroes. Our annual event provides a chance for these families to get together with one another and enjoy a day at the ballpark. It also allows these families to meet Rusty Staub, the Board of Directors and the volunteers, who all play a valuable role in keeping the Charity’s overhead under 5%.

If you would like to Answer the Call®, here is your chance!

Sponsorship levels*:

Base Hit – $200 – Sponsor one family
Double – $400 – Sponsor two families
Triple – $600 – Sponsor three families
Home Run – $800 – Sponsor four families
Grand Slam – $1000 – Sponsor five families

Out of the Park – $5000

This is an opportunity for you and four guests to come out and join the fun! This includes special Terrace Seating, a meet and greet with Rusty Staub and other special guests, commemorative gifts and tee-shirts, as well as food and beverages.

Your choice to support this event helps keep our promise to NEVER FORGET the sacrifice made by New York’s Bravest & Finest.

If you are interested in Answering the Call, please contact Cathleen.

Thank you! See you on game day.

*Each family will receive four tickets to the game, food, beverages and commemorative
T-shirts.

Filed Under: Events

Interview with Supporter Patricia Marro

Posted by Robert Allen on April 18, 2011 with 0 Comments

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this podcast interview Robert Allen gets a chance to speak with one of the Benefit Funds newest supporters Patricia Marro. Patricia is the head of marketing of Digital Edge. Digital Edge is a highly-specialized technology organization focused on supporting back-end technology services within data centers.

The Benefit Fund is not a new discovery for Patricia since her father Brian Marro has been a supporter for many years. Listen as Patricia discusses how she came up with a very unique approach to helping to raise money for our charity. The Benefit Fund depends on the generosity of individuals like Patricia and businesses like Digital Edge to sustain the level of support that we give to the families of those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Filed Under: Podcast

Board Meeting Held at FDNY Headquarters

Posted by Robert Allen on February 7, 2011 with 0 Comments

We want to thank Fire Commissioner Cassano for his hospitality and to his team for showing us around. We had a great experience and are looking forward to returning for another visit.

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