Our families are central to everything we do. You can hear from them directly by reading their stories below.
The Benefit Fund has not only given us great financial support during the holiday season but they have become a close extended family that we can count on when we need them!
My Father Lt Frank E Smith FDNY lost his life on January 14, 1973 while fighting a 2 alarm fire in Brooklyn. He left behind me, my mom Regina, my brother Kevin, and my two older sisters Carol and Pat. The New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund supported us through this time of need and never forgot about us.
You never really “move on” from something as terrible as having your father murdered right before Christmas but you do learn to move forward. Several members of the board have been extremely generous in providing their time and assistance in helping to guide and mentor me in my career. And several years ago I attended the annual gala and had the pleasure of seeing a video presentation honoring my father. Seeing the tears in my mother’s eyes as she watched that video encapsulated the good work The Fund does. THANK YOU!
On September 11, 2001, Monica was only 10 years old. She was sitting in class when she learned that something had happened in Manhattan. “I already had a bad feeling,” Monica said, recounting the events of that fateful day. Monica’s family stayed up all night watching the news – scanning the screen, hoping to spot…
“The Benefit Fund is amazing and I am so grateful for everything that they have done for me since my husband passed away on September 11th. Events that are put together for the families and children are such a beautiful thing because we are able to meet other people and donors and watch the kids have a good time.”
“The Benefit Fund helped my dream of graduating from Seton Hall School of Law; I had used the money to attend Law School successfully! I am very grateful to the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund, and I will never forget the donor’s outpouring of such care for us.”
“My husband, Anthony, was a member of the NYPD. He left behind a six year old son and me. I wondered how I would be able to take care of our son, pay the mortgage and bills, and just get through life without him. But the Benefit Fund helped me do all that.”
“I was widowed on 9/11. I have three children ages 15, 18 & 21. The Benefit Fund has been a tremendous help to me and my children, picking up their spirits by running fun events for us and providing financial assistance towards college education.”
“I remember when my mom, a FDNY widow since 1955, first received a generous gift from The Benefit Fund. Mom always put herself last when the check arrived.”
“As a male widower, I was doubly afraid that no one would be able to give me the support I’d need. Thankfully, the Benefit Fund immediately put to rest my financial worries.”
