Answer the Call- Press Recap

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We will have more press updates as we get them.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

“THE MAKING OF STAIND” DOCUMENTARY PREMIERING ON YOUTUBE TOMORROW (SEPT. 13) AT NOON EDT.
STAIND SELF-TITLED ALBUM OUT TOMORROW (SEPT. 13)
DEBUT SINGLE “NOT AGAIN” #1 AT ROCK RADIO;
NYC BEST BUY THEATER SHOW ON 9/15 TO AID NEW YORK POLICE & FIRE WIDOWS’ & CHILDREN’S BENEFIT FUND

Coinciding with the eponymously-titled 7th studio album from Atlantic recording artist, STAIND, YouTube will be premiering their documentary “The Making of Staind” on www.youtube.com  today at 12:00pm PDT/EDT.  The documentary reveals the tension within the group that nearly caused the breakup of the band during the making of their new album.   “It’s painful for me to even watch,” admits Staind singer Aaron Lewis.   Shortly after the finishing the album, drummer Jon Wysocki departed the band.
The new, self-titled, seventh studio album from Staind will be released September 13th on Flip / Atlantic. Described by singer/songwriter/guitarist Aaron Lewis as “the heaviest collection of songs the band has ever done,” Staind  is a return to their hardest  rock roots. In stark contrast to the struggle the band endured recording the album, the debut single “ Not Again” has been the fastest rising single of the band’s career, and is currently the #1 Active Rock Radio single in the country.
To mark the release of the album, Staind will be holding a special charity show at the Best Buy Theater in New York City on September 15th to benefit the families of 9/11. In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, tickets to the show will be priced at $9.11, with all revenue from the show benefitting the charity organization, NEW YORK POLICE & FIRE WIDOWS’ & CHILDREN’S BENEFIT FUND http://answerthecall.org/.   “We wanted to create a meaningful event given the timing of our album release,” said Staind guitarist Mike Mushok.  “We have deliberately kept the ticket prices low as a way to send the important message that even a small contribution in these tough times can help the families of the heroes of 9/11 that still need our support.”
The New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund’s mission is to provide 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. For more than 27 years the Benefit Fund has provided financial assistance to grieving families immediately after they lose their loved one and since these families often must bear the burden of life-long financial hardship, the Benefit Fund, for its entire history, has made an annual distribution to each widow and widower as well. Volunteer-based and minimal overhead allows 95 cents of every dollar donated to go directly to the families of fallen Firefighters, Police Officers, Port Authority Police and EMS personnel. To make an immediate $10 gift text ANSWERTHECALL to 20222.

Linda Giammona, the charity’s Director of Development, said, “It is inspiring to have such a talented group of people stand with our charity. Staind is sending a message to their fans and their industry peers that everyone CAN make a difference if they choose. Although not everyone has the courage to be a firefighter or police officer we all can say ‘thank you’ to our first responders. We are also grateful for Atlantic Records’ pledge to match ticket sales and thank Staind and Atlantic Records for Answering The Call.”

Atlantic Records will match Staind’s donation from ticket sales for a separate additional donation to the charity.
Tickets are available at staindbenefit911.com. Fans will also be able to stream the concert live on www.staind.com courtesy of Ustream.
“Staind” will be released in stores and all digital retailers September 13th and the band will be performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that night.

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

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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.

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

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.

Photo Credit:Ron Jordan Natoli

This is the video that was shown at the dinner honoring four heroes who paid the ultimate price.

Stephen Dannhauser, Lyor Cohen, Vikram Pandit and Rusty Staub

Legal Bisnow
Weil Chief Aids Police/Fire Chiefs
11-12-10

Equity Help Desk
Fire Chief Vikram Pandit Has Exciting News For Citi Employees And Shareholders
11-08-10

IB’s Blog
Citigroup CEO Vikram Pandit, Warner Music Group CEO Lyor Cohen, Entertainer Jay-z Honored At Annual Benefit Gala
11-06-10

Roc4Life
Quick News: Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Quincy Jones, Swizz Beats & More!
11-05-10

NY1
Annual Dinner Raises Funds For Law Enforcement Widows And Children
11-05-10

American Banker
People
11-05-10

New York Times – Deal Book
A Mash-Up of High Finance and Hip-Hop
11-04-10

CNBC.com
When Vik P Met Jay Z
11-04-10

“This organization is all about trying to never forget the loss that takes place when a police officer or fireman or Port Authority or EMS person is killed in the line of duty, giving their life up to make this city a safer place to be in,” said Staub. “The whole purpose is not just the money we give them, but the fact that they know we’re not forgetting what their loss was, and that means as much to them as the money.”

Not only was George there as a journalist but he served as our auctioneer for the evening (again). Thanks George for the support and the report. Click here to read and watch

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Here is a video clip of the children of our fallen heroes singing the National Anthem

Part 1

Part 2

New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund Chairman Daniel J. “Rusty” Staub and Stephen J. Dannhauser, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP Chairman and President and CEO of the Benefit Fund, will host the Fund’s 25^th Annual Gala with a tribute to New York City’s fallen first responders Wednesday, November 3, 2010 in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton New York.

“Citi is proud to support this invaluable work and we congratulate the fund on achieving this significant milestone.”

This year’s Gala will honor Vikram Pandit, CEO of Citigroup, Inc., for his ongoing support of the Benefit Fund and NYC’s first responders.

The event will also feature a presentation of the inaugural “Answer the Call” Award to both entertainer and entrepreneur Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and Lyor Cohen, Warner Music Group CEO, for their efforts on behalf of the Fund as the sole beneficiary of last year’s 9/11 “Answer the Call®” benefit concert that helped raise near $750,000.

“We are proud to mark this landmark quarter-century anniversary of an event that has made such a tremendous impact on the lives of the families of our city’s fallen heroes,” said Rusty Staub.

“It’s a privilege to honor Vikram, and recognize Jay-Z and Lyor – all influential leaders in their respective industries – for setting such an admirable example of commitment to our community, said Stephen Dannhauser. “We are deeply grateful for their contributions to further awareness of the Benefit Fund’s efforts on behalf of family members of New York City’s finest and bravest heroes.”

“For twenty-five years, The New York Police & Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund has made an immeasurable difference in the lives of families when they needed it the most,” said Vikram Pandit, CEO of Citigroup. “Citi is proud to support this invaluable work and we congratulate the fund on achieving this significant milestone.”

Other prominent guests include Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Messier, former honoree and board member, NYC Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and NYC Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano.

The Gala will include a live auction led by George Whipple of NY1 News. Notable items that are being donated this year include experience packages. The Benefit Fund will begin accepting bids on these items on its website beginning October 1.

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 tickets and sponsorship/ticket information, contact: Linda Giammona, 212.735.4505 or linda.giammona@answerthecall.org.

We hope you will join us for our biggest fundraiser of the year. Please help us spread the word.

We will also be streaming a portion of the dinner LIVE on our streaming video page.  Make sure that you follow us on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest updates on the dinner program.

Read below to see how meaningful this night is to our kids:

“I wanted to be among the first to thank you and everyone involved for such a nice night at the Mets game – My kids were just thrilled with the whole night and couldn’t stop talking about what a great time they had – The kids in school won’t believe what that 10 year did last night !! They have lots of pictures and memories to last a lifetime – Please mention this thank you to everyone – What a night…what a memory…what a wonderful organization to do something like this!!

P.S. – AND THE METS WON !!!”

Thank you to everyone that made this event a success.

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Put on your dancin’ shoes and WIN a private MTV styled 30 minute concert with amberRose Marie, complete with a 2-hour celebrity DJ for your next private party.  This is the perfect fun activity to gift to your family or to gift to co-workers or friends who are planning an event.  Indie pop/dance artist amberRose Marie unleashed her self-penned hit singles, “Destiny” and “Wanna Be A DJ” and remained on the Billboard Dance charts for over 30 weeks combined.  Her music is heard in over 22 countries on the radio and on dance floors, as well as in trendy retail stores in the USA.

The First Annual Montauk Music festival will take place from May 13-16.  This four day festival will feature music ranging from classic rock to jazz to blues to rap and county from over 30 bands and singer/song-writers that will perform in over 70 shows.  These shows will take place at about 25 different Montauk restaurants.  There will also be free open air concerts at the Gazebo on the Green.

While providing four days worth of entertainment, the festival will benefit three great charities including the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund, in addition to supporting Montauk’s free open air concerts at the Gazebo.

I hope you and your friends will join the charity on Saturday, May 15th to celebrate and support our work. All proceeds from Saturday’s event will go directly to helping the families of fallen firefighters, police officers, port authority and EMS personnel.

The special event on Saturday from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Montauk Downs Golf Club will directly benefit our charity  with 100% of the ticket sales going to The New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund.  Click here to get your tickets now.  Visit the Montauk Music Festival website for the full schedule.

The Saturday night event will be streamed LIVE on our video page.  You can listen to the show on 101.7 Beach FM

Make sure you listen to for how to win your own private concert with amberRose Marie.

Visit the Montauk Music Festival website for more information and to see the schedule.

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Tuesday, May 25th, be right on top of the action, and cheer on the Mets as they battle the Phillies at Citifield.

Each package includes exclusive field level seating for one in the Modell’s Clubhouse.  Enjoy the game with field level views and relax at a table while dining on a sumptuous buffet & unlimited beverages.

Complimentary commemorative T-shirts, baseball hats and give-aways will also be provided. All package purchases also have an opportunity to win a limited autographed edition of Mets memorabilia.   And don’t forget to bring your camera, meet some special guests and take some action photos of the Amazin’s next to the iconic Home Run Apple.

Most importantly, your purchase will help children of NYC Firefighters, NYC Police Officers, Port Authority and EMS who were killed in the line of duty. This is YOUR opportunity to give back to the families who sacrificed so much to keep YOUR family safe.

It’s YOUR turn to Answer the Call.

Ticket Packages are $250 each; seats are limited.

Click here to purchase your Package Today!

100% of the gift portion of your purchase* is tax-deductible.

For more information contact Linda Giammona, Director of Development, New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund; linda.giammona@answerthecall.org; 212.735.4505

*The value of the ticket, food and beverages is non- tax deductible.