New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund Chairman Daniel J. "Rusty" Staub, and Stephen J. Dannhauser, Chairman, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and President of the Board of the Fund announced today that pioneering Hip Hop entrepreneur and humanitarian Russell Simmons will be honored at the organization's 22nd Annual Benefit Gala on Tuesday, November 13th at the New York Hilton Grand Ballroom.
Celebrating the launch of the "Answer the Call" marketing campaign, the black-tie optional fundraiser features a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m. Dinner and program begin at 7:30 p.m. Individual tickets begin at $750. For sponsorship/ticket information contact: Linda Giammona, 212.735.4505 or linda.giammona@answerthecall.org
Entrepreneur, philanthropist, author and native New Yorker, Russell Simmons is the creator of the legendary Def Jam Recordings, a fashion empire, Phat Farm, film and television production, Simmons Jewelry Company"”and more.
"We all deeply appreciate Russell Simmons's efforts to assist our widows and children," Mr. Staub said.
"Russell Simmons has been instrumental in bringing hip-hop to every facet of business and media over the past thirty years, so for not resting on his achievements, but for turning his extreme cultural influence into positive meaningful action, we are delighted to be able to honor Russell," said Mr. Dannhauser.
Dinner chairs are Kevin Parker Global Head of Asset Management, Deutsche Asset Management, David G. Tisch, Managing Member, LSV Advisors LLC, and William Von Mueffling, President & CIO, Cantillon Capital Management LLC.
Highlights of the evening will include the unveiling of the Fund's new Public Service Announcement voiced by actor Liev Schreiber and the moving stories told by the funds beneficiaries.
Since the its inception in 1985 by Rusty Staub, the Benefit Fund has distributed more than $105 million to the families of New York City Police and Fire personnel 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, it now includes the families of Emergency Medical Services and Port Authority Police as well.
Starting in 1987, the Benefit Fund provided 320 families with annual financial assistance. Now, the commitment has grown to nearly 700 families. The need has certainly increased, but the Benefit Fund's mission remains the same: helping children and spouses who lost a loved one in the line of duty, charged with the task of keeping our families safe. 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 financial support and a network of friends ready to lend a hand.
