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Here is your chance to find out how the Benefit Fund got its start. We sit down with Chairman of the Board, Rusty Staub and President and CEO, Stephen Dannhauser, for a look into the beginnings of this wonderful organization.
Rusty shares how he got the idea for the Benefit Fund. Stephen Dannhauser explains why the future of the charity is so important.
When a Fire Fighter or Police Officer falls in the line of duty, New York is diminished. But it’s the family that pays the price. For over 25 years, the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund has stepped up to help these families. Immediately after the death of a First Responder, the Benefit Fund delivers the family a check to help them through the uncertain times such a tragedy can bring. After the initial crisis, the Benefit Fund provides each family with ongoing assistance through special events, financial support and a network of friends ready to lend a hand. It’s the least we can do. First responders risk their lives trying to make New York City a better place for us to live and work. the Benefit Fund gives New Yorkers an opportunity to say “Thank You” to the families of those who make the ultimate sacrifice. **More than 90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to the families of Fire Fighters, Police Officers, Port Authority and Emergency Medical Services personnel killed in the line of duty.
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Stephen Dannhauser and Rusty Staub
Rusty Staub, Robert Allen and Stephen Dannhauser
Since the Benefit Fund’s inception in 1985 by Daniel J. “Rusty” Staub, the Benefit Fund has distributed over $114 million to the families of New York Police and Fire Fighters who have been killed in the line of duty. Though the Benefit Fund was initially created to assist families of New York City Fire Fighters and Police Officers, the Benefit Fund now includes the families of Emergency Medical Services and Port Authority Officers as well. In 1987 the Benefit Fund provided 320 families with annual financial assistance and by 2009, the same commitment was made to nearly 700 families. The need has certainly grown, but the Benefit Fund’s mission remains pure: help children and spouses who lost a loved one in the line of duty, charged with the task of keeping our families safe.
Through good economic times and bad – it is comforting to know a charity is looking out for New York’s Bravest and Finest.
My husband has been gone since 1982 but I have never once felt abandoned and my children have never felt orphaned because NY’s Finest and Bravest have never forgotten us and for the past 25 yrs., neither has Rusty’s crew (way I think of all who give time and funds to help us).
way to go Rusty!
Rusty, you certainly made your mark on the ball field and am glad to learn you are giving back in so many wonderful ways. Thank you!
Rusty you are MVP in my book.
I just read the “Few and Chosen: Defining Mets Greatness Across the Eras” – Great Read.
Stephen and Rusty you are two stellar men. If there were more people like you the world would surely be a better place to live.
Stephen you are a man to be admired. Congratulations to you and the firm for ranking fifth in The American Lawyer magazine’s 2009
A-List.
It is so refreshing to see that you regard your charitable work as highly as you have your professional career. Much thanks for all you have done for the families of New Yorks first responders.
Katherine, to further your comment – Weil, Gotshal & Manges has a noteworthy Pro Bono policy. If other law firms and corporations would take note we could achieve great things. Thanks Stephen!
My dad is a retired NYC Police Officer and he always spoke very highly of the Benefit Fund. I thank God that we never needed your support. Keep doing what you are doing.
My heart breaks for the women who have lost their loved ones and the father of their little ones. Thank you for your strength. Your children are blessed to have you.
It is nice to hear that despite the greed on Wall Street- there are so many wonderful men and women who gave so generously. Thank you for providing for the families.
You are right this is an obvious cause to support. I have lived in New York for the past 3 years and every night I am woken by the sirens. Lucky for me i can put my head down and fall back into slumber – knowing that the City will be safe.
Although I can not give a lot – I will vow to give as often as I can. God Bless you and your team.