On January 17, 2006, the 2011 World Police and Fire Games and Memorial Inc. held our First Responder Benefit Dinner at the New York Marriott Marquis.

The event was well attended by many of our supporters, sponsors, local public officials, celebrities and dignitaries from both the 2007 and 2009 World Police and Fire Games (Adelaide, South Australia, and British Columbia, Canada).

Words of support were provided by all of our speakers including: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton; New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg; the Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Australia, Michael Harbison; Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly; Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta; the Chairman of NYC and Co., Jonathan Tisch; the President of the World Police and Fire Games, Ed Hitchcock; and representing all of our supporting unions, the President of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, Stephen Cassidy.

A live auction of memorabilia conducted by Tony Lo Bianco was met with tremendous support and generosity.  The President, and CEO of the 2011 World Police and Fire Games and Memorial Inc., Jim Carney, along with Vice President and COO, Bill Miccio, were able to provide some insight into their dream of what the 2011 Games could be, and how, with everyone’s support, we can make this dream a reality.

The goal of our first gala, to create awareness of the 2011 games, was a successful endeavor.  Media coverage was adequate for our first event, providing a larger audience base.  Additionally, the event helped provide funding for yearly operational costs, and allowed us a chance to thank our First Benefit Responders, supporters, and volunteers for all of their support during the initial stages of this grand endeavor.