Answer the Call, also known as the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund, has provided emotional and financial support to the families of fallen officers and firefighters for more than 35 years. The nonprofit was launched in 1985 by Daniel J. "Rusty" Staub, a six-time MLB All-Star who spent 23 seasons in the league before retiring in 1985. Staub was playing for the New York Mets at the time and was inspired to support the families of fallen first responders after hearing about an NYCPD officer who was killed and left behind a wife with three children.
Answer the Call's work became even more crucial following the terror attacks on September 11, 2001. More than 300 NYC first responders were killed that day, and, as a result, the families that the organization served increased twofold. As of 2020, Answer the Call supported a network of 550 families and distributed more than $4.5 million. It's able to provide for these families through the generosity of corporate and individual donors.
A key component of Answer the Call's fundraising is its Annual Gala. The organization hosted its 36th Annual Gala on October 21, 2021, at Cipriani Wall Street. The event honored Philip V. Moyles, Jr., and was sponsored by AIG, Citi, Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P., and EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants. The 2020 Gala was a virtual event due to COVID-19 and featured speeches from some of the people Answer the Call has supported and special guests such as Pete Davidson, a Saturday Night Live cast member who lost his father in the line of duty.
Answer the Call also hosts an annual charity golf tournament at Hudson National Golf Club and, for the first time in 2021, its Junior Committee planned a charity golf tournament at Clearview Park Golf Course in Queens.
Since its inception, Answer the Call has maintained a strong relationship with the Mets. When Staub first conceived the idea for the organization, he hosted a picnic for affected families at Shea Stadium, the former home of the Mets. This event has since become known as the Annual Game and Family Day. Answer the Call beneficiaries and supporters attended the 36th edition of the event at Citi Field on June 23, 2021.
Beneficiaries received Mets hats and jerseys and took part in a pregame celebration in Bullpen Plaza. They also had access to various food and drink options, family-friendly activities, and a prize raffle. Answer the Call then awarded its Spirit Award to Amazon. Nicole Demby and Connor Ginley, Amazon workers who lost their fathers in the line of duty, accepted the award at home plate. Three children who lost their fathers in 2020 threw out the ceremonial first pitches of the game, and Matthew Ferrugia, who lost his father in 2021, sang the national anthem.
In addition to the Annual Game and Family Day, Answer the Call hosts a mentor program known as Day in the Life. Through this program, teenagers and young adults of the 550 families the organization serves can explore potential career opportunities with mentors. For instance, Sean Jordan in 2020 spent his mentorship day with Susan Williamson, SVP in business operation at Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.
