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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2002
PR-092-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG HOSTS ANNUAL RECEPTION
FOR NEW YORK POLICE AND FIRE WIDOWS'
& CHILDREN'S BENEFIT FUND


Mayor Bloomberg presents awards to volunteers
for their exceptional efforts


Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today hosted New York City's annual reception for the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund and presented awards to volunteers for their efforts on behalf of those who have lost family members in the line of duty. Fund President Stephen J. Dannhauser and Fund Chairman Daniel J. "Rusty" Staub joined Mayor Bloomberg at Gracie Mansion for the presentation of the awards.

"Each and every day, New York City police officers and firefighters risk their lives to protect their fellow New Yorkers," Mayor Bloomberg said. "Too often, New York's Finest and New York's Bravest make the ultimate sacrifice, and while we cannot bring them back, we can honor their memory by providing a better future for those they leave behind. The New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund leads the way in assisting those families who lose loved ones in the line of duty, and I commend the Fund and thank its members for all of their important services."

"The Benefit Fund appreciates the support we have received over the years from New York City Mayors and Police and Fire Commissioners," Fund President Stephen J. Dannhauser said. "As for Mayor Bloomberg, he has been a long-standing patron and contributor to the Benefit Fund and we very much appreciate his continued support of our efforts on behalf of the widows and children of New York's Police and Fire Departments."

The New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund was established by Daniel J. "Rusty" Staub in 1985 to assist the families of those police officers and firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty. Though the Fund was initially created to assist the families of Police Officers and Firefighters only, after the tragic events of September 11, the charity began including the families of Port Authority Police Officers and EMS personnel. The Fund provides death benefits to the families of police officers or firefighters killed in the line of duty, and for the last 15 years, provided an annual distribution to each surviving widow, assisting more than 720 widows. During the last seven months, the Fund has received over 100,000 contributions totaling over $112 million, has distributed over $44 million to date, and expects to make additional distributions to surviving widows this year. As a result of the extraordinary support provided by Board Members and loyal volunteers, the Fund continues to operate with minimal administrative overhead.

 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler / Jerry Russo
(212) 788-2958