FDNY Foundation Hosts Annual All-Star Breakfast

FDNY Foundation Hosts Annual All-Star Breakfast

Nine-time All-Star and famed longtime New York Yankees Manager Joe Torre was quick to turn the spotlight away from himself and onto the FDNY at the FDNY Foundation’s annual All-Star Breakfast.

“We all go back to 9/11, when all of those services we took for granted from the fire and police departments really came to light in this most horrible way,” Torre said. “We realized that day how many people put their lives on the line for their fellow man.”

The All-Star Breakfast is one of the Foundation’s most popular events and is held to honor the men and women of the FDNY and to remember those whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001.

“The work of the FDNY is all about teamwork and clearly sports is all about teamwork, so it’s a natural fit,” said FDNY Chief of Department Edward Kilduff. “We truly appreciate the support that we get from the sports world. It’s no secret the sports teams in New York stepped up after September 11th. We have always appreciated what the sports world does for the FDNY.”

Hosted by ESPN’s Michael Kay and Don La Greca, the event brought together members of the FDNY with popular athletes from around the country, including former Major League Baseball second baseman and current New York Mets third base coach Tim Teufel, New York Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson, former Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks player Bo Kimble and former New York Jets, Chicago Bears and New England Patriots tight end, Fred Baxter.

“The Mets organization is totally behind the FDNY. Since 9/11, the Mets have been involved with this institution, honoring them and recognizing them for what they mean to the city of New York,” said Teufel. “They put their lives at risk to save other people and to make life a little easier in this big city of ours.”

“I have tremendous respect for these men and women who are in our service and are protecting all of us,” said Alderson. “The FDNY has an unbelievable history and being here today is just our small way of recognizing their service and dedication.”

Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said the FDNY will always remember the outpouring of support from the sports world after September 11th and said the FDNY will always be thankful for the support of the Foundation.

“The work of the FDNY Foundation is absolutely crucial to accomplishing our Department’s life-saving mission,” Commissioner Nigro said. “By supporting the FDNY Foundation, each of you is truly supporting the firefighters, paramedics and EMTs of the FDNY who go into harm’s way day after day to keep this city safe.”

“Thank goodness our gratitude for the service on 9/11 and every day has never gone away,” Torre continued. “This is just one of the ways we can show how much we appreciate how wonderful these people are and how much they do.”

Proceeds from the All-Star Breakfast help fund awareness and outreach programs, FDNY member training and new technology and equipment for the Department.

To support the work of the FDNY Foundation, click HERE.